I want to take candid photographs of people, do i need permission?

Question

I want to start taking pictures of people in their natural state, is there any legality regarding this and if for any possible slightest reason I was ever able to publish someone uses my images do I need permission from the person or have to pay them. My point is really to not meet people but take their picture without them knowing.

i'm just interested in capturing people in like public places or events for expressions and feelings like bustops, malls, parks

can I publish these images without their consent

Answer 1

You may photograph a person anywhere and in any state where they do not have a "reasonable expectation of privacy."

You can: photograph someone on their private property (provided you are not trespassing).
You cannot: photograph someone through the cracks in their privacy fence.
You can: photograph someone driving in their car.
You cannot: photograph someone inside their house.
You can: photograph a woman lying on a nude beach.
You cannot: photograph a woman sitting nude (mostly) in a public restroom stall.
If a person should reasonably expect that no one is watching them (typically in their home, in bathrooms, changing rooms, or other private places) then you cannot take photographs of them.
You cannot install monitoring devices on someone's property, vehicle, residence, office, etc without their knowledge and consent.
You can install monitoring devices in public places that are not used for a private purpose.

Etc. If you have a specific question about a specific practice, add details to your question and I will answer it. I have to know all these things because I am a licensed private investigator.


Note!! You may NEVER record a persons speech or voice without their consent, or without making it obvious that such recording is taking place (tacit consent).

Answer 2

If the people are in a public place or are easily seen from a public place, you have a First Amendment right to take their photograph without their permission, as they have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

You may not, however, use the photographs for promotional purposes, however. For example, you can't legally take an unauthorized photo of a kid riding a bike and then use the photo for a bike shop's ad. You would need a model release from the kid's parents.

You do not need a release or permission to merely publish a photo of someone, despite one answerer's claim. Such a requirement would violate the First Amendment and make newspapers extremely boring to read, as there would be few, if any, photos.

As for the contention that you need someone's permission to record a person's voice, some states, such as Maine, require the consent of only one party involved in the conversation.

Answer 3

Not if they are in public.. just shoot away.. now if its a private situation you need model releases (If yer using a teloscopic lens thru thier living room window or back yard.. thats an invasion of privacy in most states) but if they are on the street or the warf.. shoot away.. no problem...

It follows the reasonable expectation of privacy laws... However... it is always best to get a model release when ever you can I'm not a photographer.. i just take good pictures.. there are still a few people around that will only let me take thier photos.. and i've done some pro stuff before too publishing wise (In fact i took some of the Last pics of Sonny Bono before he died.. published in in the wind magazine )

Answer 4

The provision of taking pictures or candid photographs is limited. The constitution of the state, states the right to privacy.Thus production,ciculation,formulation and distribution and exposition of articles without the consent or the authorization of the approving person/ parties is contemptible. However, the legality stated exceptions with regards to national parks, tourists spot, or uninhabited lands.

Answer 5

candid photographs people permission

Answer 6

As long as you want to keep it with yourself it should be fine. But if you want to publish somewhere I would say you better think twice before doing it because this is the world suers. Some people do not want to work and they love to make off people and also it is polite to ask someone before publishing or taking their picture. Don't you think so?

A polite person always wins hearts.

Good Luck

Answer 7

You are free to do so so long as you are in a public sphere. My journalism department head used to point out that it's really your best judgement, unless you are a wickedly inconsiderate person. Most people aren't though. Good luck.

Answer 8

Not as long as you restrict them to your private collection.
For publication, regardless of media, yes you need their written permission, or signature on permission document of some kind.
Even then have liability insurance.

Answer 9

I don't think you should need permission!!!!