There’s been some discussion in our Flickr forums about police and even private citizens harassing photographers for “security” reasons. Unfortunately, this is having a chilling effect on photographers. I know of one terrific shutterbug who put away his cameras in storage because of it.

Bert Krages is an attorney who’s offering a downloadable PDF on his Website that contains a list of photographer’s rights in the US. I’d suggest you download it, read it, and carry it with you in your gadget bag in case you come upon your own Barney Fife in real life trying to stop you from taking legal photos.

In the USA, photographers have the right to take just about any photo they want, as long as they are in public. That right will go away if not defended vigorously. In a time when “Homeland Security” is used to justify just about any government intrusion into our lives, I am reminded of the famous quote. “Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Ben Franklin

For our readers in the UK, check out UK Photographers’ Rights.

For our readers in Australia, check out NSW Photo Rights.

If you know of other such documents, be sure to mention them in the comments section of this post.

NOTE: We’re not giving legal advice. We’re merely pointing out that these documents are available. We’re not attesting to their value. Use your own judgment, and when in doubt, contact a licensed attorney.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store