Advocacy Resources  new

Advocacy Resources

### Practical Advice About Covering High-Profile News Stories
This document, prepared in advance of the 2020 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, provides guidance on addressing several issues that may arise when working amid protests at major news events. 

Some Practical Advice About Covering High Profile News Stories

2020_Practical_Advice_about_Covering_High_Profile_News_Stories.pdf

Some practical advice including legal issues, local ordinances, federal trespass and other important items to be aware of when working around major news events.

Covering High Profile News Stories

#### Advocacy Webinar: Critical safety and legal training resources
In response to escalating risks faced by journalists covering civil unrest, the NPPA (working in collaboration with The Intercept’s Press Freedom Defense Fund and the Los Angeles Press Club) [hosted a webinar on June 21, 2025](https://nppa.org/news/791), aimed at preparing media professionals for high-risk reporting environments. 

In addition to the recorded session, here is a [printable checklist](https://d3dv5x9lc36tse.cloudfront.net/NPPA_Protests_Critical_Safety_Guide_Legal_Info_20a7019e6e.pdf) that summarizes key safety practices for preparing to cover a protest.

### Copyright Protection and Resources

NPPA supports strong protections for photographers’ intellectual property rights and opposes measures that would limit those rights. The NPPA also provides resources to help visual journalists protect their copyright.

We believe that any **orphan works legislation** to limit photographers’ rights must include specific and comprehensive requirements for an exhaustive search for the owner of a work – particularly given the fact that many photographs are transmitted without identifying metadata. Any new legislation should protect photographers’ rights to obtain full compensation, attorney’s fees, and statutory damages, for any unauthorized use of a work, and to enjoin unauthorized uses while also making the legal process for enforcing those rights more affordable and accessible. We encourage all visual journalists to register their work with the U.S Copyright Office in order to take full advantage of the protections provided by the Copyright Act.

The NPPA is presenting a series of Webinars on legal issues, narrated by NPPA Attorney Alicia Wagner Calzada, intended to help photographers in their business and in their profession. The first Webinar in the series, "Copyright" is 23 minutes long and discusses the basics of copyright, including when copyright is created, who might own the copyright to an image, basic information about fair use, public domain, copyright registration, copyright notice and things to consider in the case of an infringement.

Important Notice: These sample forms for illustrative purposes. They may not be suitable for your particular circumstances and different agreements or legal arrangements may be necessary depending on your jurisdiction. Therefore, you should not use these samples, or any part, without the advice of competent legal counsel.

Work for Hire Chart

Work_for_Hire_chart.pdf

A work belongs to the employer or commissioning party if the work is a work made for hire. Steps to determine if the work is a work made for hire.

Sample Cease & Desist Letter

cease_and_desist_sample.pdf

An illustrative sample letter for providing a cease & desist notice for unauthorized use of copyrighted work.

NPPA's official comments to the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator

NPPA_IPEC_Comment_03_23_10.pdf

The NPPA's official comment regarding intellectual property violations and enforcement from March 22, 2010 to the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator.

NPPA's comments to the IPEC

Two Easy Steps for Using the DMCA Takedown Notice to Battle Copyright Infringement

Article by attorney Carolyn Wright, explaining how to use the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) for visual journalists whose copyrights have been infringed online.

DMCA Copyright Takedown Steps

**Outside Resources:**
[Instructions on Group Registration of Published Photographs and Group Registration of Unpublished Photographs](https://www.copyright.gov/registration/photographs/index.html)


#### Drone Use for Newsgathering: Legal and Legislative Updates

The links and documents on this page are intended to be a one-stop location where you may read legal and legislative updates and other material. Please also be advised that while NPPA will do it best to updates these links you may obtain more current information elsewhere by doing a specific search.

DISCLAIMER: The following is not to be construed in any way as legal advice regarding the use of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) defined by the FAA as under 55 lbs., or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), all more commonly called “drones.” Your decision to operate any of these devices or aerial platforms for ANY REASON is a personal one and you will be doing so at your own risk given the current FAA position on no “commercial use” (which the FAA construes as almost any use it does not specifically authorize). You may also be liable under a variety of state laws making such use either a crime or subject to civil penalties. Should you have any questions or concerns you are strongly advised to consult with your attorney before taking any action.

Listen to NPPA General Counsel, Mickey Osterreicher, on a [Today's Journalism/Works podcast focusing on drone use](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/setting-out-the-rules-about-gathering-the-news/id916963486?i=1000365027888) by the media for newsgathering.

AMA Petition

AMA_Petition_08_22_14.pdf

The Academy of Model Aeronautics V. FAA petition for review of an order of the Federal Aviation Administration entitled “Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft."

AUVSI Paper

AUVSI_Paper_04_11_14.pdf

This paper introduces the reader to a brief history of manned flight and photography, leading in the natural progression of the two technologies, to sUAS use for newsgathering. 

COGR Petition

COGR_Petition_08_22_14.pdf

Council on Governmental Relations petition for review of an order of the Federal Aviation Administration titled “Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.” 

Equusearch v FAA Order

Equusearch_v_FAA_Order_07_18_14.pdf

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit order in Texas Equusearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team, et. al., v. Federal Aviation Administration, Respondent.

FAA_New_Cease_and_Desist_06_21_14.pdf

Example of a Federal Aviation Administration Cease and Desist letter for operating a Unmanned Aircraft System without a certified pilot or proper authorization.

FAA New Cease and Desist

Huerta v Pirker Amicus

Huerta_v_Pirker_Amicus_05_06_14.pdf

Brief of news media amici in support of Respondent Raphael Pirker.

Pirker_Decision_03_06_14.pdf

This matter is before the Board upon the Appeal of Raphael Pirker, from an Order of Assessment, which seeks to assess Respondent a civil penalty in the sum of $10,000,00 U.S. dollars.

Pirker Decision

Integration_of_Drones_into_Domestic_Airspace_04_04_13.pdf

A report on selected legal issues of integration of drones into domestic airspace by Alissa Dolan and Richard Thompson for the Congressional Research Service.

Integration of Drones into Domestic Airspace

model_aircraft_spec_rule_06_25_14.pdf

This action provides interested persons with the opportunity to comment on the FAA’s interpretation of the special rule for model aircraft established by Congress in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

FAA Model Aircraft Special Rule

News_Media_Coalition_Comments_Supporting_Exemptions_07_16_14.pdf

News Media Coalition's comments in support of video production companies' petitions to the FAA for Section 333 exemption.

News Media Coalition Comments Supporting Exemptions

NPPA_ASMP_Comments_on_FAA_Interpretations_09_12_14.pdf

Comments of the National Press Photographers Association and the American Society of Media Photographers regarding Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

NPPA Comments on FAA Interpretations

OIG_Report_FAA_Oversight_of_UAS_06_26_14.pdf

Office of Inspector General Audit Report titled "FAA faces significant barriers to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system."

OIG Report FAA Oversight of UAS

Petition_Exhibit1_08_22_14.pdf

Federal Communications Commission Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft; Final Rule

Petition Exhibit 1

Petition Exhibit 2

Petition_Exhibit2_08_22_14.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration National Policy on Education, Compliance, and Enforcement of Unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators

UAS_America_v_FAA_08_22_14.pdf

Petition by UAS America Fund for review of an order of the Federal Aviation Administration entitled "Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft."

UAS America v FAA

UAS_Comprehensive_Plan_11_06_13_19.pdf

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Comprehensive Plan: A Report on the Nation’s UAS Path Forward prepared by the Joint Planning and Development Office.

UAS Comprehensive Plan

UAS Roadmap

UAS_Roadmap_2013.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) Roadmap First Edition – 2013

Williams_AFS_80_2014_Legal_Interpretation_01.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration memorandum addressing the use of UAS by public universities to conduct aeronautical research. 

Williams AFS Legal Interpretation

Texas Drone Statute

Texas_Drone_statute.pdf

State of Texas Statues and Codes on use of unmanned aircraft. 

#### Cameras in the Courtroom

NPPA supports efforts to open state and federal courts, including the U.S Supreme Court, to audio-visual coverage. We strongly believe that these efforts will enhance the public’s access to the courts and further strengthen the fair administration of justice. NPPA regularly provides official comments on issues related to cameras in the courtroom, including the recently initiated pilot project by the Judicial Conference of the United States.

We believe that the vision the founding fathers had for an open and public court is not currently realized in our federal court system. All citizens are affected by federal court rulings yet a statistically insignificant number of citizens have access to those courts. Providing electronic coverage of those proceedings is the best way to provide such public access.

If you have questions about cameras in court, or need assistance with an effort to open a court system in public, please contact Mickey Osterreicher.

NPPA General Counsel Mickey Osterreicher testified today,12/3/14, before a House Judiciary subcommittee in support of H.R. 917, The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2013. Osterreicher told Members of Congress that "opening courts to electronic coverage is essential for the public to see that justice is being done, to be assured of the integrity of the process, and to better understand how decisions are made." Read Osterreicher's complete testimony below. View video coverage of Mickey Osterreicher's testimony [here](https://www.c-span.org/video/?323031-1/cameras-federal-courts-legislation).

March 1st, 2010: [NPPA submits comments on changing court broadcast rules to allow Federal Courtroom coverage of trial proceedings in California.](https://nppa.org/news/65a722d72b493b400af2858a)

[Read article in Reynolds Courts & Media Law Journal, Summer 2011](https://issuu.com/rnccm/docs/reynolds_courts_and_media_law_journal_vol1_issue3?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed)

HR_917_Osterreicher_Testimony_12_03_14.pdf

Complete testimony of Mickey Osterrreicher and the NPPA regarding the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2013 before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, IP and the Internet.

Osterreicher House Testimony Courtroom Sunshine

NPPA comments on changing court broadcast rules to allow Federal Courtroom coverage of trial proceedings in California.

NPPA_NDCA_Comment_03_01_10.pdf

Comments of the NPPA in 2010 before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California concerning visual coverage of judicial proceedings.

#### Federal Shield Law

NPPA supports a federal shield law, especially as it relates to photographs, digital files, video outtakes, and negatives. Once enacted, this legislation should provide qualified protection for visual journalists against unwarranted federal subpoenas and coerced testimony. It will also bolster existing shield laws that are found in most states by protecting against forum shopping for federal prosecution to get around local shield laws.

#### Media Access to Government

All three branches of government must work to ensure that journalists – and through them the public – have access to places and events controlled by the government.

We believe that media access under the current administration has become more limited. For example: visual journalists are being kept out of significantly more presidential events while the White House offers handout photos instead. This severely restricts the ability of the press to gather and disseminate news which is an essential part of our democracy. NPPA advocates for the right of the media to be allowed into all public meetings and events.

#### Know Your Rights

In the past few years, with the proliferation of cell phone cameras there has been a significant uptick in conflicts related to recording images in public. In most cases, police and other government officials overstep their authority by trampling upon the rights of visual journalists. In addition, government officials and law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have erroneously relied upon the Patriot Act and post-9/11 anti-terrorism efforts in a push to limit photography in public places.

Below find links and documents that may be helpful in understanding and asserting your right to photograph and record. There are other useful documents for such things as copyright.

*DISCLAIMER – This section is not intended to be legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations vary from one area to another and federal, state or local laws may apply. Anyone seeking legal advice should contact an attorney familiar with these types of situations.*

As a nationally recognized authority on the right to photograph and record audio-visual images, the NPPA advocates for visual journalists in disputes involving interference with that right, including detention and arrest. Our organization is quoted regularly in the reporting of such incidents. The advocacy committee has been instrumental in helping to draft acceptable law enforcement policies and often consults with those police agencies in an effort to improve ongoing education and training of personnel.

For regular updates on NPPA’s day-to-day advocacy efforts, keep up with [NPPA News](https://nppa.org/news).

TSA – Photography Rules: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/can-i-film-and-take-photos-security-checkpoint

IACP Public Recording of Police guidelines which was drafted in significant part by Mickey Osterreicher: https://www.theiacp.org/prop

Photographers should remember- not all police officers understand or respect these rules. If they direct you to move to a different but rear by location (such as out of the street and up on the sidewalk) that may be a reasonable time, place and manner restriction on your First Amendment right to photograph/record. Ordering you to stop or leave the scene entirely (especially if they let other without cameras remain) may be unlawful but it is still a very personal decision whether or not you wish to defy/ignore a police officer’s order and risk arrest. They have the badge and gun and no matter what the law you will lose the argument on the street. It is also illegal for police to order you to delete or destroy your images or for them or a third party to do so.

As for people (including police) – you may photograph them in public without their permission because “there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public place.” But what you do with those images is another story. 

NPPA General Counsel participated in a panel discussion at the Newseum called ['In the Public Eye: Police, Cameras & the Constitution'.](https://www.insidevoa.com/a/in-the-public-eye/2812481.html)

Holding Police Accountable– On Camera, April 10, 2015 - Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), discusses the legal challenges and First Amendment issues that persist around citizen and news media videotaping of police activity. The issue has gained urgency in recent weeks after controversial videos of a police shooting in South Carolina surfaced and the beating by several officers of a man during an arrest in California made headlines across the country.

[A Guide to Photographer's Rights](https://www.diyphotography.net/photographers-guide-1st-amendment-get-arrested/)

 Special thanks to Kimberly McCollough for providing a link to her work,[ Changing the Culture of Unconstitutional Interference: A Proposal for Nationwide Implementation of a Model Policy and Training Procedures Protecting the Right to Photograph and Record On-Duty Police](https://law.lclark.edu/live/files/17810-lcb182art8mcculloughfinalpdf)

#### Lessons learned from D.C.: Tips to prepare and know your journalistic rights on evidence
**Jan. 11, 2021** - We have heard from many of our members with concerns about their rights as police and federal agents seek evidence of the seditious attack on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. While we are not aware of any attempts to request or subpoena evidence from journalists, below is some advice in the event you are asked for footage, outtakes or other journalistic work product related to the events of that day. 

[Here is a list of how you can prepare.](https://nppa.org/news/180)

FPS_Photography_Bulletin_8_2_2010_redacted.pdf

Federal Protective Service informational bulletin regarding the public's right to photograph the exterior of federal facilities.

Photographing Exterior of Federal Facilities

NPPA_UGA_Takeaway_02_02_16.pdf

A short list of tips for preparing for and working during high conflict news events distilled from the symposium First Amendment Issues in Public Spaces, Jan. 22, 2016.

Takeaways for High Conflict News Events

#### Other organizations to contact:

**National Press Photographers Association**
nppa.org 706-542-2506

**The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (VA)**
rcfp.org [Legal Defense Hotline ](https://www.rcfp.org/legal-hotline/) 1-800-336-4243

**National Lawyers Guild (NY)**
nlg.org [Full contact options ](https://www.nlg.org/about/contact-us/) 212-679-5100

**Society for Professional Journalists - Legal Defense Fund (IN)**
https://www.spj.org/ldf.asp (317) 927-8000

**New Media Rights (CA)**
newmediarights.org [Online Contact ](https://www.newmediarights.org/about_us/contact_us ) 619-591-8870

**Committee to Protect Journalists (NY)**
https://cpj.org/emergency-response/ 212-465-1004, ext. 114, 118

**The Student Press Legal Center**
https://splc.org/legalhelp/Legal Hotline 703-807-1904

#### Anti-SLAPP Laws

A SLAPP suit is a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation,” in other words, a lawsuit that targets people who are exercising their First Amendment Rights. Photography is a frequent target of threats through frivolous lawsuits. These suits are often used as weapons to bully citizens and visual journalists in an effort to stifle speech. The NPPA Advocacy Committee worked vigorously to support the passage of an Anti-SLAPP law in Texas, by helping to enact one of the strongest Anti-SLAPP laws in the nation. The NPPA supports efforts to pass a federal Anti-SLAPP law. If you believe you are the target of a SLAPP suit related to your photography, contact the Advocacy Committee.

See the following resources on SLAPP suits and anti-slapp laws.

[The Public Participation Project](https://anti-slapp.org/) - an effort to get a federal Anti-SLAPP law passed.

The First Amendment Project: [Anti-SLAPP Resource Center](https://www.thefirstamendment.org/resources/)

[California Anti-SLAPP Project](https://www.casp.net/)

[Media Law Resource Center Anti-SLAPP Statutes and Commentary](https://medialaw.org/anti-slapp-statutes-and-commentary-2/)

[The Citizen Media Law Project’s guide to state Anti-SLAPP laws](http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/state-law-slapps)

[SlappedinTexas.com, a resource on the Texas Anti-SLAPP law](https://slappedintexas.com/)

#### Access Credentials and Media Policies

The committee is currently working on collecting policies and providing examples of acceptable policies. If you have a media policy, a credentialing contract, or a pool agreement that you are able to share with the committee, please forward it to advocacy@nppa.org.

[How Do I Get Press Credentials?](https://nppa.org/resources/press-credentials)
NPPA's general counsel, Mickey H. Osterreicher, and Advocacy Committee member Alicia Wagner Calzada answer common questions about how to get press credentials, police department policies on press access and credentials, and event credential agreements. This resource is a new service prepared by NPPA's Advocacy Committee not just for NPPA members, but for all photographers as part of NPPA's efforts to help photographers with professional business development practices.

#### Judicial Advocacy

The NPPA occasionally files lawsuits on behalf of its members when appropriate.

The NPPA participates in a broad range of amicus (friend of the court) briefs when a case pending before an appellate court will have long-ranging impact on First Amendment or copyright issues.

**2011**

[Leigh v. Salazar](https://www.rcfp.org/wp-content/uploads/imported/20110602-amicusbriefinleighvsalazar.pdf), which argued in favor of access for photojournalists seeking to document a wild horse round-up. See [related article](https://www.rcfp.org/horse-roundup-site-must-be-accessible-reporters-committee-argues/).

[ACLU v. Alvarez](https://www.rcfp.org/wp-content/uploads/imported/20120730_122734_rcfpaclualvarez.pdf) which argued against an eavesdropping in Illinois that has led to arrests for videotaping police activity even when there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. See [related article](https://www.rcfp.org/first-amendment-prevents-prosecution-recording-police-performance-pu/).

[McBurney v. Young](https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/Opinions/Published/111099.P.pdf) - arguing that a citizenship requirement in Virginia’s FOI laws is unconstitutional

**2010**

[WIAA v. Gannett](https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca7/10-2627/12/) - arguing that a high school athletic association does not have a right to sell exclusive web broadcasting rights and restrain the length of news footage of a game. 

[Milner v. Dept. of Navy](https://www.rcfp.org/media-groups-file-brief-supreme-court-foia-case/) - arguing against a broad interpretation of an exception to the Freedom of Information Act

[Snyder v. Phelps ](https://www.rcfp.org/wp-content/uploads/imported/20100715-amicusbriefinsnydervphelps.pdf)- arguing, without supporting defendant, that a law against offensive protesting would undermine the First Amendment - [Related article](https://www.rcfp.org/media-groups-files-brief-military-funeral-protesters-case/)

United States District Court for the Northern District of California - The NPPA submited a comment supporting the approval of the revision of Civil Local Rule 77-3Â as an exception to the current prohibition against the taking of photographs, public broadcasting or televising, or recording in connection with any judicial proceeding in the courtroom or its environs. See: NPPA Comments document below.

**2009**

[U.S. v. Stevens](https://www.rcfp.org/press-groups-urge-protection-animal-cruelty-coverage/) - arguing that a law prohibiting documentation of animal cruelty would affect journalists and violate the First Amendment.

**2008**

Greenberg v. National Geographic - asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit a landmark copyright decision that allowed magazines and newspaper publishers to create and sell electronic archives of their previously published works without infringing on copyright. 

**2005**

New York State Cameras in the Court

#### Legislative Advocacy

The NPPA monitors national legislation for its impact on visual journalists, and weighs in if it feels a bill will affect their intellectual property rights or first amendment rights.

The NPPA also works with state legislators and administrative agencies when laws impact journalists, or have the potential to do so.

#### Federal Legislation

NPPA submits comments in response to a request from the U.S Office of Management and Budget through the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) for written recommendations regarding intellectual property violations and enforcement. See file below this section.

NPPA visits Capitol Hill on a regular basis and is involved in federal legislative advocacy efforts with the support of our pro-bono counsel at the prestigious firm of Covington & Burling. Recent legislative lobbying issues have included:

Support for a Federal Shield Law;

Efforts to limit the negative impact of proposed Orphan Works legislation;

Military Embed Policies;

Dover Photo Ban;

White house access;

Photography rules in National Parks.

#### State Legislation

Connecticut - A law was proposed in Connecticut that would have given a cause of action to anyone who was stopped from taking pictures in public by police. We reached out to the senator who proposed the bill and offered our support and offered testimony, although the hearing had already passed by the time we learned of it. The law passed Senate but the [House let it die](https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=1206&which_year=2011&SUBMIT1.x=0&SUBMIT1.y=0). 

Iowa- A law that would ban photography of farms without the consent of the property owner bill passed the House, committee in other chamber, and is still being considered. The Iowa legislative session ended without enacting the bill. 

Florida- A similar bill was proposed in Florida. We reached out to the legislators involved and pointed out the conflict regarding photography from a public street. They amended bill. We still opposed this bill because it will impose serious burdens on journalists, even if they are on property with permission. The bill was [indefinitely postponed](https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/1246/) and withdrawn from consideration and the legislative session is over.

Texas- A lawsuit that targets someone for exercising their First Amendment rights is called a â€œSLAPP suit.â€ NPPA Attorney Alicia Wagner Calzada was involved in extensive lobbying efforts to get a strong Anti-SLAPP bill passed in Texas. Almost 30 U.S. juridictions now have an anti-SLAPP law, with Texas now having one of the strongest (there is also new anti-SLAPP for DC). The committee is considering getting involved in an effort for a federal Anti-SLAPP law. For more information go to http://www.slappedintexas.com.

#### Media Access in Sporting Events

The 2007 Illinois state high school football championship game was a shut-out—of news photographers. In an article for the DePaul Journal of Sports Law and Contemporary Problems, Alicia Wagner Calzada discusses this case and others, and the issues involved.

shutout-published_version.pdf

The question of media rights in high school and college sports is a complex one involving an intersection of property rights, intellectual property rights, contract rights and First Amendment rights.

Shut Out: The Dispute over Media Access Rights in High School and College Sports

#### Other Resources

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: [How a wave of protests across the nation has tested police-press relations](https://www.rcfp.org/wp-content/uploads/imported/PPTP.pdf), and what it means for journalists who cover them. 

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): [Know Your Rights as a Photographer](https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights?redirect=free-speech%2Fknow-your-rights-photographers#i-want-to-take-pictures-or-shoot-video-at-a-protest), including other links to additional resources. 

[Guide to photography on transit systems throughout the country](https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Subway_FAQ:_Photo_Permit_Information).

[Guide to photography and video recording on Amtrak](https://www.amtrak.com/photography-video-recording-policy)

[Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Resources](https://www.rcfp.org/resources/). 

[Guide to the protections found under the 1st Amendment. ](https://www.rcfp.org/resources/first-amendment-handbook/)

[RTDNA State-by-state guide to cameras in the courtroom.](https://courts.rtdna.org/index.php)

[General advice regarding photographers rights. ](http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm)

[A Guide to Reporting on Occupy Wall Street](http://www.dmlp.org/blog/2011/citizens-guide-reporting-occupywallstreet)

[Cell Phone Guide to protecting your cell phone when covering a protest](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/10/cell-phone-guide-occupy-wall-street-protesters-and-everyone-else)

[FAQ: What are the Rights of Reporters Covering Protests?](https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/faq-what-are-rights-reporters-covering-protests/)

DHS rules regarding photography of DHS activities, personnel, suspects and defendants

DHS_Directive_111-03.pdf

The disclosure of official information to the news media will be fully coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs and its organizational elements under the following guidelines