How do you feel about street photographers and candid photos? Should photograhers ask for permission?

Question

I'm a budding shutterbug. I try to get in a photoshoot every weekend. People in natural situations can make for very interesting photos These photos are usually one time shots; posing or asking for permission would ruin a perfectly good shot. I get mixed responses for people, but would like to know is there a better why to get the pictures I'd like. should I remain in the shadows with a zoom lens or risk losing the shot by asking for permission?

Answer 1

I'd ask permission casually if they see you first, "Hey, Mind if I take a shot of you guys doing that?"

If asking would ruin the candid quality, I'd take the shots. THEN go over and let them know you took a few and if they didnt mind if you printed them.
Keep a notepad (or electronic note) of the people you ask..
Here's a great site for the lowdown on that copyright and public domain issue

Answer 2

In the UK there is no right of privacy in a public place, so no one can stop you taking photographs. However if you want to use them commercially then you need a model release form. I usually take them first as people get very self conscious when they know they're being photographed and either get very shy or start behaving like idiots which is not what you want. If I feel its commercial I will approach the person model release form in hand and a smile on my face (which in my case probably doesn't help much. LOL). In over 20 years and thousands of encounters I have only had three people who flatly refused, if they do I honor it and delete the images (since the digital age began). If they sign the form I sweeten the pot by sending them a copy or two. I've even sold pictures this way. Most people are surprised you think enough of them to take a picture. I have many friends I've met this way. There are two caveats I've found - avoid drunks - you never know how they will react, and when photographing children I always ask the parents permission first. There is no legal requirement to do so, in fact children are specifically included in the privacy Act. One thing to note, in the UK Parks are often not a public place they are owned by the council (in Central London they are owned by the Crown) and some councils (not all) have designated them as non public places, same for cemeteries. To be legally enforceable they have to have a no photography sign at the entrance which very few have. It's a knee jerk reaction (such as you've seen on this site with some of the answers) to try to make themselves popular. Some of the best historical photographs of cities has been the archives of street photographers. Chris

Answer 3

It would be best to ask permission however in the scenario you describe that would spoil the picture. So if of and adult take the picture and ask permission if not granted delete. If of a child always ask the parents permission. Some of us get rather testy when a complete stranger takes a picture of our child.

Answer 4

in most states you can not take a picture of a person with a zoom lens. its against the law. you can take pictures of people out in public without asking them. once they outside they are in public domain. the zoom lens thing is a paparazzi thing. i take and post pictures of people all the time. you dont have to ask but if you have a digital camera and its a good pic you can offer to show them and send it if you want. i mostly photograph older couples holding hands or kids playing.

Answer 5

Its a rude factor when photographers take pictures without asking. Perhaps the person is within the "Witness Protection", or would at least have notice prior to the camera flash.

Answer 6

Anything questionable such as bikini beach or other xxx pictures should be avoided because you run the risk of offending others or having your camera smashed by a jealous friend. In foreign countries check with the US Embassy for an answer.

Answer 7

I think you could take the shot, and then ask permission to use it (or keep it). If the person doesn't want you to have it you should delete it in front of them so that they feel secure that you are really not going to use it.

Answer 8

Many might not agree with me, but if they are out in public they are open target...just like celebrities.

So, my answer would be to go for the shot that you know to be true and don't risk losing it.

Be careful that you don't look live a perv in the process, though.

Answer 9

if it is flash photography Please always ask. I was with a friend who had an epileptic seizure when caught by surprise by a photographer. He says sensitivity to sudden light changes from things like flash photography , televisions and computer screens is a very common trigger for people with that problem.

Answer 10

I would totally ask first. I mean loose a perfect picture or get caught up in a law suit?