I'm unsure about taking pictures of others in public places..?

Question

I feel the need for permission, as if I am invading their privacy. I mean, when I travel, I feel the same way.

What should I do?

Answer 1

Children should always have the parents consent. Most wont care if you are not creepy. Anyone else as long as you are not publishing it in a major magazine and making huge profits off of it, you should be ok with snapping their shot. But the polite thing to do is ask to take their picture.

Answer 2

i've done it many times. I take candid shots, photojournalism. you have a camera bag and carry yourself confidently. I've never been asked or confronted. A zoom lens 80-210mm is helpful as to not disturb the shot you are attempting to capture. Take the distant shots first and then, if you want to go closer, work your way up but they will by then change and stiffen up. If they seem to mind and have a questioning look then you can approach afterward. I would just take the shots and then move to the next shot and they usually get the idea. If it is a child, rules change. Unless it is a public situation occurring celebration, fair, gathering, performance, street vs hanging around a playground with out talking to any parents.(creepy). Be prepared to give a card or your name, number in these situations to parents. A professional photographer learns to blend, be non disruptive yet be where they need to be without hesitation, being bold.

Native Indians should ALWAYS be asked prior to photos. Or The Elder, if a ceremony, to make that decision.

Answer 3

Personally, I do think its an invasion of a person's privacy to snap someone's photo without permission. Yet, I know exactly how you feel-- certain photos can only be taken if candid and natural and not posed.

I think you should snap the photo you think looks good, go up to the person and say "I'm sorry, I took this photo of you because I think you look beautiful(etc) in it, I hope you don't mind. If you do, I'd delete it." Or maybe even ask if you could email the photo to them or something.

Answer 4

I have had a similar problem . Despite what others have said, you can't really ask them for their permission. It doesn't work because A) they probably don't speak english if you are traveling out of the country and B) they probably will become awkward, and start to "pose".

Here's what I've come up with. I bought a telephoto lense and stand far away when taking a photo. Most people don't notice you. If they do notice, I just pretend I'm taking a shot of something behind them, or make it seems like I'm fusing with my camera...like I'm testing it....

Other times, like when I was in Tianeman's square in China, I took my telephoto lense...stood far away and asked my husband to do stand "5 feet away from that lady". She noticed me and I just pretended like I was taking a picture of my husband, when in reality, I was focusing on her. She went right back to what she was doing.

Don't be embarrassed to take their picture, as long as you are doing so in a respectful way. You are taking their picture because you think they're interesting, beautiful....

Good luck!

Answer 5

You are very polite to be concerned about this. While legally, you can take photos of anything or anybody in public places (at least in the US), the courteous thing to do, if possible, is to ask first. I do it all the time when I do event photography and you would be amazed at how people love having their picture taken.

One word of caution, however, if you intend to use the photos for commercial purposes, than you need a signed release from the subject. This also applies to buildings and landmarks in many cases.

Answer 6

I know I feel the same way. In Canada you used to have to get people to sign a form. I havn't seen that for a long time.

What most people are concerned about, are their kids. So I would avoid that completly! Adults, I would do as some one else said here, just ask politely if they mind. Also, I think if the shot isn't detailed or it is a crowd situation where it isn't too personal, you are alright just to take the shot.

It's a hard call in this day and age where we are so cocerned with our personal safety.

Answer 7

As long as you're not violating any of their rights, a public place is just that- public. An example of violating their rights would be if you kept them from passing by you or harassed them.

Answer 8

Ask their permission.....it's the polite thing to do.

Answer 9

Just kindly say, "mind if I snap a couple of shots?"

Answer 10

most people know that when you take their photo, you are stealing their soul. And that is why they don’t like it. Would you like it if I captured your sole in my new fangled picture-box?