Photographing in US Airports in 2010

[Frank Petronio]

Are there consistent rules about this? In the public areas?

I noticed the guy who refuses the scanner and body pat-down searches the other day recorded the entire episode with his cell-phone. Apparently it's out and about and in no danger of getting banned -- or him charged with illegal photography.

So why can't I do pictures of my own airport scanning and inevitable TSA groping?

[Jack Dahlgren]

I've taken many pictures in airports and have never been hassled. All dslr though.

[Brian C. Miller]

But you're using a view camera, right? A cell phone peeking out of a shirt pocket probably wouldn't be noticed. And from what I just saw on YouTube, the cell phone looked like it was on a belt clip.

[jp]

There's the video of the 3 year old girl getting patted down while her teddy bear is being xrayed too. Probably cell phone video.

As crappy as cell phone video is, it's opening up lots of places to video of things not allowed (such as Sadaam's hanging). Once it's on the Internet, there's no erasing it, whether it was allowable or not.

Concerts and events where photography is prohibited can't seem to stop cell phone camera either. If you attend such an event with a woman, she can often put a small DSLR in her purse and it won't get checked or checked thoroughly. Airport security is different of course.

If you're getting a DSLR, get one of the ones that takes dual memory cards, and if your card gets confiscated, you have a backup.

If you are concerned about getting noticed and stopped, I think the smallest camera that meets your quality needs and is beat up and consumerish looking is the best choice.

[Mark Sampson]

Frank's models will be getting all the attention, not his camera.

[MIke Sherck]

I'm gonna guess that all of Frank's models will be selected for the 'enhanced pat-down' procedure. The TSA isn't known for it's upstanding behavior.

Mike

[Bob Salomon]

What is your understanding of "public areas"?

Just arrive in the USA on a flight from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, etc. and the very first thing you will see when you get off the plane is a sign announcing no cameras or phones can be used until you clear Customs and Immagration. Those are not TSA folks back in that area.

[Frank Petronio]

I don't recall if I've seen signs warning "no photos" in the TSA lines or inspection areas.

I just think photos of getting patted down would be topical news....

[BrianShaw]

First, there are no consistent rules in airports. Second, the areas in which the public access is owned by the airport authority and are not necessarily considered any more public than a shopping mall, so they can (attempt) to set whatever rules they want.

[Bob Salomon]

I don't recall if I've seen signs warning "no photos" in the TSA lines or inspection areas.

I just think photos of getting patted down would be topical news....

Frank,

Customs and Immigration is not where the TSA inspects you. It is the area you go through to enter the country.