How can I take photos of people and not have to pay them?

Question

I would like to take some shots of people doing things in the community, or photographs of local business fronts. How can I best do this, without having to pay them?? What is this type of thing called in photography??? Where can I learn more about topics like this, or the business of selling my photographs????

Is there a way to have people pose in photos (as if they were models) without having to pay them an arm and a leg? How can I track down someone who would pose for my camera? What should I say to them when I first approach them??

Answer 1

Just ask them if you can take their photograph. Be honest and upfront. Some you can offer to give them a print or two if they will let you take the photos.

The type of photography you are describing falls into the category of photo journalism. You can search the web and find journalism photographers.

If you are outside in a public setting you can take all the photos you want. If you are inside then permission is needed.

A flyer at a college offering prints in exchange for modeling can lead to some possibilites.

A web search for photo markets can provide you some leads. A search for stock photo agencies can also provide you with a potential market as well as give you some ideas about what is selling.
www.gettyimages.com a leading stock photo agency.
www.corbis.com also a stock photo agency.

Good luck with your photography

Answer 2

If I were you, I wouldn't plan on hanging around school offering children chocolate to pose for you! You might have to deal with irate parents and police officers, so I would ignore Amadnad05's advice.

To use a photo of a person commercially, you need a model release. Some landmarks are also copyrighted and the images cannot be used. Different rules cover buildings shot from public property. Really, you should consult a lawyer if you plan to use the images for profit .

Even to use in a portfolio, a release would be a great idea, and I certainly wouldn't post a recognizable photo of anyone on the web without one.

You might try asking the businesses if you might photograph them, maybe offer them a print in exchange.

Go to www.photo.net and look in their forums. They have one just for street photography, which is what you're talking about here.

Many people would be flattered that you want to take their picture doing something and would agree to be photographed. And if they say no, just thank them and move along to the next activity.

Answer 3

It takes a lot skill to be able to produce professional quality images. When you say you have "some good photos" it tells me you don't have that skill. You may get lucky with a few above mediocre snapshots but I am almost certain they are nowhere near professional. Not trying to discourage you but unless you're able to produce high quality images click after click (with only the occasional dud and not the other way around) then it's probably best you wait a few years. Many teenagers and adults say they have professional looking images but then it's revealed that they don't. Wait until you are 18 and use that time to really learn how to take a professional image. You'll produce much better work and more professional quality as well.

Answer 4

If your eye can see it, it's legal to take a picture of it. You are not doing anything a person couldn't see driving down the road. If you are using the photos to sell products then and only then do you need a release. If you walk into a home or business and take pictures it's legal. If they don't want you to take pictures then and only then do you have to stop. All pictures taken up to that point are legal. You aren't showing anyone anything they couldn't see on their own. If you are looking for models. that's easy. just ask. If they want money tell them it's for educational purposes if it is and they probably would just like a copy of the shots.

Answer 5

I'm sure there are many people out there , like me ,who are willing to pose for free.You can try people who are interested in modeling but are just beginners and want to make a porfolio.Or
you can lure people into this by telling them that their photos would be published on some website(if you have access to a website) or magazine.Try posting an ad in a newspaper or website clearly stating you are looking for people who are willing to pose for free.I'm sure many students who are on holidays would turn up.A very good target group would be school and college level students.Young girls are very keen to be photogrphed.Just walk into a college or school and ask students who are hanging out if they would pose for you.Try posting ads in colleges.The easiest target would be children.They need no explanations,just show them the camera or offer some chocolates and they would jump at it.If you want to photogaph people who do community work,just ask for their permision and I'm sure they would be glad to pose.Also try some famous people.they like to be photogrpahed.
Another group of people would be tourists.They are generally very friendly,and since they themselves are very interested in taking photogaphs,they would be glad to be photogrpahed.Just spot tourists around who are taking phtogaphs and tell them that you would like to pose with them.Then just take their pictures.Also try relatives,colleagues and close friends
For selling pictures and more information on such things, you can visit the links:
http://www.photostockplus.com/index.php.You can join this site upload your photos.u can also try yahoo photos.
Try these photographers' forums and post your questions there:
www.photo.net
http://www.lulu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=52318

Answer 6

I mean people will ask for money, just say I need a few shots of you posing for my photography bussiness/class/etc. If they say no they say no. Just depends in what type of commuinty you live in. LA people will think your a creep. Somewhere else they may think its cool. You usually can get your realitives for cheap because they are usually willing to do anything for a family member just because its family. Ask one of your cousins or someone to pose for my bussiness. Give them like a $10 or more if you are really nice to them.

Answer 7

If it's for photojournalism there is no problem but trying to pass off pictures you've taken of people unknowlingly for fine art is something you can't do.

Answer 8

Join the paparazzi it's all good then.