photographing strangers

[desi]

Hello!
I am interested in photographing strangers when I am out and about. Sometimes I see an interesting face and want to shoot it. I am feeling timid about approaching folks, though, to ask for their photo.

I would love to hear back from you all about your experience with this. How do approach people you don't know for a shot? What do you say? What responses have you had?

Also, I am thinking I should ask them to sign a model release just in case it could be published someday - that's a long shot right now but I am hopeful! How would you approach this as well?

Thanks in advance for your replies!
Desi

[Quamen]

Is a release form required if you're shooting someone in a public place?

[Merlyn]

Check out this link. Good info for shooting pics and your legal rights.
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Written up by a lawyer. Good to make a copy and carry with you when shooting.

[lisa nolan]

Good info Merlyn - thanks.

I'm also interested in knowing how people approach taking photos of strangers. Do you just shoot what you want, or do you generally ask first? I'm pretty timid and so far feel pretty uncomfortable taking pictures of strangers, especially when they know I'm photographing them.

[Kate]

That reminds me of when I was out photographing some of the parks and old buildings in our town...I went by the fire station and all the big trucks were outside and of course I rushed to take them (I knew my grandkids would love them) While I was there the police came and questioned me about what I was doing and where I was from, etc. Be careful what you photograph now!!

[MzChristine]

Knowing your "right" to photograph people in public and actually being brave enough to do it are 2 different things.. I'm thinking about getting some of those moo cards printed up with my flickr address to give to people who ask "Hey.. why are you taking my picture"

[mlai]

Good idea. Maybe post the pics online for them to see, or give a few free prints.

[Learner]

Great idea! I third the motion.

[Darren Rowse]

I don't do model releases but generally ask permission. I outlined my process in this post (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/photographing-people-when-traveling/).

[NeuroVision]

Thank you, Darren for your insightful tips on the topic of photographing people.

You mentioned that you always seek a guardian's permission before photographing children. I would like to add that even if permission is given, parents can be wary of where their child's photos may "show up". After taking pictures at a friend's son's birthday party, I quickly learned to tell everyone that the hostess would have control of the photos and would post them on a site that was available by invite only. This comforted most parents and some asked me later if they could get some pics of their kids on CD. Several months later, one family from this party asked me to shoot their holiday photos, so I was very happy to make these connections!

[Darren Rowse]

very wise NV - I'm increasingly aware of taking photos of kids and the different implications that it can have. Very tricky.

[photonoob]

Anonymous 'faces in the crowd' thing, where no one person is the focus of the picture, I'd go ahead and snap away. But if one face is the point of the picture, then ask - either before or after, if you don't want to make your subject self-conscious.

It's not photography, but I work in radio and frequently have to go up to total strangers and ask them questions and so on. It's nerve-wracking at first, but I've gotten used to it. Be polite, say 'excuse me', and most people will be civil in return, is what I've found. They may say no, but they'll do it politely; they may say yes, and be rather flattered.

[Fraggleroxer]

to stay within the law, i use the "Were are my feet rule"

if you are standing on public property, you are ok to shoot whatever you want, even if your subject is on private property. this includes crime scenes, goverment building etc... its important to know ur rights as a photographer..check out this website:

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm


happy shooting all

[barrie]

I tend to shoot first then show the photo to the person and offer to either delete it or email it to them. So far I've had great interactions with people doing this. No one has asked me to delete their photos and now that I have their email address I have a way to reach them if I want to get a release at a later date. Plus they are usually thrilled that I am just giving them the photo, not charging for it.

In some settings, if the person sees me about to take the photo I will point to the camera with a questioning look on my face like I am asking if it's ok. So far, I've only gotten yes nods.

In other settings, like at a group function where I am acting as the recorder for the event, I will announce up front why I am taking photos and ask if there is anyone that doesn't want theirs taken. If anyone says no I will tell them that if they accidently show up in one of the shots that I will delete it. That seems to put people at ease.

When I first started out taking photos of people in public places it made me pretty uncomfortable. I just try to be as respectful as I can. What I find is that most people tend to actually like it - especially if you have a camera that makes it look like you know what you're doing even if you don't, like me!

[Fraggleroxer]

my suggestion is to use a medium throw lens, like a 50mm prime. that way, it forces u to get close and interact, capturing the moment, instead of stealing it, with a long zoom lens.

[Bail]

I attend a drag racing strip in NY quite often. My purpose is not photographing but for racing. Every once in awhile there is a guy standing right behind the barrier at the light tree with a camera shooting pictures. A lot of people I race with get annoyed by him. Why? I have no clue. A neat thing he does though is when people are heading back to staging, He has his assistant handing out business cards with his Info and website. On the back of the card is a password. When you go to the site and enter in the password, all of the photos he took that day are displayed with a huge watermark on it. You are then able to pay for the image or pay for a print.
I thought that was an ingenious idea. I would like to do that for the local bands here. The club they play at allows photography and/or video.

As for strangers, I'm not sure.
I would like to photograph women,
But I am a shy guy when it comes to asking random people questions. Especially women! I practice on the beggers in a town not to far. I make sure to pick out the artsy ones over the "Hey gimme a dollar!" with whiskey on their breath type. The ones I run into play musical instruments, Dress in very weird outfits and are generally nice. I do a "walk by" first to make sure they are not schizo, bi-polar, crazy and to make sure they won't cause me harm. I approach and say "Hi, I was wondering If I could get a couple of pictures of you playing your instrument? I will toss you a couple of dollars in return". I have never been turned down by them. I also give them tips afterwards to make even more money that I've learned from a couple of homeless people in Washington D.C. "Whenever someone puts any paper bills into the collection plate, pocket it right away! That way when other people walk by, They see you have no money and they might give or give more". I told one guy that and next time I ran into him, he thanked me and even paid for my parking.
Why do I choose the homeless? I have no friggin clue! I find them interesting so I get interesting photos.

[Fraggleroxer]

as for the first part of ur post:
that photographer is smart as hell. thats how u make money right there. what did it cost him to shoot that? NOTHING! its all profit. even if he only sells a few prints, thats money in the bank

second part:

i think that alot of people are attractive to shooting the homeless is because we seek out what is different to us. it wouldnt be as excited of a picture if it was somthing we were use to, if u know what i mean. i plan on living in a crack-house for a few weeks after winter breaks. i really want to get to know them for awhile, before i even pull out a camera. keep up the good work mate.

[Bail]

Not sure where your from but bunking up with the homeless or the addicts is a very bad idea if you ask me. Your asking to get stabbed or robbed. Someone tried that around my area and he ended up getting stabbed and his photographic equipment stolen along with his clothes, wallet and his car. In my area, most if not all of the homeless are major drug and/or alcahol addicts.

Drug addicts are even worse. They will steal anything that is easy to steal! Your 20D could get a lot of crack.

[agirlandherlens]

I'm right there with you on being uncomfortable asking others... but its one of those things that we, as photographers, have to deal with if we are going to venture into portrait photography.

If you don't have their face in the picture, you don't need a model release.

If you're doing general shots and people are in them (like kids playing at a park but you're not focusing on any certain one), then I would say you don't have to explain yourself, but be ready (its always handy to have a card or be willing to get rid of their pictures).

Flattery only works with certain types of people. Don't act like you're coming on to them. Just strike up a conversation (you can use small talk, if you're into that sort of thing), or just ask them if they wouldn't mind giving you a second to help further your hobby/career. ALWAYS offer proofs and let them know your full intentions! Setting up an e-mail strictly for this purpose is a great idea, especially if they have questions later. But do always have a model release handy. Hey, if they don't oblige to sign it, you're still getting some practice in!

Bottom line, unless you're psychic (chances are... you're not), you'll never know what they're going to say until you ask. I know, I know... easier said than done... but just try putting yourself in their shoes and approach them how you'd like to be approached. <- Though, strike that last remark if you're into bad lines and cheesy come-ons! : )

Good luck! Remember, there are plenty of us out there that feel your pain!

[NaturesPixel]

to stay within the law, i use the "Were are my feet rule"

if you are standing on public property, you are ok to shoot whatever you want, even if your subject is on private property. this includes crime scenes, goverment building etc... its important to know ur rights as a photographer..check out this website:

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm


happy shooting all

Zach.. is this just American rule.. or can we photograph people in the streets in Canada or Australia.. do you know???

[Nicole]

Zach.. is this just American rule.. or can we photograph people in the streets in Canada or Australia.. do you know???

That is the American rule, though it may be the same elsewhere. You would be best checking to see what local laws apply to you. A very broad "rule" that is likely to be ok in most cases is that as long as the person is in a public place and doesn't have the expectation of privacy you're going to be ok in photographing them.

It's a bit difficult to give any hard and fast legal rules on a site like this because of it's global nature, and what may be true for one country may get you in all sorts of trouble somewhere else.

[Fraggleroxer]

That is the American rule, though it may be the same elsewhere. You would be best checking to see what local laws apply to you. A very broad "rule" that is likely to be ok in most cases is that as long as the person is in a public place and doesn't have the expectation of privacy you're going to be ok in photographing them.

It's a bit difficult to give any hard and fast legal rules on a site like this because of it's global nature, and what may be true for one country may get you in all sorts of trouble somewhere else.

Woops. sorry, wasnt paying attention to this thread... this is rule is based on American law. the best thing to do is found some kind of union or orgnizaton...like im part of the asmp (American society of media photographers) and they have lawyers who will answer questions for you for free about laws and such.

[hitkaiser]

For the UK you can take all the photos you want if youre standing in public propery

BUT u may not harass people with photos, that is defined as taking more than one photo of the same person

[Nicole]

One of the things that the Wellington Flickr Group did was a few of us got together and did some street portraits in exchange for chocolate (http://flickr.com/photos/tags/wnportraitforchocolate/). I've seen this idea on several websites (http://www.photojojo.com/content/photo-projects/how-to-shoot-street-portraits/) and always thought it was interesting. Walking up to strangers and asking to take their picture is not exactly something I'm comfortable doing, but we had some very outgoing people with us who were more than willing to.

What we did was tape up a few pieces of coloured posterboard against a wall in a busy area of town and started asking people if they would let us take their picture in exchange for a piece of chocolate. We gave them a sheet of paper with how they could find their picture online and snapped away. We wound up taking pictures of about 50-ish people in an hour or so and had heaps of fun, and even told a bunch of people about flickr in the process.

So, if you're nervous about taking pictures of people and don't mind doing posed shots like this, it's actually a really fun project for a group of people and you don't come off seeming too creepy ;)

And some people are so enthusiastic about participating that it's great!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/305512366_34eb1d421f_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolesphotos/305512366/)

[ron.richardson]

if you are standing on public property, you are ok to shoot whatever you want, even if your subject is on private property. this includes crime scenes, goverment building etc...

the only problem with that thinking is that, in the united states that is, the person being photographed must not have a "reasonable expectation of privacy". if you are on a public sidewalk, and you are using a telephoto lens to take a picture of a person inside their house, that is illegal. if they are out on their porch, then it's ok, however, not necessarily ethical.

i know i personally wouldn't want my photo taken while i'm on my own porch or yard, unless the photographer approached me and stated his/her intentions.

[Nicole]

the only problem with that thinking is that, in the united states that is, the person being photographed must not have a "reasonable expectation of privacy". if you are on a public sidewalk, and you are using a telephoto lens to take a picture of a person inside their house, that is illegal. if they are out on their porch, then it's ok, however, not necessarily ethical.

i know i personally wouldn't want my photo taken while i'm on my own porch or yard, unless the photographer approached me and stated his/her intentions.

I think that this is actually a pretty safe rule to follow wherever you are. I know that the rule is similar in New Zealand.

[Learner]

Nicole. I checked out Flickr site thread (slideshowed it) ?> How did you avoid red-eye so well and did you have a blue board up for people to stand in front of?Thanx for showing these. and your answer.

[Nicole]

Nicole. I checked out Flickr site thread (slideshowed it) ?> How did you avoid red-eye so well and did you have a blue board up for people to stand in front of?Thanx for showing these. and your answer.

Thankfully it was a sunny day, so I just used a wide aperture (f/5.6) to let in as much light as possible, so I didn't have to use my flash, hence avoiding red-eye. With some of my shots I wound up lightening them in post-processing, but that seemed to work well.

We did have a blue board for people, we had blue, yellow, and red. Red was by far the least popular for some reason, strange what colours people prefer :)

[Learner]

Another great tip. Thanks Nicole. I always learn something from you. Bless You and Happy,Healthy, Holy Holiday and New Year.

[BLUEMEANIE]

That reminds me of when I was out photographing some of the parks and old buildings in our town...I went by the fire station and all the big trucks were outside and of course I rushed to take them (I knew my grandkids would love them) While I was there the police came and questioned me about what I was doing and where I was from, etc. Be careful what you photograph now!!

I got hassled by the cops for shooting river bridges along the mississippi not too long ago. Didn't even cross my mind that they don't want you doing that any more.
You really do have to be careful what you photograph now.

[googlit]

I knew a girl who went to Washington DC and wanted a pic of the white house. The minute she raised the camera to her face, a guard/cop came over and told her that there were two guns trained on her and that she'd better put the camera down.

Careful, indeed. It's crazy out there.

[PnwGuy]

I was out trying to get some sunset shots along the lakefront, but the clouds decided it wasn't to be. As I was walking back to my car I saw a gal (about 30 or so?) walking briskly along the sidewalk and right in front of her was a beautiful black lab carrying his entire leash in his mouth. It was coiled up and hanging out of his mouth and he was trotting right along.

They were a ways off and coming towards me. I still had my camera on the tripod so I set the tripod down and got set up for a shot. As she approached she asked if I was taking pictures of her dog. I said I was trying to and asked if she minded. She said she DID mind (in not too kind of a voice) and asked me to please not take any pictures of her dog.

I was a little dumbfounded. Then a little embarrassed, then wondered if I should have asked her first before setting up. I respected her wishes and didn't take any shots, but I was quite surprised she reacted that way.

It was my first venture into public photos of something other than landscape and I guess I felt shot down and wondered if I did something wrong. Any thoughts?

[barrie]

I don't really get her being upset that you were taking pix of her dog. I wonder if she thought you were taking photos of her, even though she said her dog. Why would anyone care about their pet being photographed?

[PnwGuy]

I don't really get her being upset that you were taking pix of her dog. I wonder if she thought you were taking photos of her, even though she said her dog. Why would anyone care about their pet being photographed?

I know, that's what puzzles me. My girlfriend was with me too so it's not like I was some creepy fella with a camera. Maybe she thought I was some creepy fella with a camera and a girlfriend? Maybe she was having a bad Christmas, who knows?

I even offered her the link to Flickr and she rudely declined. Oh well. Now I know I could never be paparazzi, my ego couldn't handle it. :-)

[Ptollemy]

Hi,

I'm new to the board, and following this thread with great interest.

I recently researched the privacy laws re photographing strangers in public. A minefield indeed!

As a amateur photographer I don't need to get permission to take photographs of strangers in public if the photogrpahs are for my private use only.

However if I intend to publish these photos in anyway (including uploading them to a internet web site) and the person's face can be clearly seen, or they were photographed in a way that they are easily identifiable, then I do need to get their permission.

It seems that the laws are geared less to the expectation of privacy and more towards the control over your own personal image [ie I don't expect complete privacy walking down the street, but I can expect not to see a photo of me walking down the street splashed all over the web, or used for advertising in a magazine or for sale as a postcard :)].

Re press photography; I think the laws are a little different in that regard, but I didn't inquire. :)

And yes, you definitely need to be aware of what public buildings photograhy. I was recently asked why I was photographing a Government building, but once I explained it was the architecture I was interested in, and offered to how my photos, the security guard was happy and left me in peace. :)

[waassaabee]

Knowing your "right" to photograph people in public and actually being brave enough to do it are 2 different things.. I'm thinking about getting some of those moo cards printed up with my flickr address to give to people who ask "Hey.. why are you taking my picture"
I was thinking something along the line of the moo card would be beneficial as well, what's a moo card??

[andy206uk]

see www.moo.com

(basically little business cards with photos on the back!)

[MzChristine]

andy206uk - thanks for posting the link for me.. kids home for holidays has drastically reduced internet time!

I ordered a 100 pack of those cards the week before Christmas and got them the day after the holiday. They turned out so nice that it's a good thing I got 2 of each photo because I don't want to give them away! To make things even better I showed them to some of my family and they were really impressed those were my very own photos (the bums never look at my photostream, darn it all!)

Now I can't wait to take strangers' photos so i can hand them out and I have the perfect chance. I'm going to Vegas for 2 weeks!

[RandomConnections]

The Moo Cards are great. I keep some with me all the time, especially when I'm out shooting for identification, etc., etc.

Moo printed up one set for me, but left the ".com" off of my web address. They sent me another set of 100, but it had the same mistake. The third set was finally correct. The company was very apologetic, and was quite helpful during the process. Basically I got 300 for the price of 100 - I just pencil in the ".com" on the incorrect cards and still use them.

[PixelsPhotog]

Is a release form required if you're shooting someone in a public place?

A release form is not necessarily for the shooting of a photo but rather for the production or "USE" of a photo. As noted in the posts the right to shoot is very broad, however the right to "USE" any photo with a trademarked, copyright, or recognizable face, is very narrow, and this is what the release serves to broaden . So unless you are content with never publishing your work (other than Journalistic purposes), you better get a release. Also make sure the release is properly written to cover all forms of reproduction. It is also wise to give something in return for the signed release. As always IMHE&O.:)

[T-Will]

I just ordered a set of Moo cards. I always have people at friend/family events "what do you do with the pictures" and now I can just hand them one of these cards. :)

[barrie]

Also make sure the release is properly written to cover all forms of reproduction.

Does anyone have a sample of a good general release form that covers all forms of reproduction?

[agirlandherlens]

This first site is <a href="http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag4-6/mag4-6model_releases.shtml"> a good place to start </a> and even has a sample model release that you can put your name on and use.

There are also some good ones to use as starters from sites like:
<a href="http://submit.shutterstock.com/legal.mhtml"> Shutterstock </a>
and <a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/docs/modelrelease.pdf"> i-stockphoto </a>

I hope that helps you and gives you a good starting point. Otherwise, I suggest looking it up on Yahoo with the terms "general model release." There are differences between ones for minors and adults, but the one for minors will usually work for all.

Have a great new year! :)

[freakdiver]

I've taken a new approach in taking pictures in public area where strangers are involved.

1. Acknowledge them by greeting them first.
2. Get them to talk by asking questions that are related to what they are doing i.e. selling something, doing something, etc
3. get them excited by asking questions that requires them to "show-off" on what they are doing i.e. stunts on skateboard, dancing, playing music etc
4. get them excited
5. get them excited
6. if the asked questions about ur camera/activity, answer honestly i.e. personal use, competition, from the press
7. ask them for permission to photograph them
8. show them the LCD

so far, it worked for me. but i admit i rarely use this technique.

[miles]

That reminds me of when I was out photographing some of the parks and old buildings in our town...I went by the fire station and all the big trucks were outside and of course I rushed to take them (I knew my grandkids would love them) While I was there the police came and questioned me about what I was doing and where I was from, etc. Be careful what you photograph now!!

I would have said "what I pay my taxes for" then taken a picture of them too and walked away.

Kidding of course, because I don't even have courage enough to bring my camera out in public usually, let alone use it. Haha.

[incurable-hippie]

For the UK you can take all the photos you want if youre standing in public propery

BUT u may not harass people with photos, that is defined as taking more than one photo of the same person

Thanks for this, hitkaiser. Good to get some UK guidelines on this :)

[incurable-hippie]

I do a "walk by" first to make sure they are not schizo, bi-polar, crazy and to make sure they won't cause me harm.

This is just downright offensive. Firstly, many mental health professionals must envy your skills of psychiatric diagnoses on the basis of 'walking by someone'. And secondly, people who may have schizophrenia or bipolar or any other mental or physical health problem are not automatically dangerous, or offensive, or even 'crazy'.

[TriciaLynn]

I dont understand the whole "dont shoot the bridge" thing. What is it about a bridge that is so off limits?

I am shy about taking pictures of other people too. I am going to get a telephoto lens soon so that I will be more comfortable. I think I would be more comfortable taking along a friend too, just for moral support.

[Saralonde]

I dont understand the whole "dont shoot the bridge" thing. What is it about a bridge that is so off limits?

In this age of terrorism, people are feeling nervous about everything.

[Canon PowerShot A540]

Check out this link. Good info for shooting pics and your legal rights.
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Written up by a lawyer. Good to make a copy and carry with you when shooting.
Wow Thats Very Very Handy Thanks A Lot Merlyn.

[Nicole]

Another helpful link on model releases: Apogee Photo Magazine: Model Releases, a Primer (http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag4-6/mag4-6model_releases.shtml). This covers when you actually need a model release. Thought it would be helpful for those who like to take pictures of strangers but would also like to know when they need a release to use those pictures :)

Oops, just noticed this link was posted a few posts ago, but it's still good reading.

Not sure also if this one has been mentioned, but Dan Heller's site (http://www.danheller.com/model-release.html) (as mentioned by Merlyn in another thread) has some really indepth info about model releases.

[cherubb2]

I do Infant Bereavement Photography and had just done a shoot in the ER department of a local hospital. I not only provide the images for the families but also a DVD slideshow with music. I was leaving the hospital and decided to snap a picture of the entrace of the hospital for the leadin for the slideshow. Well...out of nowhere came hospital security. Asked me what I was taking pictures of? Told me I wasn't allowed to do that. I explained what it was for and then I was escorted to the security office. There the questions continued...fiinally after they spoke to the people in the Bereavement and Social Service Departments who are the ones who call me to come to take pictures in the first place. I was given the number to the Media department and told to call them....yikes. What a mess!

I found out on my last vacation to never try to take pictures while in airport security or going through the customs building...ha ha

[i_luv_ph0tos]

Check out this link. Good info for shooting pics and your legal rights.
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Written up by a lawyer. Good to make a copy and carry with you when shooting.

Thank you very much on that link!

I like it! Very Informative!

[candleman]

I think that this is actually a pretty safe rule to follow wherever you are. I know that the rule is similar in New Zealand.

yes.. its similar in NZ... BUT.. we dont actually have a written bill of rights like america does.So in essence anything can go depending on how much money they have to sue you.


LOLOL even in Rwanda (Kigali International) airport i was asked not to use my camera.
they leave the bagage out on the tarmac AFTER checkin of luggage for you to choose which bag is yours.. you then drag it over to the plane where its loaded int the plane. LOLOLOLOL

[SJH Foto]

In the fall of '06, I drove up to the Northwest Territories from PA, came down into Idaho & drove home (that was about 7000 miles or 12000 km). You can see some of the pictures on my website www.sjhfoto.com. Anyway, while on the road, I just stopped people and told them that I was a professional photographer (which I am) and can I shoot them for my private use-I explained that I wanted to get people in their cultural background (you'll notice that there are few if any people pictures online-I promised not to put them on my site, but I can post a few on forums like this if you want). Most agreed right away, and the few that didn't had their fears dispelled when I gave them a card and showed them some of my work. So my suggestion is to ask, don't be too pushy, and if someone says no, just move on.

You'll be surprised at how nice people are!

P.S. You should see some Manitoba, Montana, and South Dakota people. Priceless!