Perhaps you want to take a picture of a really cute child when she is smiling or perhaps you want to take a thought-provoking picture of a squabbling couple. Either way, asking for their permission would ruin the moment. Should these types of photos just never be taken?
2007-03-06 18:07:12 · 7 answers · asked by Blarepen 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
Ettiquete dictates that you should ask before taking candid photos of someone on the street. Additionally if you are publishing these images you could face legal reprocussions.
That said, some of the most historically important and thought provoking photographic portraits have been created without the initial consent of the individual. This portrait for example was taken by Diane Arbus without the permission of the child back in the late 60's http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/sgrais/images/portrait/Diane%20Arbus_hand_grenade.jpg
other notable photographers who work in this raw style are weegee http://metamedia.stanford.edu/imagebin/Weegee-lovers.jpg
Fact is when you ask permission and they see you with your camera people pose, they put on a smile and become a person they are not when you first observe them, if you want people to be real then sometimes this candid approach is the only way, although beit not the polite way. Good art is sometimes not being safe, it is taking risks, but if you do decide to take this approach just be aware that if people realize what you are doing, they won't necesarily be happy, although some may not care at all. If you do publish these images then I hope you get signed model releases.
2007-03-06 22:48:14 · answer #1 · answered by wackywallwalker 5 · 23⤊ 1⤋
You need to be very careful when taking candid photos of strangers on the street. Especially of children. Having said that, it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission... so take the photo, then approach the subject (or parents) and ask if they mind. Show them the photo, and explain what your intentions are.
I have shown parents some incredible photos I took of their children and get mixed results. If they get upset, I show them the camera while I delete the photo. If they like it, I usually offer to send them a copy of the photo in exchange for signing a model release. Sometimes the do, sometimes they don't. For those that don't know, a model release is a signed document that protects the photographer and model, and specifies how the photo can and cannot be used.
I can't stress this enough... if you can recognize any part of a person in the photo... GET A RELEASE!!!!!
Dan
Pixel Perfect Images
Carlsbad, CA
www.PixelPerfectImages.net
2007-03-06 18:54:37 · answer #2 · answered by Pixel Perfect Images 1 · 17⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I would take the picture and then ask permission later...you might end up taking a second picture, but who cares? You got your intended shot! Maybe I'm wrong here and maybe I'm going to be bashed for my answer, but this is probably what I'd do! And if you're shooting digital and they don't want to be captured, you simply delete it.
2007-03-07 13:41:25 · answer #3 · answered by Fotomama 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good etiquette is always asking first.
To do otherwise might invite a confrontation. This is not worth any picture.
2007-03-06 18:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by Living In Korea 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
if you're talking about etiquette, these photos should never be taken without permission.
2007-03-06 18:50:08 · answer #5 · answered by akitin 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As [Pixel Perfect Images] says.
It sounds like he's a pro.
2007-03-06 22:54:26 · answer #6 · answered by Bob H 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
um why would you want to do that?
2016-03-28 22:16:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋