How does the legality behind community content work?
*Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, and this is not legal advice. Please consult your own legal guidance.
Photographing public spaces
Photography in public spaces is a First Amendment-protected right, and almost all public spaces are good for photography. These include parks, roads, libraries, community centers, beaches, etc. However, some public locations, like inside DMVs and courthouses, have specific rules that prohibit photography inside. These "rules" aren't exactly constitutional, but we do abide by them.
Photographing private spaces
Generally, if a private property is open to the public (like a restaurant, retail store, cafe, tourist area, shopping center, etc.), it's a semi-public space, and we can photograph the area—as long as the property does not have a posted rule against photography. Even if no such signs are posted, the property owner can still ask a person to stop photographing the space.
There is always some level of risk associated with photographing private property, so we recommend photographing public spaces for your community content, or asking for the owner of the private space for permission!
Important policies to note for community content
Our photographers will not capture photography of public or neighborhood pools while they are open.
Our photographers will not capture the interiors of private spaces without explicit permission.
Our photographers will do their best to capture all the community spaces requested. Specific locations may have rules about photography capture.