Why I am Participating
I created DC Photo Rights in response to the numerous instances of harassment local area photographers have cited. I am an amateur photographer who has been shooting for about two years. I have found the DC amateur photographer society, especially through Flickr, to be a very supportive atmosphere. The metropolitan area itself, however, seems to pose a constant challenge, especially to beginners.
The specific impetuous was a photographer, Chip Py, who was harassed for taking photos from the street in Downtown Silver Spring, MD. This struck a chord with me. I live and work in Silver Spring, and I have been a supporter of the development projects in the downtown area. These projects have faced some resistance, and I was saddened to hear that the downtown area that I often defend is associated with this sort of behavior.
I am specifically interested, also, in the role that security guards at Federal Buildings play in this. Many incorrectly inform photographers that photos are illegal. While this is prevalent with security guards everywhere, I find it more disturbing when Federal security guard do this; many people regard their claims of protecting national security interests more seriously. And of course, in a few cases, photos of Federal buildings are not allowed. So this often leave photographers, amateurs especially, on uncertain grounds where they easily become victims of harassment.
Katmere - Thanks for posting and for creating DC Photo Rights. I’m an amateur photographer and professional proofreader. I think that you mean to say, “The specific impetus was a photographer….” Impetuous is quite a different matter. I didn’t know how to contact you privately. ‘Hope you don’t mind the feedback.