Airport Police

I just shoot from my front yard.

Picture

I am looking to hang out at a parking garage of Hartsfield International Airport tomorrow for a hour or so why the wife takes the car in for service. I just sent customer service an e-mail regarding permission / policy and will hopefully receive an e-mail tomorrow morning...

LBaldwin wrote in post #9999647
You Sir are correct. But before you accuse me of osculating with a civil servants gluteus maximus, please keep in mind that we now live a much different world. Yes you have rights, I am first to say they should not be trod upon. I am veteran, so are several members of my family going all way back to the not so Civil War. My Grandpa and Grandma are buried probably 10 minutes from right there in Birmingham. My Dad, retired US NAVY Master Chief is from Leeds, AL.

In case no one let you in on a litte secret, some nutbags decided to learn to fly well enough to crash airliners into the World Trade Center and kill 2973 folks, destroy entire businesses and untold number of lives for quite some time to come. Cops really hate that. I don't want to give away any of my rights, they are too hard to recover using blood and treasure. BUT the world is a different place now. Make your self known, call "Friendly" when it is appropriate. And learn that you can get some really neat access just by being polite and asking. Especially when it comes to airplanes.

I commend you for your service to our great country. I too am a veteran, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. The First Amendment freedom of the press pretty much sums up that photography is not a crime. As sad as September 11, 2001 was it still does not trump our Constitution. When citizens fear their government there is Tyranny, when government fears their citizens there is liberty. To be detained while taking pictures of an airplane on the ground or during flight at a airport from a public place is a violation of our First Amendment rights. It's an unlawful detention, this is clearly been decided by The United States Supreme Court.

When I arrive at an airport the first place I go is security to ask them if it is alright to stand under the flight path for my pictures.

The place I stand is visible from the control tower.

Some years ago this was not a problem.

Now that there are idiots with small laser pointers and recorded cases of them being used, any persons arriving in specific areas should expect to be checked out.

This is what I was told by airport security, this is why they are checking people out.

The last time I spoke to security they asked me what area of the strip I required access to, I just wanted outside the fence line.

A whole other world can open up when you give due respect to the people and systems in opperation at a place such as an airport.

at DFW airport, the airport built an observation area called Founders Plaza, they allow people to park and watch the approach and take offs from this area. They even have benches and tables for a picnic. I see lots of photographers there on my way to and from work daily. it is located at the north side of the field.

I've taken my camera on the field to take shots but I work there and have a valid airport ID. I only stay in my "company area", I don't wander around other airlines areas.

wow.

you guys are commenting on a nearly 5 year old thread.

bk2life wrote in post #17360203
wow.

you guys are commenting on a nearly 5 year old thread.

Figured I would bump the old thread since it was relevant.

I received a response from Hartsfield airport and not only did they say it was ok, but gave a couple recommendations on where to get good pics Will have the e-mail handy for future visits just in case "Top Flight" gives me or wifey a hard time

JJD.Photography wrote in post #17363611
Figured I would bump the old thread since it was relevant.

I received a response from Hartsfield airport and not only did they say it was ok, but gave a couple recommendations on where to get good pics Will have the e-mail handy for future visits just in case "Top Flight" gives me or wifey a hard time

i am not surprised, when you do the first "step" by asking and/or let the security knowing what you are doing / would like to do, usually if not always, they are very nice, helpful and even give you some good tips like they did for you

My experience is that back in 1987ish, I went to O'hare for the same reason. I was picking up a friend and grabbed my LARGE video camera so I can shoot some video of the airplanes taking off and landing. Well, about 10 minutes into shooting airport security pulled up and asked me to leave. I did so without incident. They let me go with my camera and tape unharmed. That was WAY before 9/11 and they were not very receptive to video back then at an airport so I can see now how they would be a little upset over someone shooting video nowadays.