Gate Guard picture taking Question

[Originalboxcar]

Tell the guard if the gov't has a problem with photos being taken of obsolete, de-mil'd pieces of equipment in plain view of the public (it's PR - that's what they're there for) than remove it. The displays near the gates are advertising PERIOD. The military on base for the most part (as I did) don't even notice the stuff. Furthermore, remind them to not allow photos at airshows as well.

I'm not a big fan of them, but if security gives you trouble on the outside of the installation, that the ACLU might have something to say and that the U.S. is not a military state, YET.

Oh brother! Ignorance is a dangerous thing!



regards,

t~

[Tulio]

DO NOT TELL THE GUARD anything at all.

He is following orders from his superior officers.

You could end up either detained by local authorities for trespassing, and such a fuss could very well block the way for others to gain access in the future to the aircraft.

The best way as suggested, is to contact the PR officer and politely ask for access. If it is not granted, move on. It is not a matter of life or death if you do not get the pictures.

Just my two cents, based on many similar situations in the past.


Saludos,


Tulio

[Don Martin]

Yeh, It's best just to get permission or use that 1500mm Turbo-Mega-Zoom lens youve been saving fo a rainy day. I used to take pictures right at the Air Guard flighline fence, no problem! And then I got some nice shots of transient Israeli Air Force Fighters and tankers. The Israelis were so mad that that now when they come through they park all the way at the far end of the ramp. My little 80-200 Tele didn't come with the X-ray option and can't see that far even if nothing was in the way. And then I got some real nice shots of some transient RAF Fighters and tankers and I had some guy in just a POV hollering at me and then the SPs showed up inside the fence and were hollering and then an SP truck showed up out side the gate and the cop, being a little more civil then the others told me I would have to go away Because the Britt Squadron CO wanted the Federalis to come and take me away! And then th SP asked if I got any good shots and I said yes. Him and his partner both smiled at that, said have a nice day, and drove off. Of course, now, anytime I drive to that end of the airport, I'm apt to have an escort/shadow. And all this was after speaking to the SP CO. Now I have to wait for them to taxi down to the civilian end for takeoff. I get better closeups their(When I can catch them. Some times they even wave! Go Figure!

[Roger Cain]

I have had very good success with contacting the base Public Affairs office, well in advance, and asking for their assistance to "take a few photo's for my collection. Generally you can find a link on the Base's website.

The PA offices have been invariably "nice" and have accomodated my requests when they can. I have only asked for their assistance to get pictures just inside or adjacent to the gate and have not asked to go inside the AFB any great distance.

As John mentioned, I've also had good luck contacting the base PA Officer, which has also allowed me to get onto many air bases. One of the main concerns of course, was that I don't take any pictures of active aircraft. Places like NAS China Lake and Edwards AFB are sensitive to what may end up in the background of your pictures, so keep that in mind.

The only problems I have had at bases was when I just showed up and hoped to get onto the base/s to take photographs. Pre-9/11 I could do that, since then, the rules have changed.