In general, photographing aircraft from public property outside an airport is commonly considered legal, provided you stay outside restricted areas and don’t interfere with airport operations.

Military facilities are more sensitive. Community answers suggest aircraft photography from outside the fence line may still be legal in many cases, but photographing the base itself, buildings, or other activity can attract scrutiny and may be restricted. A cautious rule of thumb is to avoid photographing military buildings or anything that looks like a secure facility unless there’s a public event such as an air show.

Practical advice matters too: don’t trespass, don’t block access roads or emergency/crash gates, and follow any posted signs or instructions from security or law enforcement. If you want certainty around a military base, contacting the base in advance is a sensible idea.

So: commercial airport photography from public areas is usually fine; military aircraft photography from outside the perimeter may be possible, but use extra caution and expect greater attention.