Laws governing photography in disaster zones

[110240]

Hi guys,

are there laws controlling what photographers can and cannot shoot or publicise in a disaster zone.

Im not going into the 'ethics' of the situation just the legal side of things.

Thanks

[Howard Barlow]

First Amendment

[Tom]

Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press.

[StevenGWebb]

Normally anything you can photograph from a public place is free game. In a disaster area you might find areas which normally are open to the public are closed. 1st Amendment all the way. Keep in mind your civil liabilities. Just because its legal and okay to photograph, does not mean you have the right to print, publish, sell or distribute those images.

Steven

[PeteQ]

Unless you don't happen to be in the United States.... Then all bets are off.

[StevenGWebb]

Well you make a point there. This is a forum specifically geared to photographers in Texas and I didn't see a refrence regarding another country. Of course if Rick Perry ever figures out how for Texas to seceed from the union again, all bets might be off anyway.

[dbphotos]

First Amendment does apply, but the "authorities" have the right to keep you from restricted (read unsafe) areas. I shot the day after Katrina and can tell you that no one cared where I went, because they were too busy handling emergencies. Bottom line is you will generally be allowed to go where you dare (if you are with the press or appear to be) but will be responsible for saving your own a$$ if you get in too deep. It's like most things, if you look like you belong and you aren't causing a problem it generally won't be an issue. Just don't cause more work for the rescuers.

[shutterfire]

well said David

[lscottpht]

In places like Haiti, there really isn't any. That doesn't mean that bad men with guns will let you in, however lol! Now, if they are having press conferences inside buildings, they may not let you in. Also, if the rebels or whatever have blockaded the street into the city, it's up to them whether or not they will let you in. While I got into Gonaives, Haiti, during the rebel takeover, they did not let all press in.

During Katrina and other disasters, there were some areas blocked off until they controlled gas leaks and toxic spills. They did let the press in after it was fairly safe and before they let residents in. It really just depends on the disaster.

[Lin]

First Amendment does apply, but the "authorities" have the right to keep you from restricted (read unsafe) areas. I shot the day after Katrina and can tell you that no one cared where I went, because they were too busy handling emergencies. Bottom line is you will generally be allowed to go where you dare (if you are with the press or appear to be) but will be responsible for saving your own a$$ if you get in too deep. It's like most things, if you look like you belong and you aren't causing a problem it generally won't an issue. Just don't cause more work for the rescuers.

This is my experrience. I was in the Marina District during the '89 San Francisco earthquake and shot that evening and the next morning before the authorities became organized and set up boundaries. Keep out of the way and be responsible for your own safety and you should be ok.

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by Lin

This is my experrience. I was in the Marina District during the '89 San Francisco earthquake and shot that evening and the next morning before the authorities became organized and set up boundaries. Keep out of the way and be responsible for your own safety and you should be ok.

Interesting. I was working in Law Enforcement in the Bay Area when the 89 quake hit. I worked for 3 days straight and didn't care anyting about the press... too busy.

[Lin]

Small world.