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07/19/2007 04:33:00 PM · #1
I am sorry if this has already been discussed. Due to the nature of the topic, it is hard to find the right keyword to search through the database.

My question is, what are my rights in terms of taking pictures on the beach or some random street. Am I breaking any laws by taking pictures of people and what not?

Just as a background, I am "new" in the business of public photography and don't want to offend anyone or break any laws.
07/19/2007 04:36:47 PM · #2
Someone will get to mroe fo the legalities for you but.

Its hard to not offend people, i avoid street photography but if your a people person you should be fine. If not i hope you can obtain more skill and courage then me. Skip seems good at it hell get 2 inches from a person he doesnt know and the person ends up being okay with it.

Heh ive been chased down by a cop after taking a picture of his mustang sitting at a gas station.

Dont let that discourage ya at all though
07/19/2007 04:37:38 PM · #3
Print this out and carry it with you.
07/19/2007 04:47:06 PM · #4
Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.


The document in question is indeed a good one for those folks who live in the USA.

Persons living in other jurisdictional areas might be prudent to conduct searches relative to laws in their specifica areas.

Ray
07/19/2007 05:00:12 PM · #5
Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.

Thanks! I will read this thorougly :-)
07/19/2007 05:05:56 PM · #6
Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.


Does anyone know of one of these for Canada. I would be interested in knowing the laws here while I am taking photos.
Thanks!
07/19/2007 05:18:13 PM · #7
Originally posted by macleodn:

Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.


Does anyone know of one of these for Canada. I would be interested in knowing the laws here while I am taking photos.
Thanks!


I would be interested in that also...
07/19/2007 05:58:21 PM · #8
Originally posted by RayEthier:

Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.


The document in question is indeed a good one for those folks who live in the USA.

Persons living in other jurisdictional areas might be prudent to conduct searches relative to laws in their specifica areas.

Ray

Well, his profile doesn't say where he lives.
07/19/2007 06:03:35 PM · #9
just go out and do it, with respect for your subject and yourself.
07/19/2007 06:10:08 PM · #10
Normally when I do this, If I end up focusing on a subject and I have to get close, I ask permission (normally they are flattered) and use it as a way to hand out my business card. :)

Some people when you ask will just say no. Mostly I find that taking pictures in businesses is what gets you in trouble.
07/19/2007 06:13:36 PM · #11
Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.

Awesome information - I was wondering about this myself.

Most people will suggest that you talk to folks and simply be friendly. While that's good practice, that can often ruin the candidity (???) of the situation, so it's good to know that if you're in a public place, it's legit.
07/19/2007 06:39:41 PM · #12
People Suck, I hate shooting in public anymore because of the jerks out there. I am a people person, but when people call 'law' enforcement first before having the balls to confront you its never pretty.

Yeah, The 'law' enforcement people take you aside, see what you are doing, possibly turn ugly, possibly let you go. Either way, other people have seen you being taken 'aside' and people always assume the worst. So, whenever you are back in that area, and the same people see you, they will give you the hairy eyeball and sideways glances the whole time. Possibly even call 'mommy' again.

Yes, I carry the Document around in my bag, as well as business cards, model releases, extra pad and pen for misc information. Yet, none of it shields you, and does you no good if there are jerks around.

I have been accused of shooting 'lurid' images of minors on a beach (when I freely let them review my images, my camera never once faced even in the general direction of where the minors where playing)

I have been accused of trying to recruit underage girls for pornographic websites, when I 1. never spoke to anyone, just minded my own busines. 2. Never photographed anyone that even just 'looked' young

I have been accused of to many things.... Yes, I have taken pictures of girls on the beach, and guys, and dogs, and trees, and boats, and stuff. So guess I am guilty huh?

Sad thing though, they get the guy with the bigger camera, when the real schmucks are palming the credit card sized cameras and posting the 'lurid' images all over the web...

Bitter much.. Yeah, you could say that.

Message edited by author 2007-07-19 18:40:56.
07/19/2007 06:46:29 PM · #13
Originally posted by littlegett:

People Suck, I hate shooting in public anymore because of the jerks out there. I am a people person, but when people call 'law' enforcement first before having the balls to confront you its never pretty.

Yeah, The 'law' enforcement people take you aside, see what you are doing, possibly turn ugly, possibly let you go. Either way, other people have seen you being taken 'aside' and people always assume the worst. So, whenever you are back in that area, and the same people see you, they will give you the hairy eyeball and sideways glances the whole time. Possibly even call 'mommy' again.

Yes, I carry the Document around in my bag, as well as business cards, model releases, extra pad and pen for misc information. Yet, none of it shields you, and does you no good if there are jerks around.

I have been accused of shooting 'lurid' images of minors on a beach (when I freely let them review my images, my camera never once faced even in the general direction of where the minors where playing)

I have been accused of trying to recruit underage girls for pornographic websites, when I 1. never spoke to anyone, just minded my own busines. 2. Never photographed anyone that even just 'looked' young

I have been accused of to many things.... Yes, I have taken pictures of girls on the beach, and guys, and dogs, and trees, and boats, and stuff. So guess I am guilty huh?

Sad thing though, they get the guy with the bigger camera, when the real schmucks are palming the credit card sized cameras and posting the 'lurid' images all over the web...

Bitter much.. Yeah, you could say that.


I know what you mean, Ive had the police called on me when shooting in one of my favorite parks. but unfortunately there is a row of large and aparently nervous houses on one edge of it. last time it happened I showed the officers shots of ducks, birds, trees, deer all of which were all taken in the oposite direction of the houses...

Unfortunately you can run in to paranoid people anywhere.

-dave
07/19/2007 07:36:09 PM · #14
yes please do. and it might not be as easy as that. but please do.

Originally posted by boysetsfire:

just go out and do it, with respect for your subject and yourself.

07/19/2007 07:42:57 PM · #15
Originally posted by macleodn:

Originally posted by MrEd:

Print this out and carry it with you.


Does anyone know of one of these for Canada. I would be interested in knowing the laws here while I am taking photos.
Thanks!


//photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009s0V
//www.photojunkie.ca/archive/2007/01/your-canadian-rights-as-a-photographer/
//www.flickr.com/groups/central/discuss/26171/
//blog.photoblogs.org/2004/06/23/photographers-rights/
//www.photolawnews.com/index.html#photogrights

There are a few relevant things at each link there.
07/19/2007 07:49:54 PM · #16
Anything for Australia? Some local Councils can be seriously obstreporous in regards to this, apparently Ken Duncan, famous landscape photographer, got kicked off Cottesloe beach once, not allowed to take photos there anymore.
07/19/2007 07:56:17 PM · #17
By the way Gotaka, welcome to DPChallenge.
07/19/2007 07:58:58 PM · #18
Also note, there is a difference between TAKING the picture and DOING something with that picture.

People often get confused about the two here in the U.S.
07/19/2007 08:06:28 PM · #19
Originally posted by jaysonmc:

Also note, there is a difference between TAKING the picture and DOING something with that picture.

People often get confused about the two here in the U.S.


And most assume you are 'doing' something wrong or immoral with any picture you take of people. They don't ask, just accuse and sometimes thats all it takes to ruin your business. It has become a sad society.
07/19/2007 08:24:33 PM · #20
I you are to worry about this kind of stuff too much it will show when you are out shooting you will look like you are doing something wrong because you feel that way yourself.
You will hesitate you will look around to see who's watching, your body language may show that you are embarrassed and nervous. You will look like a fool with a big camera.
Carry yourself with some dignity, take more notice of the what the light is doing? whats going to happen next? is that boy going to cross paths with that girl? do I need this biggass lens on? are those birds going to make shadows? am I in the best position? move back, move forward. when will that cloud pass?
All of a sudden people will be more interested in what the hell you are photographing and why you keep looking into the sky than you.
Soon you will not look (or feel) like a fool with a camera, but a photographer.

07/19/2007 09:21:22 PM · #21
Originally posted by Delta_6:

By the way Gotaka, welcome to DPChallenge.


Thanks mate. Since finding this website, I have been addicted to looking at all the brilliant pictures everyone has taken. It has encouraged me to take more photos and be active about it.

Regarding this issue, I guess it depends who you are. I do get nervous when I take pictures and am alone. It is probably a good idea to listen to boysetsfire and be proud and take pictures with dignity. Worst that could happen is that I would be told to move away. but a big lens does get people's attention and makes them nervous as well. Anyways, I appreciate your thoughts on this.
07/19/2007 09:40:22 PM · #22
Originally posted by Gotaka:

Worst that could happen is that I would be told to move away.


No, thats the Best that can happen when confronted, and you don't want to hear the worst...


07/19/2007 09:56:04 PM · #23
live in fear, its better that way.
07/19/2007 09:57:34 PM · #24
Originally posted by littlegett:

Originally posted by Gotaka:

Worst that could happen is that I would be told to move away.


No, thats the Best that can happen when confronted, and you don't want to hear the worst...


I don't think I want to want to know what happened to you :p
07/19/2007 10:05:57 PM · #25
As far as I know when someone is in public place they cannot expect privacy and can be photographed. What you can and cannot do with those photos is another story.

Nick
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