Trespassing Laws for Parking Decks

I'm sure that it is different for each state, but does anyone know (or know where to find) the Trespassing Laws? There are some private parking decks that I would like to shoot from, or is it just better to talk to the building manager?
Logically, I'm sure it's better to talk to the building manager, but there have been days when the light has been perfect and I want to rush up there really quick and snap some photos. I want the pictures but not at the expense of bail!!

You should talk to the manager. Since they are private property, even some that are publicly owned, they likely have the ability to have you removed. The good news is that its very unlikely that you would be jailed for a first offense. You would likely be told to move along and only if you refuse would it become an issue. To find your states trespassing law do a google search for your states legislature, they should have a link to the state statutes. Be aware that you may also be subject to local ordinance as well.

Are you normally not allowed to enter unless parking a car? What type of shoot? Commercial with lights models, crew or for fun, just hanging over the edge taking shots of the surroundings? If your just walking up to an open garage for a few pictures of the surrounding area, odds are that no one will bother you even though it's private property. If there are clear signs of no trespassing and your marching in with an entire crew, your going to get attention. But if in doubt talk to the building manager.

I would talk to the manager about just getting a general permission so that the next time the light is good, all you have to do is just go.

Thanks guys, I guess that's the safest bet. Just wanted to get some other opinions. I've gone and gotten permission before and then when I came back to take pictures, they had no idea who I was. It was kinda frustrating. It wasn't with models either, just my tripod and patience. All the privately owned parking decks have the best views!!

UNLESS you have to jump fences, climb walls, etc and you are deliberately ignoring trespassing signs, I wouldn't worry about it.

If it's just you and your camera, there is no harm is taking some shots from the deck. Be respectful and follow the rules, but don't let fear get in your way of getting a great shot.

Guerrilla style. Grab your shot and split. I have been approached by security a few times, but it was cool in the end.

I've shot at all hours of the day and night from parking decks and never had a problem. Ironically, the only time I was told to move along was when I was standing on the sidewalk (not their property) and shooting the entrance of a parking garage. The light was filtering through from above and the painted lines on the parking surface were perfectly in alignment.

Most security guards at these places don't know the law anyway, so even if you're in the right, they still may argue. I say shoot. If they ask you to leave, then just leave. Unlikely they want to go through the hassle of calling the cops, making a statement, etc. then having to explain to their boss how you got past them in the first place.........

Why not just park your vehicle where you want to shoot from? I wouldn't go to all of the trouble trying to track down some manager to get permission. I don't see how any one can hassle you if you are a paying customer.

mark48 wrote in post #15946817
Why not just park your vehicle where you want to shoot from? I wouldn't go to all of the trouble trying to track down some manager to get permission. I don't see how any one can hassle you if you are a paying customer.

You might think so, but its not necessarily so. Parking there covers just that, parking. If they have a prohibition against other activities then being a paying customer doesn't matter. As noted above if you OP is only going to shoot from the deck, and not bring in lights and stands and make a production of it, its probably not going to be an issue.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15949201
You might think so, but its not necessarily so. Parking there covers just that, parking. If they have a prohibition against other activities then being a paying customer doesn't matter. As noted above if you OP is only going to shoot from the deck, and not bring in lights and stands and make a production of it, its probably not going to be an issue.

It sounded like the OP was just going to take some shots from the parking deck, in which case it could be done quick and easy without causing any commotion. If, however, the OP were going to make a big production with lights and so on that would be an entirely different scenario and I could understand him not being permitted to do so.

mark48 wrote in post #15962690
It sounded like the OP was just going to take some shots from the parking deck, in which case it could be done quick and easy without causing any commotion. If, however, the OP were going to make a big production with lights and so on that would be an entirely different scenario and I could understand him not being permitted to do so.

In practical terms that might be correct. But your assertion that you have some right because you parked there was wrong.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15962928
In practical terms that might be correct. But your assertion that you have some right because you parked there was wrong.

I though that you were free to take pictures anywhere including private property unless told not to do so either by a sign posted or some representative of the property asking you to stop. Someone taking pictures unobtrusively from the top of a parking garage probably is not going to be noticed or hassled.

I know this is not the definitive photographers rights document, but I have found it pretty reasonable.
http://www.krages.com/​ThePhotographersRight.​pdf

If you watched the Zack Arias first video, he got booted from a parking deck. I think he was booted from a convenience store parking lot too *LOL*.

scorpio_e wrote in post #15963201
If you watched the Zack Arias first video, he got booted from a parking deck. I think he was booted from a convenience store parking lot too *LOL*.

If your asked to leave, you have to go. THe more attention you draw to yourself, the higher the probability you will be asked to leave.