Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/04/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 01:18 PM 4/13/98 -0400, you wrote: >< Can I tell a policeman at an accident scene that I am a photographer and >that I > have the right to be there to document the scene? Will he ask me for > a press pass? > >This is a practical matter. Generally, if you want access beyond that given >to the general public, they will ask you for a press pass. Are you an aspiring photojournalist? If so, talk to the local paper. Press passes are for identification only. There is no such thing as a piece of paper that grants you the "right" to access anywhere. Police are required in California to let the press into disaster scenes, as long as it is safe to do so. In most states, it's a matter of common sense. The press needs to be there, and the police have no right to stop them except for public safety. Good journalists work with the police to make sure their coverage doesn't endanger someone else, or interfere with rescue operations. It's much easier for us press photographers if some wannabe isn't also trying to get in. So if your intent is to become a journalist, then welcome, please do so. But if you're doing it for kicks, find something else to photograph. ========== Eric Welch St. Joseph, MO http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?