Apparently, you aren't allowed to photograph on the Boston subways anymore

[Ian David]

I am not the one who took this photo. Some guy named Refaris did.


Uploaded on January 29, 2007
by refaris
refaris' photostream
I was almost arrested for taking this picture



<snip>

refaris Pro User says:

Absolutely.... As the train approached, the driver waved her finger at me in an aggressive "Do NOT do that" tone. And then when I got on, she spoke over the intercom, something to the effect of "There will be no more photographing of MBTA property, from now on any pictures taken will result in the confiscation of cameras" 'Arrested' is a gross exaggeration, but i like to be humorous.
Posted 2 hours ago.


<snip>

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refaris Pro User says:

I wasnt very concerned about it, and kind of laughed it off.... buth thanks for the info ;) should I ever be threatened I will look that up.
Posted 23 minutes ago. ( permalink )
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stevegarfield Pro User says:

Nice shot.

Photographers Rights
www.krages.com/phoright.htm

"Photography on MBTA property without a permit is indeed prohibited."
redjar.org/jared/blog/archives/2006/03/27/more-info-on-mb...
Posted 21 minutes ago. ( permalink )

More:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/refaris/373310189/

[DU9598]

1. Why do you hate America?

:sarcasm:

It sure seems like the terrorists have won when I hear of idiotic new rules such as this one.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. "Do NOT do that"

Good call. The photographer is positioned on the yellow part of the platform right next to the edge as the train is approaching. I'd tell him not to do that as well.

Congratulations to the train operator for watching out for the safety of the system's patrons. The number one rule for all rail system employees is to perform one's duties in a safe manner.

If the photographer gets back from the edge, he'll be OK.

[Lautremont]

3. I took a photo like that in the London Tube

when I was a kid. This was many years ago. The driver hit the brake and stopped the train halfway into the station, just so he could scream at me for blinding him as he was coming out of a dark tunnel. I saw his point, even as I quietly wondered how many people on the train he'd knocked over or given heart attacks to with his sudden stop.

Anyway, that or something like it could be the reasoning behind this kind of rule.

[Ian David]

4. That's not the reasoning behind the rule. It's an anti-terrorism measure.

They've had a ban on movie and video photography for years, for completely different reasons.

But the still photography rule is just part of their Security Theater.

[nashville_brook]

5. can't photograph in malls either -- pre-911

1997... i was doing economic development marketing communication and had some assignments to get photos and write some copy for different suburban (sprawl) areas. the end use would just be a blurb, so i figured i'd just do some quick digi-shots looking down the main concourse of the mall and move along to the next shot (a corporate center). and yeah, i was stopped by security who gave me the whole "we'll confiscate your camera" if you take another.

i went to the corporate office on site and explained my assignment (which they knew about) and got a "permit." it was explained that this was the policy of this particular management company.

on reflection, i think this policy made sense in terms of keeping kids safe from predators -- like, you wouldn't want a dirty old man following your daughter around snapping pictures -- but, i didn't ask what the actual reasoning was behind their policy.

[Ian David]

7. At the mall, they don't want you photographing the security systems. n/t

[mahatmakanejeeves]

8. Also, shopping malls are private property.

It's the Golden Rule: he who has the gold, rules. Transit systems are public. I know that railfans (train enthusiasts) have gone around and around with the New Jersey Transit system on the "legality" of photographing trains.

[hughee99]

6. Deval Patrick is really cracking down on our freedoms!

:sarcasm:

[Eugene]

9. The MBTA has has that rule for at least 25 years.

The "T" is infamous for hassling tourists for taking pictures.