I shot this photo during the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle. It was shot on Tri-X film at that (remember film?)!

Turns out in some states, I could have been arrested simply for taking the photo above, even though I was on a public street and so was the officer.

There’s so much to say about this topic. First thing that comes to my mind, what if the person who video taped the Rodney King police beating had been arrested and charged with a felony for shooting the video? I’m sure the police would not have minded– and that’s exactly the point. I’m definitely not anti-police. I do strongly support the first amendment though, which protects our rights to take pictures in public places in the USA — even if those images include police officers in them.

On the flip side, I also support the rights of the police to photograph (or shoot video which is more often the case with them these days) of anyone in a public place. The First Amendment is an amazing tool in an open, free society. It helps us all keep tabs on each other. Which keeps us accountable. Let’s hope the First Amendment remains that way.

Portland Pete Springer Photography

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