"Show don't Tell"
Monday, September 26, 2011
Getting the perfect photo to complement any story is vital, but photographers need to know their constitutional rights.
When in a public place, photographers have the right to photograph anything in plain view. When on private property, the property owner sets the rules.
Police officers cannot confiscate or demand to view photographs without a warrant. They can also not delete photographs under any circumstance.
If a photographer is stopped by a police officer, always act polite and calm. The photographer needs to ask the officer for the reasons behind being detained.
Photos, just like written stories, give new knowledge to their audiences. They also provide a check on the government.
The First Amendment guarantees photographers the rights to shoot whatever they find useful, as long as they don't break any other laws, such as trespassing, while doing so.
Photographs can do something articles can't. Photos physically show the situation, and evoke strong emotions. The rights of these people need to be protected because they are doing their community a great service.
Photos, just like written stories, give new knowledge to their audiences. They also provide a check on the government.
The First Amendment guarantees photographers the rights to shoot whatever they find useful, as long as they don't break any other laws, such as trespassing, while doing so.
Photographs can do something articles can't. Photos physically show the situation, and evoke strong emotions. The rights of these people need to be protected because they are doing their community a great service.
Photo Credit: Maddie Boswell
3 comments:
I can imagine a police officer somewhere abusing his power to take some type of photo away from a photographer. And if the photographer doesn't know these rights then they probably think to themselves, I don't want to get arrested, so they give in and give the officers what they want. Photos provide stories of greater detail then a report can and it is important that they be protected.
I completely agree. I think that all journalists need to know their rights. Aside from reporters, all citizens should know that any pictures they take in public are protected.
This was very interesting to read, and it is also good to know what our 1st Amendment rights are in journalism. With this knowledge, we can report the news effortlessly without fear of our career's and reputation being harmed.
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