An estimated 2,400 selfies are posted every second on social media. These images come from a range of people and places, and while some of them were taken with permission, others weren’t—and that could get the photographer into serious trouble.
Taking pics at home, in your car, or in other places where no permission is needed is perfectly fine. But not every place on the planet can be photographed or serve as a backdrop for a selfie.
The rise in posting profile pictures (PFPs) has blurred the lines between personal and public spaces and raised legal and ethical concerns.
We’ve put together a list of commonly visited places where people like to take photos. In most of these, there are rules you must follow when taking photos; in some, the practice is outright forbidden. If you happen to visit any in the near future, here’s what you need to know.
Religious and Cultural Sites
Cathedrals, mosques, and Native American sacred grounds are often visited by tourists keen to take a selfie, especially if the structure is ornate or unique. At most of these, taking photos of the exterior is no issue and is common—that’s how all those travel sites promote such attractions.
However, due to the cultural sensitivity of worship, the interior of a religious building is where you need to take care. If there are “no-photo” signs around, it’s a no-brainer: follow the rules. If there aren’t any signs, be respectful of the environment. You should never take pictures of other people who are worshipping, or the religious leaders, unless you’ve asked their permission. Always turn your flash off, as flash photography can disrupt a ceremony or a worshipper’s spiritual moment.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
We’ve all posted pics of a sick family member in their hospital bed. We often do this to reach others on social media to let them know how the sick person is doing. Most of the time, that’s perfectly acceptable. But there are some areas of the hospital where photography is not permitted. You may want a picture together of you with the doctor who saved your life, but ask them first; they may prefer anonymity, and that’s perfectly fine.
The medical industry is strictly regulated, and federal HIPAA laws protect staff and patient privacy at healthcare facilities. Never take pictures of the nurses’ station or other patients and their visitors, since doing so constitutes an invasion of their privacy. Consider how much you’d like a random stranger taking a picture of you at work or going about your business—that’s exactly how they feel.
Government Agencies and Military Facilities
Like some religious structures, certain federal and state buildings are centuries old and Instagram-worthy. Once again, taking photos of the exterior may be permitted, but security, police, or soldiers stationed around such sites are generally off limits. Most government buildings display “no photo” signs, as what goes on inside isn’t for public knowledge.
Military facilities have a strict zero-tolerance policy for photos. Sensitive national security information is kept in these places, so any image taken could turn into a significant leak and place the entire country at risk.
Classrooms and Exam Halls
Taking photographs of children, especially if they’ll be made public (such as on social media), requires the express consent of their parent or guardian. Classrooms are “safe spaces” for many children, so taking photos violates their privacy. A teacher can instruct when and how photos can be taken if permitted.
Taking photos in an exam hall is forbidden, and the reason is rather obvious. Exam materials are sensitive pieces of information, and sharing them can be considered cheating. Most schools and colleges ban cameras and phones from exam halls.
Courtrooms and Prisons
A closed session in court means that only the judge and the counsel—and jury if required—are present in the courtroom. No members of the public or press are allowed, and any photography by those present is strictly prohibited. In an open court, where the press is allowed, some photography could be allowed. Before the court proceedings, the bailiff may instruct the attendees on the rules around photography, or the judge may make it clear when they’ve arrived. Some judges welcome photos and sketches of their courtroom, so always wait for their instruction.
Photography in and around prisons is generally prohibited. Images of prison areas open the site up to security leaks and provide options for people looking to sneak contraband in or prisoners out. Prisoner privacy and safety are additional reasons why pictures can’t be taken. Phones and cameras need to be left with security before entering most correctional institutions.
Casinos
Many casinos and entertainment complexes are visually spectacular and worth taking photos of. There are usually no rules about what pics can be taken of the exterior. It’s inside where the lines are sometimes blurred. If it’s a casino complex with restaurants and other entertainment activities, photos are usually allowed.
However, photography is never permitted on the gaming floor. Whether you’re in a casino in New Zealand with the best pokies selection in town or a dated gambling hall in Old Vegas, you can’t take a pic of it. Player and dealer privacy is one of the primary reasons photos are forbidden, as is gaming floor security and the potential for cheating. There are sensitive operational processes that go on in casinos that the management doesn’t want captured on camera.
Think Before You Click
Although you may feel an urge to capture a cute PFP when visiting one of the places above, doing so is not always permitted. If you’re anywhere other than your own home, take a quick moment to consider whether you’re allowed to take the pic or not. If there are “no photo” signs, that’s easy; you must comply, even if others around you are freely taking selfies. If in any doubt, ask someone official; nobody wants to end up paying a fine or heading to prison for something they didn’t mean to do. Go ahead and change your PFP to something new, just be sure you haven’t broken any rules to get the image.