3 train at Bergen Street Station, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Harassment of photographers working in the subway continues, even when the photographer is an employee of the MTA taking photos on a subway platform. Ironically, he was arrested at the Bronx Freeman Street station on the 2 line.
For those of you who might not know, the MTA is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York state agency that runs the buses, trains and subways. I came across this story on Gothamist.
I was pretty certain that anyone is allowed to take photos in any and all parts of the subway, but I searched the MTA web site to double check:
from the MTA NYC Transit – Rules of Conduct, Section 1050.9(c):
Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
I was unable to find any other rule or regulation about photography on their entire web site.
Like many others, I have been hassled by police, security and other “authority” officials while out snapping pictures or filming in public places in NYC and beyond. Here in NYC, it’s the fear of terrorism that most officials cite as a reason for their harassment. While taking the photo above, I was waiting for someone to tell me that I couldn’t. Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about defending myself that time. But I have (over)heard skittish passengers ask each other “why is he taking pictures?” while shooting on a subway platform, or felt the eyes of transit police for just carrying a camera. Depending on who’s (incorrectly) confronting me, I may either plead my case or politely move on. It’s rarely worth it to press the issue, and most times I’ve already taken the picture I want. Maybe it’s about time for another Atlantic Yards Camera Club outing?
Check out Picture New York, a site that covers photographer’s rights in New York.
UPDATE: The New York Times has now covered this story.
UPDATE: Photographer and MTA employee Robert Taylor was awarded $30,000. Ironically, while being interviewed by Fox News, an MTA station manager tried to stop the filming by the Fox News cameraman. Idiots.
I’m still trying to pick up my jaw off the floor over the fact that you’re not supposed to take photos in the subway… wow. Perhaps I’m being very naive..
Daisy
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