photographing strangers

[Nicole]

Another helpful link on model releases: Apogee Photo Magazine: Model Releases, a Primer. 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 (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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Thank you very much on that link!

I like it! Very Informative!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Nicole

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!

[bigfrank]

Originally Posted by 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.

So are you saying that your research has proven the information posted earlier in the thread written by the lawyer is incorrect. This would be important to know.

What I noticed was that the lawyer wrote this I think in 2006 or 2007, well after 9/11 and even mentioned the patriot Act didn't even have public photography built into it.

In my own limited personal experience, I have asked at events and on the street. So far the answer has been yes. I was even asked one time why I was taking photos out on the street at buildings and such by a shop owner. I explained that I had borrowed a macro/portrait lens and was trying it out. Once explained, she was interested and I showed her a few snaps I had took and all was well.

And reciently, while working in the San Fransisco bay area, I seen a likely photographic fellow walking down the street. I figured he wouldn't want me taking photos of him, so I thought I could get a candid of him as he strolled. Well, long story short, he seen me and asked if I have got a picture of him. I wasn't sure what to say, so I just said "can I get a picture of you?" and he got all excited and actually posed for me. You can see the snap here..

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vtvbqua85_...DSC_4317EC.jpg

[jim.neff]

Originally Posted by TriciaLynn

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

A few years ago, 2003 maybe, I remember hearing of a case where terrorists where scouting out NYC to attack. They were video taping buildings when NYC police stopped to question them. If I remember correctly, they were somehow linked to a terrorist group. I couldn't find the article on Google, maybe someone else can.

This is why the public is unsure about people taking pictures of buildings and bridges now. In one way I think it is very sad because we have to sacrifice some of our freedom in the name of security. Yeah, you could try to tell the cop to pound sand, but unless you are an attorney or can afford one to defend and then counter-sue it really isn't worth it.

We have the same problem with the lawful ownership of firearms in this country. There was a case in PA earlier this year where a mom was at her daughter's soccer game lawfully carrying her firearm when someone complained. The sheriff revoked her carry permit and she had to go to court where a judge reinstated it. She is now suing the sheriff for damages to her character.

My point being she was abiding by the law when her rights were violated and had to go through a costly court battle to get them reinstated. The same thing can happen with photographers who simply want to take pictures of people or buildings in public. Having your rights on a handy paper might help but if the cop tells you to move along we don't have much choice. It is sad we live in a time of fear like this.

[nybeachcpl]

I live in NY and there were several incidents post 911 where people were stopped photographing power plants, bridges, etc. There have not really been any recent cases to the best of my knowledge.

It's your 1st amendment right to photograph buildings in public places. The police have a job to do and have done it well. That being said, NYC cops are used to people taking pictures of our beautiful city and you shouldn't worry about taking pictures. Be polite and cooperative if appoached and let them see your passion for what your are doing and believe me you'll be fine.

We have one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, not to mention architecture, bridges and people. The city is great. Have fun and snap away.

One Caveat, we love the beach and even when I take pictures of my children or wife some people in the general area get a little antsy.

Merry Christmas

[bigfrank]

Originally Posted by jim.neff

A few years ago, 2003 maybe, I remember hearing of a case where terrorists where scouting out NYC to attack. They were video taping buildings when NYC police stopped to question them. If I remember correctly, they were somehow linked to a terrorist group. I couldn't find the article on Google, maybe someone else can.

This is why the public is unsure about people taking pictures of buildings and bridges now. In one way I think it is very sad because we have to sacrifice some of our freedom in the name of security. Yeah, you could try to tell the cop to pound sand, but unless you are an attorney or can afford one to defend and then counter-sue it really isn't worth it.

We have the same problem with the lawful ownership of firearms in this country. There was a case in PA earlier this year where a mom was at her daughter's soccer game lawfully carrying her firearm when someone complained. The sheriff revoked her carry permit and she had to go to court where a judge reinstated it. She is now suing the sheriff for damages to her character.

My point being she was abiding by the law when her rights were violated and had to go through a costly court battle to get them reinstated. The same thing can happen with photographers who simply want to take pictures of people or buildings in public. Having your rights on a handy paper might help but if the cop tells you to move along we don't have much choice. It is sad we live in a time of fear like this.

Yes, I agree. We lost many rights after 9/11, especially with the Patriot Act. Wait until 4 years from now...

[gh patriot]

Originally Posted by bigfrank

We lost many rights after 9/11, especially with the Patriot Act. Wait until 4 years from now...

I agree. Big brother will probably visit me just for typing this.