In the spirit of Independence Day, I thought some flag etiquette would be fitting! I’ve gotten many requests to shoot with the American flag and as an American; I take the Flag Code very seriously, as should you! Knowing the Dos and Don’ts of photographing our country’s flag is important knowledge! Some of it is common sense but some is not; so I encourage you to read through the following points and remember them if you are ever dealing with the American Flag!
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
- The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. This one is pretty obvious, but just make sure the flag appears right side up and does not appear to be dipping toward a person.
- The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. Again, pretty self-explanatory. Don’t use the flag as draping or a tablecloth. If you purchase a “flag tablecloth” or the like, just know that technically it is not proper and some people viewing your photographs may call you on it.
- The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard (the rope used to raise and lower). This may be a surprising part of the Code considering all the flag paraphernalia available for purchase. Again, although this won’t likely lead to arrest or prosecution, it is a good thing to know that those products are not technically appropriate and some customers (or potential customers) may not like the idea of using props of this nature.
- The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. This calls to question even the wearing of t-shirts etc. with the U.S. Flag on them. Obviously, many customers will likely wear patriotic clothing this time of year and I think using common sense is probably your best approach.
- The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. This one may seem obvious, but don’t add anything to the flag or even edit a picture or other mark over the flag.
- The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. This part of the code was brought into focus by a photo of a baby held in a flag earlier this year. Although most of the responses the photographer received were positive, the initial response was that she was violating the U.S. Code and should not have taken the photograph.
- When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. Make sure no part of the flag is touching the ground and if you’re photographing a folded flag, make sure it is folded in the proper manner.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Make sure any flags you’re using are clean and not in need of mending.
Source:https://www.thelawtog.com/american-flag-portraits-proper/
Thank you all for educating yourself on this important topic! If you take any photos with the American flag this year, tag me… I’d love to see! 🙂
❤︎ Tara T