Do you need permission to take someones photo on the street?

2 years 5 months ago #727812 by Joe Peterson
My wife and I were taking a walk today and a photographer with what looked like a 70-200mm was taking our photo.  I asked him to stop, and he stated that it's public space that he could take photos of anyone or anything.  Is this true?  I thought you need permission to take photos of people? 


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2 years 5 months ago #727813 by Nikon Shooter
The restrictions are based on the definitions of privacy.

If on the street, in the open — even in a shopping centre — one gives
up the right to his/hers image because in public. On the contrary, if one
is in a private situation, then the right is fully preserved.

Taking a sunbath in own garden with opaque panels is clearly a quest for
privacy but on a a lawn in front of property, potentially visible from public
or across the street grounds is not.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 5 months ago #727818 by icepics
If it's in a public place I think someone with a camera is allowed to take photos. What's done with them depends on how they'd be used. For editorial purposes a release is not needed (although media outlets may request one), and for retail or commercial use permission and releases are necessary.

I would wonder too why someone was taking your photo, and what their purpose was. If the photos are intended for some particular reason the person maybe needed to be asking your permission and having you sign a release.                                          

Sharon
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2 years 5 months ago #727822 by Nikon Shooter
It is not required, legally, to have a release for legitimate pictures taken
in public (read "in non private context") but local legislative specific pre-
scriptions may apply for the end usage. It is your responsibility to be a-
ware of those.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 5 months ago #727832 by icepics
I'm in the US; I've found info. on ASMP to be helpful, or the OP (if in the states) could try PPA.

Sharon
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2 years 5 months ago #727936 by TCav
My philosophy has always been that, with regard to the public, if I can see it, I can photograph it.


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2 years 4 months ago #727971 by Uplander
:agree:  


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2 years 4 months ago #728233 by Roger Lang
Free game, but just good practice.  But then again, I don't do a lot of street photography.  


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2 years 4 months ago #728284 by Uplander
Yep, good practice - ask


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2 years 4 months ago #728305 by TCav

Uplander wrote: Yep, good practice - ask


Rarely practical, but on the odd occasion when it is, yeah.


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2 years 4 months ago #728355 by Chris Briggs
I'm not a big street photography, so personally IF I was going to take a photo, I would ask.  


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