Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

butforamoment · **Photographer's ID -** 07-07-2007, 09:52 AM

Is there an Photographer's ID you can get so that there is no question when shooting in public places? I hear about people getting confronted about why t they are there while shooting. It seems to me if there was an ID you could just show that and go on your way.

Breezy · 07-07-2007, 10:40 AM

couldn't you just print up a luggage tag with all of that info on it and then have it attached to you with a lanyard or attached to your bag?
I mean you just put the info on there etc..
Sorry if this is far from what you are looking for

butforamoment · 07-07-2007, 10:50 AM

Well I thought of that, but I didn't know if it was official enough. I have access to an ID printer, that I can put my picture on it and everything. just don't know what it should look like. I want it to look official.

andyz · 07-07-2007, 10:59 AM

Flickr has some links for this,

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Phot...identification

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/badge.php

Looking official may open some doors, but may also get you in a small f stop. :)

johnastovall · 11:04 AM

There's no "Official Photographer's ID" and I would think long and hard and talk to an lawyer about it before making one up.

You could be opening yourself up to being charged under section 37.08 of the Texas Penal Code, "§ 37.08. FALSE REPORT TO PEACE OFFICER OR LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE. "

If you want to show someone something show them this, Krages's "The Photographer's Rights."

butforamoment · 07-07-2007, 11:19 AM

I would not be claiming to be an employee of anyone, just a badge that states that I am a photographer, I have a copy of "The Photographer's Rights" my bag.

Big Dog · 07-07-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butforamoment

... just a badge that states that I am a photographer, ...

Wouldn't the camera in your hand sort of say that? Just what are you trying to show, and to who? And what do you mean by "official"?

butforamoment · 07-07-2007, 11:35 AM

I just hear about people getting confrontation when street shooting. By official i just mean not cheeseball looking badge.

johnastovall · 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butforamoment

I just hear about people getting confrontation when street shooting. By official i just mean not cheeseball looking badge.

And all a LEO has to do is think you are showing him some faked up ID and you get the ride.

If you can't take confrontations and handle them diplomatically maybe you shouldn't be doing street shooting. Part of the skill of street shooting is building a relationship with the people you are shooting and also knowing when to back off.

You don't needed a badge for that just basic social skills.

PIC · 07-07-2007, 11:53 AM

There are offical IDs !
They are issued by the Press - like BBC NBC NY times Local News and even Nat Georpaphic.
But need to be employed as Staff.

Any one can make an ID for purpose of self ID.

EL

robert t · 07-07-2007, 12:04 PM

The only time you might get a ride is if you use the the ID to gain access to somewhere you don not belong. Some type of ID is ok but the only official Id is state issued ID card or TDL.

butforamoment · 07-07-2007, 12:30 PM

Thank you, I just think I would get less questioning and look more professional.

Patti Edens · 07-07-2007, 01:31 PM

Many on this forum have asked for the same thing. There was even some talk about having an official TexasPhotoForum ID. I think it was originally designed for people to wear at TPF get-togethers, but it went off in all directions.

I also think it would be nice to have some type of ID that could be worn that might head problems off so I don't have to spend time explaining things to people. Even just a membership card (NANPA, PMA, PPA) that has been laminated might make life easier.

Check these two threads:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ight=TPF+badge

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ight=TPF+badge

Casper · 07-07-2007, 05:57 PM

Hi Jason,

When I first read your post, I thought you were trolling and didn't respond.

Maybe you should have someone take your picture as you look as you shoot on the street. Do you look professional and would you question you? Do you present the image you think you present?

As a cop, most of the time the "official ID's" bring a smirk to my face. I am more concerned about why this person caught my attention.

Steve

Clint_Smith · 07-07-2007, 06:11 PM

Having a badge will not make you look "official" or get you in anywhere. If you have legit press credentials they are generally only a name badge, and to get into the venues you have to pick up and sign press passes from the front offices...or if the venue knows you are a legit operation they may even mail them to you or you assignments editor. I know this because I worked as a photojournalist for several network affiliates for 10 years before getting into teaching the stuff.

But just having a badge doesn't do anything but make you look like a goob with a badge.

I agree if you are confronted about shooting use people skills and rely on your rights. If an officer wants to push it, back off because it is not worth the hassle. Unless you are trying to go broke paying legal fee to prove a constitutional issue...in which the officer will not have to pay you anything...