Is it considered rude to take pictures of people in public places?

Question

I am not talking about children, I do think this is inappropriate.

I am an aspiring photographer and enjoy taking pictures of people (kinda like people watching) as they are naturally. Is this considered rude? I feel if it is a performer or something like that then they should expect their photo taken. But what about regular people? I find if I did ask, they would make some awkward pose and it would ruin the shot. I am not a creep or anything like that, sometimes you just see someone interesting and want to take a picture for art's sake alone.

Of course I know I would need a release form for anything I publish, but if this is for my own home, is this okay?

What about taking pictures of displays in a store, would the store owners get mad?

Thank you

I also have a long zoom lens that you can take photos from far away, less chance of getting noticed. I do this sometime.
I feel if you are in a public place, you are voluntarily putting yourself out for others to see you. I wouldnt want to upset anyone, if they asked I would stop. But how many of you would actually tell me to stop? Im talking 1-2 quick photos, not a whole lot

Thanks everyone for your answers so far. I am really not a creep I promise, just an artist. I am curious though if I post the same question in the photography forum if I will get different answers. I guess it depends who you are asking

Answer 1

If it is a candid shot, I understand not wanting to interrupt for permission, therefore ruining the shot. However, to make them feel better about it, perhaps after you complete your shots you can approach them and explain that you're a photographer and you saw something you wanted to capture and you'd be happy to send them a copy of the photo if they want to share an email address. Or you can offer to give your professional email address if they want to contact you for a copy of the picture. If I were the subject, I would be flattered and appreciative.

Answer 2

I would only consider it rude if the person specifically asked you not to take a picture and you did anyway. When a person is in public, he/she must expect to be seen by people.

EDIT: As far as the legal issues my understanding is that you are allowed to take still photos in public places without people's permission. I mean, wouldn't it be ridiculous if you needed permission from everyone else at the beach who was in the background if you wanted to take a picture of your family at the beach or something? But it would be a good idea to consult with your lawyer if you plan to sell your photographs just to find out for sure.

Answer 3

Yes it is rude. And in Canada, it is illegal, even if you are not publishing the photos. You need to ask people. If this ruins the shot, let them know, and if they say yes go somewhere where they can't see you, wait a few minutes (when they aren't expecting) and snap a candid shot.

As for displays, many stores will kick you out or take your film and destroy it. Always ask the store first as this raises competitor issues.

Answer 4

I live in a Mayan village. Tourists are all ways taking pictures of them even at times when they obviously don´t want them too.
they just smile and click.
I think it´s rude.
I would hate it If I were sitting at a park in the US eating my lunch with a friend and someone stooped aimed and took my photo.
However, I do understand the need for an artist to catch people off guard in order to get a really interesting shot.
I say. take the picture. Maybe after wards you could ask them if they mind.
I have taken many pictures of the Mayans myself but I usually ask them pay them or give them a copy.
One thing did make me mad. Some guy took a picture of a Mayan friend of mine when she was laughing. she didn´t know it. Now it´s on magazines, posters and books. He has probably made a fare amount of cash using her face. She is a poor woman who hasn´t got a cent from it.

Answer 5

I love photography and I see where your coming from. I think that it truly is considered rude just going around snapping unsuspecting people. Lets say you find people in a restaurant and you want to take their picture. Ask them politely and explain why you are doing it. Ask them if they can just resume their normal activities and that they wont even notice your presence. Im sure many people will be ok with this! After your done just thank them ad be on your way. Also be sure and ask the restaurant manager or store manager etc if this will be ok! Good luck on your picture taking!

Answer 6

its not rude, but people take it that way. Unless you are stalking them.
If you wanna be polite, but not ruin the shot, take the pictures, then approach them. Tell them you are an aspiring photographer, that you took there picture, and ask if you can e mail them a copy, if they get offended or bent out of shape, tell them that you will erase their picture or destroy the negative. (you really dont have to, but if you want to be polite)
If possible, dont take pictures from too far away. The pictures look far away, no matter how much you zoom in, maybe develop a way to conceal your camera, or a way to be less obvious.

Answer 7

I don't know that it is rude, but as you have already said, some people will strike an odd pose when asked.
I have heard of people rigging their cameras with a device that makes it look like they are taking a picture of something else, but in reality taking the picture they want. I don't know the name of this, but if it is available, it may be worth considering. Or how about a long distance lense?

Answer 8

If you make money off the pictures then there may be some issues. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's illegal. If you're taking pictures into peoples homes then yeah that's also illegal. If you take a picture of someone doing something illegal/scandalous in public, they can't sue you because they shouldn't be doing illegal things in public anyways. They shouldn't be doing illegal things in private either I guess but you know. So basically if you're sitting in your room taking pictures of people on the street without them knowing to show to your friends or post on your website for free, then you're fine. If you charge people for those photos, you have to pay the person or they could sue you.

Answer 9

Now that's an interesting question. I know that if I was out in public and I noticed a stranger taking pictures of me I would be very suspicious. And I certainly wouldn't like it, until I investigated and found out why you were pointing your "Kodachrome" at me.

So is it considered rude? Probably by some people. As for store displays -- they are public displays. Snap away!

Answer 10

It is considered rude or creepy to take pictures of people you don't know.

I understand the appeal of candid photography, however, it would be appropriate only to do this to friends (and some of them might get mad at you if they were candidly eating and looked ridiculous) ...

Taking pictures in a store? I don't know that there is a problem with it, but they might take offense to it, thinking you are doing some sort of inter-store espionage or something.

Cheers!