does anyone know of any freelance laws that exist or freelance permits that a photographer should have?

Question

i like to take photographs outside at different places but i am always worried that i will get in trouble for not having any type of permit or license. i never go anywhere where there are "no tresspassing" signs posted though.

Answer 1

You don't need any kind of license or permit to take photographs in public places. Buildings on the street may be copyrighted, but that means you can't build according to the architectural plans; you are within your rights to take a few pictures.

Just be careful taking pictures of people. The law says that people own the rights to their faces. You are perfectly permitted to photograph buildings, streets, crowds, landscapes, and pretty much anything else; but you need permission to take close-up or detailed pictures of people's faces.

Answer 2

Each city has different ordinances regarding commercial photography in public spaces. For instance in New York city as well as most major U.S. cities you need a permit to do commercial photo shoots in public spaces with the exception of public parks http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/permits/still_photography.shtml
Most photographers don't procure these things because for the most part police don't intrude unless you are drawing lots of attention.
Regarding models, well you always need you use release forms. You can learn more about this by googling "release forms photography"
In terms of local laws regarding public photography check with your local government to see what regulations apply in your area. However, let me say that the worse punishment you are going to get in terms of an illegal photo shoot is perhaps a fine but more often a warning. But itsounds like you are pretty low profile, you don't have myriads of assistants: makeup artists, stylists and photo lighting gear so don't worry too much ok. In your case the worse you will get is, I am sorry you can't photograph here without a permit, but unless you are photographing in sensitive places: ports, subways, transportation hubs, or any other placed deemed sensitive by homeland security you probably dont have much to worry about.

Answer 3

No permit necessary for the buildings and places, Shoot it unless they tell you to stop.
You problem will arise if you want to publish those photos. For some places you will need a property release. This is especially true is you photograph people. ( I always keep model release in my gear)

If you just want photos for your own wall you shouldn't have any trouble.

FYI.. I have been told to stop taking photos of a public building... and to avoid any trouble, I did. ( This was not in the USA)