Photography by Tom Zeman - Useful Documents

Public Law 106-206 (May 26, 2000) - According to a law passed by the 104th Congress:

(c) STILL PHOTOGRAPHY.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not require a permit nor assess a fee for still photography on lands administered by the Secretary if such photography takes place where members of the public are generally allowed. The Secretary may require a permit, fee, or both, if such photography takes place at other locations where members of the public are generally not allowed, or where additional administrative costs are likely.

(2) The Secretary shall require and shall establish a reasonable fee for still photography that uses models or props which are not a part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

So, if you are photographing on Federal PUBLIC lands, are not using models, and are not altering the landscape, you cannot be required to have a special permit or be charged a special fee. Keeping a copy of this law in your equipment bag may save you some hassles if approached by a park ranger and you present it to him POLITELY. You can download a copy below in PDF format. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to view it:

Federal Law 109-209e - According to Federal law, you are entitled to request a hand check of your film and photographic materials at U.S. airports:

(e) No aircraft operator may use any X-ray system to inspect accessible property or checked baggage unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place at the screening checkpoint or where checked baggage is accepted which notifies individuals that such items are being inspected by an X-ray and advises them to remove all X-ray, scientific, and high-speed film from accessible property and checked baggage before inspection. This sign shall also advise individuals that they may request that an inspection be made of their photographic equipment and film packages without exposure to an X-ray system. If the X-ray system exposes any accessible property or checked baggage to more than one milliroentgen during the inspection, the aircraft operator shall post a sign that advises individuals to remove film of all kinds from their articles before inspection. If requested by individuals, their photographic equipment and film packages shall be inspected without exposure to an X-ray system.

Keeping a copy of this law in your equipment bag may save you some hassles at baggage check, IF you present it to the inspector politely. Especially since this role is being taken over by Federal employees. But never, ever make a scene! Be polite, patient, and respectful. Causing a scene will at best delay your departure. At worst, it might land you behind bars! You can download a copy below in PDF format. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to view it: