Selling street photography uk

[stewart0502]

Ok so i've been reading a few articals and am compleatly confused if i take a photo in public of a person or crowd in public like people on a high street do i need model releses for all the people in the photo to sell it?

[ChrisAdval]

I know you mentioned you're in the UK, but I just wanted to share on how it is for the U.S. as it may or may not be similar. If you're selling the photos, you need model release from the people only if you can see their faces, or anything unique that indentifies them like tattoos, scares, etc... but clearly noticeable.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by stewart0502

Ok so i've been reading a few articals and am compleatly confused if i take a photo in public of a person or crowd in public like people on a high street do i need model releses for all the people in the photo to sell it?

In the UK there is NO requirement in law to have a model release to use the image for ANY purpose.
If the subject or any person in the image objects then they can do so on the grounds that the photo is libelous or defamatory.

i.e. if you have a picture of a crowd scene in which people are recognisable and it is captioned along the lines of "people rioting and looting at xxx" and in fact it is not a picture of a riot then the publishers could end up with a lawsuit for libel.

Or if you have a picture of an individual coming out of a doorway and it is captioned "mr xxx leaving a brothel after doing the biz....." when it is nothing of the sort then again the publisher can be sued for libel.



That said, if you want to lodge the images with a stock site they will ask for releases for any image with recognisable people. I have never been asked for a release from any publication, I have however been asked for releases from an ad agency wanting to use the image for use to advertise a product.

Although there is no actual privacy law in the UK some of our (so called) celebrities have tried to use the 'uman rites' act to try and block publication of some images. Not something which should ever get anywhere in a court in the UK.

Conclusion - in the UK there is NO requirement for a release but as an ar$e covering exercise it is always best to get them when possible.

[Jim Bryant]

Everywhere I traveled I have release forms printed in that country's language, so that the subjects can sign. I know it's a hassle, but it's worked for me.

[stewart0502]

Thanks really appreciate the information

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