SFist: Muni Photography Ban: Update

otilie

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:32:26 -0800

Very interesting site. I enjoyed to read the article. Keep up the good work.

Pozycjonowanie

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:56:36 -0800

If the officers are professional and do their job well don't be afraid to ask them some questions once they give you the all clear. They're not ogres and they may even be able to point out some photo locations you'd not have found otherwise

o2c

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 02:48:24 -0800

Nice site, i'll be back ;)

Angus M

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 06:52:17 -0800

The MTA in New York is also proposing to ban photography in the New York subway. I have the impression that the new 'national security climate' has been a dream come true for the kind of people who are never happier than when they're thinking up new things that they can tell others not to do. I have never yet heard a convincing explanation of how banning photography in public transit systems is supposed to make us safer. If anyone has one that actually stands up, I'd be interested to hear it.

P

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 14:19:01 -0800

this is incredible! i had not heard of this happening and am appalled. i’ve taken many photos through the years on and around both MUNI and BART, but have never before been questioned. i guess i haven’t tried lately. i have another engagement on Saturday but will try anyway to join you at the Embarcadero station.

John

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 10:11:24 -0800

Thanks Claudine for the heads up on this. Has it really come to this? As a pseudo photojournalist/photo hobbyist with a pension to go out into the community where I live to shoot, this is frightening and disheartening beyond belief. I believe in our first amendment rights, which has slowly but surely been taking body blows left & right (literally) these days in the name of the "war against terror". If we don't fight now, we'll lose our rights forever and our way of living will be lost to future generations. I did a little Googleing and found this blog that deals with these types of issues with photography. Freedom to Photograph One of his entries gives photographers valuable advice: So if you are approached while shooting here are some common sense tips: Carry some form of recognized ID when you're out shooting. Working pros already know to carry their credentials. Don't shoot in areas posted "no photography", walk past barriers, or otherwise trespass in order to get a shot. If approached by police act normally. You're doing nothing wrong. Provide ID if asked. A smile and a friendly attitude go a long way. If told you're not allowed to photograph a specific site or building, politely ask why. You want to know what law you're violating so you can avoid doing it again. If the explanation sounds fishy, politely ask for clarification or more details. If the officer is threatening, unprofessional or pulling laws out of thin air don't confront them on the street, don't yell and scream, and don't explain that they "work for you". You will never win a confrontation with a cop on the street and you may find yourself in the back of a police car. If the officer fits the preceding description take note of their name, badge number, and what law enforcement organization they work for. When you are safely away from that individual call the agency or go there directly to file a complaint. Supervisors can't reign in rogue officers unless they know what those officers are doing out on the street. If the officers are professional and do their job well don't be afraid to ask them some questions once they give you the all clear. They're not ogres and they may even be able to point out some photo locations you'd not have found otherwise. You might even think about thanking cops who are doing it right. Take a look and hopefully I'll be able to put my money where my mouth is and show up and Saturday with my camera in hand.

Popmonkey

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 23:24:05 -0800

i hope we're still getting together on saturday

claudine

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 17:24:10 -0800

"SFist scoured the Muni charter, the MTA website, the SFPD website, the CalTrans website and even the USA PATRIOT Act and found nothing to contradict Steve." you guys are amazing... great followup post and thanks for setting up the gathering saturday.