I was walking around Clayton the other day taking photos of some buildings and saw a nice reflection of a building on the outside of another building.

I walked up to the building and began to take photos, when this security guard came up to me rather fast and said... “You can’t take photos here or of this building and you need to stop now!”

Now, I must admit I was a little flustered by the whole situation.

I kindly disagreed with him, but politely moved on.

Well, that got me thinking, am I in my rights to photograph a government or any other building outside, not on private property?

The short answer is yes and doing a little research I came up with some information for you to look over.

1. Public areas: In general, you can take photographs of buildings from public areas, such as sidewalks and streets. These areas are considered public property, and individuals have the right to photograph the exterior of a buildings as long as they are not obstructing traffic or creating a disturbance.
2. Security concerns: It's important to be mindful of security concerns when photographing a building. Avoid capturing sensitive details or security features that could potentially compromise the safety and security of the facility. This includes not photographing entrances, exits, security checkpoints, or any other restricted areas.
3. Interior photography: Interior photography of buildings is typically more restricted and may require permission or a permit. If you wish to photograph the interior of a building, it is advisable to contact the owner or building management in advance to inquire about their policies and obtain any necessary permissions.
4. Be respectful and cooperative: Always maintain a respectful and cooperative attitude if approached by security personnel or law enforcement officers while taking photographs. Follow their instructions and be prepared to explain the purpose of your photography if asked.

It is always wise to check with owner or tenant the specific building if you plan to photograph the interior to ensure compliance with them.

SPECIAL NOTE: Photographing federal buildings can be subject to certain restrictions and regulations, particularly for security reasons. While it is generally allowed to take photographs of federal buildings from public areas, it's essential to exercise caution and be aware of any specific rules that may be in place at a particular location. Here are a few key points to keep in mind: