Photographers Rights

[GMACK24]

OK so last night I am leaving my Building (I work for a utility company in Boston)

I take a few photos of the building I work in, and this guy in a black suit (My Building's security guy) I recognized his face, taps me on the shoulder and says "no Photos"

So I say um. Ok no problem and he walks left and I walk left.

So the more I think of it ... its like Hey Wait a minute. I work for this company how can he tell me not to take photos of my own building ?
Bizzare.

So I catch up to him show him my work ID and ask him.
"Hey How come no photos" He said "Its the company policy no photos of the building"

So I said "so a photographer has no rights anymore ?" and he said I Don't know buddy just check with the Building Manager tomorrow"

Well Anyhow....

Here is the photo.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2359280345_cdfcebf602.jpg

Link to FLICKR

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmack24/2359280345/

Any idea what I should do ?
Should I bother talking to the Building manager or just never photograph my building again ?

Need a little advice.

Greg in Boston.

[i_am_hydrogen]

It's perfectly legal for the owner/manager to forbid you from photographing the building from private property. You can, however, take as many photos as you'd like from public property. The same policy applies where I work.

[NZDoug]

Its a cool shot that you can show his building manager.
Request permission to shoot more and mabe you can flog some to them. Dont tell them that, just tell them how much you love the place. You could have an exclusive with a security guard protecting your rights.
Revenge is a dish best served cold. :D

[GMACK24]

I thought about it all night.
Sorta didn't sleep well.
Gave it some thought and what I will just do in the future is just photograph the subject from across the street as others have mentioned.
I really don't want to stir up the bees nest with a wiffle ball bat : )
As they say don't **** where you eat : )
Thanks to all who replied.
Greg
Same sort of basic idea ...
This phrase means "do not have romantic relationships with any co-workers." Basically, you don't want to make yourself uncomfortable (by potentially having a romantic relationship get ugly, or "****ting") at the place where you work ("where you eat").

[stugotzo]

Would you mind if someone went into your house and started taking pics of your interior (even if they were an invited contractor)? If it's not public property, they have every right to stop whatever takes place inside THEIR building.

As was mentioned before, go crazy taking tons of pics when standing on public property. When inside their property, they make the rules.

[argyle]

...how can he tell me not to take photos of my own building

That's just it...it's not "your" building. If your employer has rules to that effect, then you must abide by them or seek employment elsewhere. Its pretty similar all over...most employers do not allow cameras on the premises unless it has been pre-approved for a specific purpose. Then again, almost all cell phones now have a built-in camera, so go figure.

[GMACK24]

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NEW INFORMATION - updated 3/25/08 3:38 PM
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Well I just spoke to the "building Manager" he was very cool very laid back.
Just said it is company policy no photos of the exterior or interior of the buildings.
He said Especially the mural as it is worth. Well I won't say what he told me what it is worth.
But long story short. He said the sidewalk is company property as well so my best bet is to just cross the street and I should be all set.

Funny thing Is the guy who busted me was right there and didn't say a word : )

So I do have my rights - I just need to be a couple feet away. and it's all good.

but I will never be able to get this shot across the street. Glad I got it when I did : )

Thanks again for all the comments / support / advice.
~ Greg

[argyle]

*
Funny thing Is the guy who busted me was right there and didn't say a word : )

He didn't have to say a word...apparently he was correct in what he did.

[asysin2leads]

Actually, the sidewalk is public property. Although the building may be responsible for snow removal and to ensure that it is safe, it is still public property. The same as the sidewalk in front of your house is public property, but you get sued if someone falls and gets hurt.