Question
Can anyone with a camera shoot whatever he wants? Is there any license or permit that is given to a photographer? Or should a photographer take the permission of the subject he shoots (if it is a person)? Let the country be US.
Answer
Short answer: no. You can't just take pictures of whatever you want.
As others said, you need to contact the local jurisdiction for where you are going to take photographs. And you need to be specific in any request. For example, it is generally considered acceptable for a person to shoot a casual shot or two in Venice Beach. But if you're doing paid work or setting up a crew, etc. you need a permit. In general, private property always requires the permission of the owner. In general, public property in the US is open access except where the local ordinances require a permit. Military and sensitive locations are generally considered off limits. Additional restrictions may apply in some places (such as power plants, power lines, railroads, etc).
It is the photographer's responsibility to have all the legal issues addressed before starting any commercial work. And whatever is true in one place does not mean it is true anywhere else. Some people operate by the "ask forgiveness rather than permission" principle. And often that works but when it doesn't work the consequences are usually worse than if they went through the process at the beginning.
Also keep in mind, in the US since you mentioned it, that model releases and property releases may be required for any commercial use. That has to be arranged with the people involved. Compensation may be required.
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