No, really, officer: It's not illegal to photograph federal buildings

Earlier this month, I asked what you're making your audience do to reach you, getting at the barriers your organization is putting between you and those seeking you out. This morning, a Washington Post article details a phenomenon local bloggers and photographers have noticed for months:  Federal building security guards (and sometimes those in private buildings) are preventing the taking of photographs of the buildings.  Yes, those buildings you paid for with your tax dollars, and the ones your family likes to visit when it comes here to Washington.  Trouble is, it's not illegal at all to photograph federal buildings and monuments.  

Since there are plenty of federal buildings in other parts of the U.S., I'd be eager to hear whether this is an issue in other locations. The article notes that New York City's police department clarified its rules on photography, finding it permissible, in the wake of the World Trade Center attack. 

The Post points to this Flickr pool which collects photos "that prompted police questioning, detention or arrest," and notes that in Washington, DC, photographers are testing the trend by taking more photos of federal buildings.

So many federal agencies are making strides in social media, making photostreams and other media available.  Wouldn't it be great if they invited photographers and tourists to submit photos of federal buildings--and made sure all the security details got the memo noting it's entirely permissible?  Have you clarified your rules with your company or organization security details lately? Or are you letting visitors find out the hard way?

UPDATE:  Thanks to Ivan Oransky, I can share this New York Times article detailing the strange ride of a photographer arrested by Amtrak police for taking pictures of Amtrak trains for, yes, an Amtrak photo contest.  He sued, the case was settled, and his website highlighting the controversy was taken down as a result.  Worth reading--especially since Amtrak has a new "Create Our Contest" contest, asking for user suggestions. Amtrak does a great job with its social media forays (see this post on an earlier contest and game), and it would be great to see them figure out the balance between security and participatory social media.
(Photo by {ryan} from the DC Photo Rights Flickr pool; he notes he could take iPhone photos galore in Union Station, but gets a hassle the moment he pulls out his camera)

Related posts:  What are you making your audience do to reach you?

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