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Filming public in California, laws?

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Truls Skare

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I'm travelling to California in a few weeks. I've never been to the US before and thinking about bringing my Canon 7D and steadicam merlin. What are the laws about filming in public in California ? Will it be safe to walk around with the steadicam merlin? :)
 
Just one person? What are you hoping to shoot?

Just be low key and avoid "terrorism" hot spots like subways, airports and tall buildings. If any police ask you what you are doing, say, "I'm just a hobbyist. I am doing some tests of my new camera." You should be fine. If you try to get "official" permission, it will be a bureaucratic nightmare.

BTW, what a sad state of affairs it is that we have to warn people visiting the "Land of the Free" to avoid filming tall buildings, etc. I'm embarrassed for my country. :001_unsure:
 
Thanks for the tips!

Yeah just me, don't have anything special in mind to shoot. Just landcapes, everyday city life. Normal "tourist" stuff I guess, just having the camera along and pair of open eyes for nice or interesting scenes ;)

I will avoid subways, airports and tall buildings (my tilting skills with the merlin sucks anyway so) then. :)

Maybe I should get myself a fannypack so I look more like a tourist.
 
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And don't take crap from people. You can film their buildings from sidewalks. I've been hastled by people before trying to force me to delete photos taken from public places and in the US you're in the right.
 
Truls Skare said:
I'm travelling to California in a few weeks. I've never been to the US before and thinking about bringing my Canon 7D and steadicam merlin. What are the laws about filming in public in California ? Will it be safe to walk around with the steadicam merlin? :)
Click to expand...

I just spent a couple of weeks driving around the SW states (as a visitor) shooting with similar setup. Even hung out in some areas all night and slept in the back seat of my car. No problems, met a ton of very friendly people. I'm with Gavin on that one. There is a very handy PDF on Photographers rights and other related issues here :
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
 
I've done photography and video around LA. Important thing to remember that on the sidewalks you are shooting on public/city territory, and when you are at a building or private property you are under different rules (what ever they set). Some museums, concert halls, etc. often allow for photography, but NO TRIPODS or FLASHES. They post signs and have security to remind you. I have shot video in Hollywood, on the streets with tripod.. just got to be "low key" and not make a scene of yourself and your shooting, respect people and don't hassle them. Shoot like a pro, but look like a tourist having fun. (Don't look too serious). If a cop stops to talk to you, be calm and polite.. they just really want to know your intentions. Tell them you are from out of the country and want to take home some beautiful images of your trip. And that's NO LIE. ;)

*Of course the above applies to using a prosumer or consumer camera.. doing the same with a Red One.. doubtful you'll get away with the "tourist" story!

~s
 
It all went great! No one bothered me except some of the camera sellers standing out in the streets trying to sell me lenses when i walked past their shops in San Francisco :)

Here is some of the footage :)

http://vimeo.com/10325827

I really wish I had a fluid tripod head though.
 
Be sure to wear a T shirt that says I "heart" whatever state it is your in. That way nobody will want to have anything to do with you. lol
 
This what you'll get when shooting in public, Vienna, Austria:

No_shooting_inAustria.jpg

Shot on 7D.
 
Martin: Thanks! Yeah, will definitely head back someday hopefully with a scarlet :)

Sanjin: Haha, did you leave a nice tip for her ?
 
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