"Legalities" of photography

[MidwestBeachBum]

Hello to all......I am curious about the legal ramifications of photograping "public" areas like street scenes, bands playing outdoor concerts, park scenes...you get the idea. Also, shooting roadside shots...barnes, horses at a fence, farmers plowing fields, interesting houses or businesses, etc. I've read that street scenes and roadside interests are considered "viewable for the general public" and are photographable (is that a word??)...of course, I would PS out addresses or names and such but do you have to get owner permission or a person's release first?? Any information or links to helpful websites on the subject are greatly appreciated as I don't want to end up in jail or have a heavy fine imposed on me for doing something as innocent as taking a picture!!

[cphoniball]

Bert P. Krages Attorney at Law Photographer's Rights Page

[nateobomb]

i am interested in practicing sports photography by going to some local high school football games. Are there any laws against this? Or laws protecting us while photographing? Been doing some searches in the forums and google and cannot seem to find any info.

[MidwestBeachBum]

Thanks....

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by nateobomb

i am interested in practicing sports photography by going to some local high school football games. Are there any laws against this? Or laws protecting us while photographing? Been doing some searches in the forums and google and cannot seem to find any info.

No law against that. You might want to check with the school's Athletic Director.

[Jim Bryant]

As long as they are in a public setting, they are fair game. You can shoot from the public domain........streets, sidewalks, but if you want to take pictures by actually going on someone private property to get a better angle it's best to ask for permission.

Originally Posted by MidwestBeachBum

Hello to all......I am curious about the legal ramifications of photograping "public" areas like street scenes, bands playing outdoor concerts, park scenes...you get the idea. Also, shooting roadside shots...barnes, horses at a fence, farmers plowing fields, interesting houses or businesses, etc. I've read that street scenes and roadside interests are considered "viewable for the general public" and are photographable (is that a word??)...of course, I would PS out addresses or names and such but do you have to get owner permission or a person's release first?? Any information or links to helpful websites on the subject are greatly appreciated as I don't want to end up in jail or have a heavy fine imposed on me for doing something as innocent as taking a picture!!

[MidwestBeachBum]

Thanks to everyone for all the great info. I bought the book you recommended.