Recently I went to NYC and wanted to take pictures of some friends in front of some skyscrapers. The first time I tried to take a picture a security gurard came out and told me to leave or he will call the police, we were on the sidewalk. Then I tried to take a picture of a statue on Wall Street. A cop ran over and shouted "what the f### are you doing!!" When I told him I wanted a picture of the statue and he told me if I take a picture he will arrest me becuase I didn't have a permit and since there was five us he would have us arrested for illeagal assembly. Although most people in NYC were nice I was really turned off on ever going back to NYC. What's the deal with photogrpahy restrictions in NYC?
2007-09-14 06:35:09 · 9 answers · asked by Billy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I was just in NYC last July and that never happened to me. There were also many tourists who take pictures but I didn't notice anyone being prohibited by the police. Maybe a number of buildings (probably private ones) have this policy against picture taking.
2007-09-14 06:52:39 · answer #1 · answered by meili 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a real mess. Generally, you have the right to take pictures of whatever you want whenever you want, with very few restrictions. However, in the wake of 9/11, many of the local authorities in the NYC area passed photography ordinances, supposedly to prevent terrorists from planning additional attacks.
To put it mildly, the laws don't work. Any terrorist worth his salt can easily photograph anything he wants without being detected.
In addition, these laws are, with few exceptions, completely unconstitutional. However, until someone has standing to challenge the law (which ususally means getting arrested for breaking it), no higher court will overturn these ordinances and local police will attempt to enforce them.
One possible exception is that there is a permit system to take photographs in some areas. However, this is for commercial use, not individual. That doesn't prevent the authorities from claiming that the bans apply to all photographers, though.
2007-09-14 06:49:32 · answer #2 · answered by El Jefe 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The general rule is that it's legal to take a photo if you and your camera are in any place where you're legally allowed to stand. If you're on a public sidewalk, no private security guard can do anything to you (the most he can do is kick you off his company's property and he *may not* confiscate your film). There are some bridges and tunnels in New York City where you're specifically not allowed to take pictures, but there are warning signs prominently displayed there. And that "illegal assembly" threat just has me laughing. There actually used to be a law in the former Soviet Union making it illegal for 5 or more people to congregate in a public area, I should certainly hope we don't have anything like that here. You weren't doing anything illegal, so don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
2007-09-14 13:51:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're not from NYC, so you'll never understand! After 9/11, everything changed! We've lost our innocence. Gone are the days when picture taking was just a souvenir, now it is looked at as a possible plan for terrorism, or plot. Especially when the pictures are taken in front of landmarks!! If you don't like it...oh well! If you don't come back, oh well...we won't lose sleep. You didn't live it, so you'll never understand. So from all of us New Yorkers...F**k You and you're self-serving attitude!!
2007-09-14 14:57:28 · answer #4 · answered by M. Rod 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some business and building prohibit photos being taken. It is usually because there is some office or connection to the US Government and associated contractors. This may be why you were told not to photograph the building.
The statue I have no clue on, unless it was on private property...private museum, private building or home. Then the police could tell you to move on. Also, some public buildings like museums and art galleries, do prohibit photography unless you have a permit. When in doubt it is always best to ask.
2007-09-14 09:49:08 · answer #5 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not illegal to take pictures of skyscrapers, nor can you be cahrged with illegal assembly for walking down a street. You may not take pictures in the subway however.
2007-09-14 06:41:40 · answer #6 · answered by patrick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not illegal to take pictures here in nyc. only in certain areas. there would and should be signs of where you can not take the pictures. maybe because there was 5 of you, you brought too much attention and that is why the security and police stopped you. true they are the worst people to tell you not to do anything. they are horrible, rude and proud people. i try not to pay attention to them.
anyhow, its too bad you weren't able to take pics of what and where you want to.
the main reason they didn't want you to take pics is because of all the terrorist and their evil ways. they are just trying to protect their city. not that im saying you are one of them or will give your pics to them, but our police have to protect our city somehow.
2007-09-14 06:50:30 · answer #7 · answered by ~*~ chiclets gum ~*~ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow, really! sorry I dont have your answer but I believe you!
and I never have wanted to go to NYC and never will.
2007-09-14 06:40:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
because of the patriot act and national security
... Bush doesn't care about your civil rights, and now we'll never get them back
2007-09-14 06:42:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋