quick Q about photography in airports

[Triana]

So I'm travelling this weekend and I found out that Detroit of all things has a really neat airport. I'll be back through tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone knew airport policies on taking pictures. I couldn't find a free security guard to ask at the time but I also noticed that not one person had out a camera. So sadly I chickened out from trying (bad Triana, but if anyone is going to get in trouble, it's me).

Thank you!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Because of over zealous security dipwads its better not to shoot in airports because it may spread potential swine flu or sars or some other so called security ris.

[toverman]

I'm betting Paul is right: pulling out a camera in an airport (at least in the U.S.) is like whipping out a gun. Don't do it unless you want some drama.

[dminton]

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flying...kpointsits-ok/

[Imagebuffet]

I love going to big airports because they always have pretty women and I love photographing pretty women. While I wait for my flight, I run around the airport photographing the pretty women. Now, this has caused some reactions from airport personnel. One guy came up behind me and asked from a distance if I was a passenger. When I turned around, with my boarding pass sticking out of my shirt pocket, he immediately smiled and apologized. Another time, some guy sat next to me on my flight home, while demonstrating a great interest in my photos; I've long suspected that he was an air marshall. Yet another time, during a long layover due to rain, a woman running the terminal station said to me, "We are going to get you on a connecting flight soon. We have to get you out of here." However, no one has yet told me that I cannot shoot photos in the airport.

[epoh]

One of my friends routinely takes photos in airports whenever she sees our company's ads (they have big ads up in most major airports.) She's never been bothered, but she only has a little point and shoot. I think the SLR is what will attract attention.

[CaptainTom]

I've heard that they are touchy about you photographing the TSA and the screening areas. I have taken my cameras out while waiting for a flight, and no hassles, but I haven't gone around and taken photos of much while in the terminal area.

[texxter]

It depends on the airport. I asked security people if I could take pictures in DFW, and I was told I could. So I took my camera out and took pics of the massive escalators. I was also taking pictures of a plane being refueled in some other airport and I was told to put my camera away. So, it's always good to ask.

[Triana]

Thank you for the replies. I saw some great sculpture and the like (and just some fascinating architecture). I might still be too chicken...then again I might get bold and try. :)

[CaptainTom]

I suggest you go for it. Taking sculptures and such should not put you at risk.
If asked, or told to stop, put your camera down and very politely ask why they are asking/telling you. Arguments never get won, but you should at least deserve an explanation.

[ngoduyviet]

I almost always carry my camera with a 35 lens on it in any airport and shoot away without any problems so far. Just don't shoot outside the airport, on the shoulder of the road going in, that would instantly cause problems

[futurshox]

I took out my 100-400mm lens the other day whilst waiting for my flight in Houston Hobby, to photograph one of the special paint scheme Southwest airliners that was passing by outside. The man working the gate desk just smiled at me. I put the gear away afterwards; no hassle.

I did ask, and received, permission to capture the Cessna 172 hanging from the ceiling in Las Vegas. They are more concerned about photos of the fruit machines there, I think.

[Imagebuffet]

Originally Posted by futurshox

I took out my 100-400mm lens the other day whilst waiting for my flight in Houston Hobby, to photograph one of the special paint scheme Southwest airliners that was passing by outside. The man working the gate desk just smiled at me. I put the gear away afterwards; no hassle.

I did ask, and received, permission to capture the Cessna 172 hanging from the ceiling in Las Vegas. They are more concerned about photos of the fruit machines there, I think.

Yeah, I take photos of the art in Chicago's Midway Airport every time I go through there.

[johnastovall]

Gary Winogrand could not have done his work in the book, Arrivals & Departures today.

[Sentinel Chicken]

I've shot with my DSLR without any hassles in airports. When I had a point and shoot in the past, no issues there as well. Though I have only had my D60 since March, I've shot inside of DFW, Dallas Love Field, New Orleans, Houston Hobby and Orlando International without any hassle at all since March.

At San Francisco I even had my point and shoot on a small tripod to take time exposures of the ramp out of the terminal windows. Did that at Charlotte and Philadelphia as well.