Taking photographs of houses...?

I got a digital camera for my birthday this past June. I love to take pictures of nature, flowers, the sky, sunsets, sunrise, etc. I am also attracted to unique or historic architecture and often go for walks around my city photographing historic homes and buildings.


Is this legal? I have heard recently that a person can't take a picture of another person's house without their permission. Is this true? If I can take pics of people's houses, can I then edit the pictures so the house looks nicer, and post those pictures to public accessed websites? What about public buildings such as libraries, colleges, churches?


I'm not asking for people's opinions about whether or not they would let someone take photos of the outside of their home or not, I want to hear from people with a legal background....


Thank you.

Taking photographs of houses...?
You can take pictures of anything that is in public. Thats why all the movie stars get so pissed. If your taking picture of a house you can't take ones of the inside, unless of course your invited in. And you may be accosted if the people don't like you taking pictures and the police will tell yu to move along but it isn't a crime.





The laws are different in every state but I feel pretty confident that if your out during the day and take a picture of a house it is not illegal. However skidoctor below makes some very good points.
Reply:In my neighborhood, going around taking pictures of people's homes will get you an opportunity to meet some of our local police. Police pretty much have to respond to complaints of something called "suspicious activity". People are uneasy with the type of activity you describe, because you could be planning some sort of crime or burglary. The police know this because it is a tactic used by criminals/





If you have a ligitimate reason for your unusual hobby and your explanation satisfies the police, its all good. However, it is likely they will ask you to leave the neighborhood.





If there is a break-in or other crime committed in the area following your activity, guess who the cops want to speak with?





Photographing public buildings is even worse and will get the attention of police very quickly.





Unfortunately, you have a hobby that may get you more police exposure than you are comfortable with.