Your rights as a photographer:

• When in public spaces where you are lawfully present you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view. That includes pictures of federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police. Such photography is a form of public oversight over the government and is important in a free society.
• When you are on private property, the property owner may set rules about the taking of photographs. If you disobey the property owner’s rules, they can order you off their property (and have you arrested for trespassing if you do not comply).
• Police officers may not generally confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant. If you are arrested, the contents of your phone may be scrutinized by the police, although their constitutional power to do so remains unsettled. In addition, it is possible that courts may approve the seizure of a camera in some circumstances if police have a reasonable, good-faith belief that it contains evidence of a crime by someone other than the police themselves (it is unsettled whether they still need a warrant to view them).
• Police may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances.
• Police officers may legitimately order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations. Professional officers, however, realize that such operations are subject to public scrutiny, including by citizens photographing them.
• Note that the right to photograph does not give you a right to break any other laws. For example, if you are trespassing to take photographs, you may still be charged with trespass.

If you are stopped or detained for taking photographs:

• Always remain polite and never physically resist a police officer.
• If stopped for photography, the right question to ask is, “am I free to go?” If the officer says no, then you are being detained, something that under the law an officer cannot do without reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so. Until you ask to leave, your being stopped is considered voluntary under the law and is legal.
• If you are detained, politely ask what crime you are suspected of committing, and remind the officer that taking photographs is your right under the First Amendment and does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

Special considerations when videotaping:

With regards to videotaping, there is an important legal distinction between a visual photographic record (fully protected) and the audio portion of a videotape, which some states have tried to regulate under state wiretapping laws.

• Such laws are generally intended to accomplish the important privacy-protecting goal of prohibiting audio “bugging” of private conversations. However, in nearly all cases audio recording the police is legal.
• In states that allow recording with the consent of just one party to the conversation, you can tape your own interactions with officers without violating wiretap statutes (since you are one of the parties).
• In situations where you are an observer but not a part of the conversation, or in states where all parties to a conversation must consent to taping, the legality of taping will depend on whether the state’s prohibition on taping applies only when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. But that is the case in nearly all states, and no state court has held that police officers performing their job in public have a reasonable expectation. The state of Illinois makes the recording illegal regardless of whether there is an expectation of privacy, but the ACLU of Illinois is challenging that statute in court as a violation of the First Amendment.
• The ACLU believes that laws that ban the taping of public officials’ public statements without their consent violate the First Amendment. A summary of state wiretapping laws can be found here.

Photography at the airport

Photography has also served as an important check on government power in the airline security context.

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) acknowledges that photography is permitted in and around airline security checkpoints as long as you’re not interfering with the screening process. The agency does ask that its security monitors not be photographed, though it is not clear whether they have any legal basis for such a restriction when the monitors are plainly viewable by the traveling public.

The TSA also warns that local or airport regulations may impose restrictions that the TSA does not. It is difficult to determine if any localities or airport authorities actually have such rules. If you are told you cannot take photographs in an airport you should ask what the legal authority for that rule is.

The ACLU does not believe that restrictions on photography in the public areas of publicly operated airports are constitutional.

More…   http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers

“I have spent so much time and money creating my own web site and trying to maintain SEO (search engine optimization). You try to follow all the guidelines that all the “professional people” have in trying to keep your website up in front of your competition, plus the frustration of Google always changing their mind about how things should run. I always felt I was 10 steps behind them.

Personalized Note Cards

Personalized individual cards $1.95 each. 3 or more $1.55 each.

Personalized Note Cards in sets of 10.  $12.95.  Envelopes included.

Purchase 2 sets for $11.95 each, 3 or more sets $10.95 each.

Each non-personalized set is $9.95. Purchase 2 sets for $8.95 each, and all 3 or more sets for $7.95 each.

Note Cards come in sets of 10.  Envelopes included.

Phone orders please call 801.785.8317 *

Please send a check or money order to
Scott Hancock Photography
214 South Main Street
Pleasant Grove, Ut. 84062
(Make check payable to Scott Hancock Photography). To place special orders or to inquire for more info please contact us: scotthancockphotography@gmail.com

Why Choose a Professional Photographer?

Think about all the time, effort and planning that goes into gathering everyone together for a family portrait, wedding, etc… These photographs can be a memorable treasured keepsake to enjoy throughout your life – but only if your photographer has the talent and skill to mentally focus, shoot and capture those defining moments. You do not want to risk diminishing your memories by hiring anyone other than an experienced photographer that you can trust. There is a common misconception that anyone with a good camera can take good pictures. The reality is, not everyone knows how to use their equipment properly. Yes, the camera equipment is important, but even more important is the talent behind the camera. Serious photographers also invest in current technology and software in order to be well prepared.
Here are a few tips:

1. Meet with the photographer – They should take the time to listen to what you want, and ask questions so they can get to know you. A photographer needs this information to create images that tell the story of who you are. You want a photographer who is flexible enough to meet your needs. For example, many families make their portraits more memorable by choosing a favorite location. Remember, you will be working very closely with this person. You should feel comfortable and totally at ease with them and they should be professional in their demeanor. This is especially critical of your wedding photographer because they will be following you around for each event. You do not want to be flanked by someone you find irritating, annoying, or offensive.

2. View samples of their work – This will give you an idea of both the style and quality each photographer provides. Look for a style of imagery that “speaks” to you. A good photographer should have the ability to capture mood, emotion, and sentiment within their photographs. The images should stir you in some way. Many people are choosing photographers who specialize in a journalistic approach of photography for their wedding portraiture, (this is a more candid and natural style). There is, however, a place for those traditional staged shots of family groups… but those in the group should look like they are having fun, even Aunt Ethel!
3. Artwork and Additional Services – Just as important as the captured image, is the artwork performed afterwards. This is where the current technology of the camera, computer and software gives the photographer his edge. It is amazing the difference even a small amount of experienced artwork can make to a finished portrait. For example: swapping heads, adding family members, slimming, removing braces, and so much more. Click on “Artwork” at the left for a presentation of “before” and “after” images. Also, ask the photographer about their other products and services such as custom announcements, unique wedding albums and sign-in books, special framing, photo restoration, personalized collages, hard-bound portrait books, or even salon services.

4. Ask about experience: A strong background in art, as well as photography is very beneficial. This strongly influences the quality of your portrait. Second: Ask how long they’ve been working in the field. This lets you know that they will conduct themselves professionally on the job, especially with the intensity of a wedding. If you are on a tight budget, hiring a less experienced photographer could save you a little money. However, the old adage, “You get what you pay for” is most often the case, and the best advice is that this is one area where you should not intentionally skimp.

5. Check references – A friend’s recommendation is helpful in finding a good photographer. However, you should still ask for references or testimonials of their work. You want to choose a photographer who is consistent in their quality.

6. Communicate – The photographer should have a clear understanding of your expectations. When you meet with the photographer discuss the services provided and the fees involved. If it is a wedding, ask for a copy of the wedding contract. This is for your protection as well as the photographer’s. Make sure you read and understand the contract, because this helps avoid any future misunderstandings.

Speaking of weddings, there are a couple other things that you should know:

If you’re dealing with a studio that employs a number of different wedding photographers, be sure you are viewing the samples of the actual photographer who will be assigned to your wedding. You’d be surprised by how often studios show prospective clients the work of photographers who will have nothing to do with their wedding!

Also, understand how reorders of photos will be handled. Traditionally, photographers have always kept the negatives, meaning that any additional photos you may want in the future would have to be acquired through the studio. This is the best way to maintain control over the quality of finished portraits and to ensure the best in printing, coloring and artwork. Because the wedding day is so important to you, some photographers will now allow you to purchase the digital candids from that day. It is important to know precisely what your package price includes so you can accurately compare the cost of one photographer to another.

At Scott Hancock Photography, to ensure your portrait success, we request a consultation with you which enables us to discover the possibilities that are available. In this complimentary consultation, we discuss possible settings available in the studio, outdoors, and location sessions. We’ll also talk about what clothing would be most appropriate. I cannot emphasize enough how important this will be for your portrait’s success!

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Brynne Bonham

Scott Hancock is an amazingly friendly and helpful photographer and an incredibly amiable man. My memories of his studio and his pictures are as wonderful as they could be. Thank you Scott!