Photog stopped by WDW Security @ DTD - Thoughts on this

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ptaylor

Premium Member
We don't know the specifics, but I know from my own experience, there are some WDW Security guards who think they are Dept of Homeland Security. They have totally the wrong attitude, and become aggressive right on first contact. In all of my visits to WDW, the only CMs I ever have a problem with are security.

I'd be interested to know what equipment he had.
 
Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
I would love to hear the other side of this story. There are certainly security guards out there that have serious attitude problems but most of them will not do anything until provoked. I'll wager that this guy treated this security guard with the "You are a rent a cop. What are you going to do?" attitude which is just asking for problems.
 
RiversideBunny

RiversideBunny

New Member
Setting up a tripod and being there for a long time may have added to the suspicion by Security. Sounds like that's what he was doing.
That's different from just walking by and snapping a few shots.

We discussed the legal aspects of some types of photography at our local photography club. The concensus was that, if you are on public property, then you can normally take pictures of buildings, etc. What you do with the picture afterwards can be a problem particularly if it's used commercially.

There are gray areas.

:)
 
MKCP 1985

MKCP 1985

Well-Known Member
mkt said:
What are your thoughts?

I'm inclined to tread on both sides of the argument here... security IMO overreacted to someone that wasn't cooperative, but there's really no requirement to be cooperative. He answered their questions and really wasn't doing anything wrong.
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That bit of advice, if followed, is certain to lead to trouble. Some people enjoy trouble, but for those who would rather take their photos than blog about being escorted off property, cooperation with private security is sometimes required. William the Blogger strikes me as someone who thinks he's the smartest guy in the room, while coming off as naive at best.

Example:

"What terrorists want to blow up the House of Blues?"

Seriously, William the Blogger? What do you think terrorists want to blow up? Balloons?

Example 2:

"He's a security guard and doesn't have any need to see my driver's license or any other ID."

It was explained in the blog that the chief of security suspected some possible terrorist activity and yet William the Blogger states as a matter of fact that the guard doesn't need to know with whom he is dealing. The security chief won't last very long in his job if he doesn't think he needs to find out the identity of the people he suspects are posing a threat to security. I am pretty certain "Name and address" are at the top of the report, and it isn't unreasonable to think someone causing a problem may give a false name and address verbally when asked.
 
CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
Security have no power to demand ID. If they suspect that (the photographers) actions are suspicious then thats what the local police are for. Alternatively, while WDW is a public place, it is also private property -the unco-operative could be escorted from it and asked not to return.

Any terrorist hell bent on destruction would have a fake ID of a top quality, impossible to tell from the real thing, and they'd have a 'genuine' alibi to support their activity.

If challeneged, co-operate and only give as much info as you believe security need, not want.
 
Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
E P C O T said:
Happens far too often. :(

The Photographer’s Right

A Downloadable Flyer Explaining Your Rights When Stopped or Confronted for Photography


http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
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Per the article you linked this photographer did not have the "right" to take pictures. He was on private property.

Property owners may legally prohibit photography on their premises but have no right to prohibit others from photographing their property from other locations.
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scorp111

scorp111

Well-Known Member
If you want to take pictures while on private property, then you are required to comply with the private party's (or someone acting as an agent for) wishes.

They have the right to ask for id, they have the right to not allow pictures, as long as it isn't discriminatory in nature.

I also agree with the assessment that those looking for a fight, will usually get one.
 
WDWFigment

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
I've had the same thing happen to me a few times at WDW (MK, EPCOT, and the Studios, not DtD). I just played it friendly and cooperative and ultimately, I was fine. A couple of the security guards were real jerks about it, though.
 
wdwmagic

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
WDWFigment said:
I've had the same thing happen to me a few times at WDW (MK, EPCOT, and the Studios, not DtD). I just played it friendly and cooperative and ultimately, I was fine. A couple of the security guards were real jerks about it, though.
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Did it get to the point of them asking for ID etc?
 
unkadug

unkadug

Follower of "Saget"The Cult
Some people are born with a chip on their shoulder.

Some grow up to be Photographers, some others become Security Guards.

I just think that there's more to do this than we are hearing.
 
WDWFigment

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
wdwmagic said:
Did it get to the point of them asking for ID etc?
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No, not even close to what this guy claims happened to him. They did talk to us (a group of 5 photographers with a couple using the "white lenses") for quite a while and one of the guys indicated that one security guard implied that they question photographers because of terrorist threats (although the security guard didn't say anything to me, specifically of this nature). Most of the time when it's just Sarah and me, she just turns on the charm, and we're fine.

Of course, our circumstances aren't exactly comparable to this guy's, as we've always had these encounters happen while photographing after the parks have closed and at that time, it's perfectly understandable for security to approach us.
 
PhotoDave219

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
Ah yeah..... After hours will do that.

My eclipse photos from like 6 years ago, that was aftr park hours, but i had a Yellow ID so it was all good then.
 
mkt

mkt

When a paradise is lost go straight to Disney™
Premium Member
Original Poster
wdwmagic said:
Did it get to the point of them asking for ID etc?
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I've been asked for ID at WDW twice for photography, at Epcot for using a laptop in the park connected through an internal 3G card to upload a few shots, and at Studios for whipping out a tripod to take some long exposures of SoL. Both occured after hours as well.

I cooperated both times, but I didn't give them my drivers license. I don't give anyone my license except police during a traffic stop and rental car agents (not a privacy reason, but rather the 3 days I'll have to take off from work to get it replaced should I lose it). I gave the Epcot Security CM my TWIC ID, and the studios security CM my Passport Card (which is my go-to ID).
 
Sketch105

Sketch105

Well-Known Member
Unfortunately, the more professional your equipment is, the more hassle you will be given on private property.

Most arenas, concert halls, and even theme parks have restrictions on lense sizes, flashes and tripods since they indicate professional pictures that can be duplicated for commercial use of copyrighted materials, or simply disrupt public, personal use with their presence.

I think this gentleman probably used the wrong approach to talking to the guard and is covering his tracks, making him seem like the good guy in the situation. I'm sure security wouldn't have hassled him if he had been nice and just showed ID. If a store cashier or bartender can ask for ID to verify identity, why not a security guard? The name is in it- SECURITY.
 
PhotoDave219

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
Sketch105 said:
Unfortunately, the more professional your equipment is, the more hassle you will be given on private property.

Most arenas, concert halls, and even theme parks have restrictions on lense sizes, flashes and tripods since they indicate professional pictures that can be duplicated for commercial use of copyrighted materials, or simply disrupt public, personal use with their presence.
Click to expand...

Well thats why i get credentialed and generally photograph friends bands.
 

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