Comments on: Seven Tips for Taking Photos in Public Places

By: Anita S.

Anita S. — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:42:43 +0000

Just pulled up your insightful article because I just got back from a mall where a very creepy woman took photos of my children and me without our consent. My husband who can be very intimidating scared the daylights out of her and we alerted security immediately. I don't care if it is legal, it is borderline harassment and should be frowned upon as at least unethical among serious photographers. Especially when children are involved.

By: Milton

Milton — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:00:25 +0000

Dude. Your ugly watermark spoils your photos.

By: jimmy

jimmy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:46:22 +0000

are public officials considered public even if they are in private spaces, places? thanks!

By: Makis

Makis — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:01:17 +0000

Sorry the shopping centre is in the UK

By: Makis

Makis — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:00:19 +0000

On Tip No5 you are talking about shopping centres.
What if you have the consent from the shopping centre?
Can you still picture the shoppers?
I have covered the shopper's faces and the pictures look really unprofessional on the website.
I'm worry that someone will try to take me to court if I don't cover their faces.
Do you have any suggestion?
The Shopping Centre manager has agreed for me to take pictures but what it will happen if someone saw his/her face on a website?
Am I going to be in treble?
It is very hard to ask people to sign a photographer’s contract on busy places.
What do you think?

By: Karin Schroeder

Karin Schroeder — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:10:22 +0000

I ran afoul with this situation recently, when I decided to take pictures at a tennis court that displayed signs saying "Open to Public." I was asked by a tennis instructor to leave, and as a result, I've started to educate myself on this. I tend to be the type to take more still lifes when I do photography, but if I see a good moment involving individuals, I like to know I can snap a shot if possible. Kind of frustrates me tho, I brought this topic up on deviantART and someone actually flamed me. After talking with my local Police Chief, yes, I went to City Hall to find out better where I stand on these issues, I have decided that whenever possible I will try to stay away from private property that announces itself "Open to Public" and he reassured me that I was legally in my rights to take photographs of anyone, even children, in public, and he even wished me good luck with my photography and suggested in the future I try the nearby public tennis court lol.So this article was very helpful, I'll have to remember that about the business cards and I'll try to remember the other tips as well, such as taking down names and so forth in the future once I take a photograph. Thank you so much for the useful tips, Peter. =)

By: Poppie

Poppie — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:22:38 +0000

Thank-you so much for this informative article Peter.
Very much appreciated.
Funny isn't it, the more we learn about stuff, the more we have to learn about it!

Kindest,
Poppie

By: Rustii22

Rustii22 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:21:11 +0000

Thanks for the tips, really helpful!
What about if your not a professional photographer, and therefore don't have any forms or anything to get peoples approval? I have to take photos of people for my school project(because I'm a kid anyway the whole parents-freaking-out thing might not be a problem) but I'd rather not have my family and friends as the subjects in all of my photos...

By: EperAgi

EperAgi — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:49:57 +0000

Peter, thank you for the article!
I have question regarding model release. How do you explain why you need it and it is normal procedure? I found that most people don't mind or like being photographed, but once asked to sign the release form they get suspicious. Any tips on this?
Also when shooting abroad, not everybody speak english so it can get really difficult to explain let alone get someone to sign something in a foreign language.
Thank you

By: Armand

Armand — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:06:15 +0000

I am surprised how suppressed is to photograph people in the United States, when many of northamericans travelling for example to Mexico, they take pictures of people, children, freely without any legal consideration or being affraid to be arrested. I think that is because the 'northamerican (usa) system' is filled with too much garbage, just for money, and in people mind's is always money how to take advantege of each other. And still they believe they are free?
Freedom is a word that implicates many things, and there is not total freedom, there are only restrictions that terrorize people.

By: Ed Troxell

Ed Troxell — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:52:07 +0000

Great tips here! I am a photographer and this is a great, quick list to look at.

Thanks!

What's your story? Mixitupmagazine.com

By: Kitty Mason

Kitty Mason — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:32:32 +0000

Yesterday was the Christmas parade. Lots of kids with parents or clubs. Not one person turned me down when I asked if I could take their picture. Many wanted to know if it would be in the newspaper? Sorry, but not unless the newspaper wants it. And it's pretty impossible to get a signed consent in a moving parade.
I like taking shots of the banners of the school/club before other photos so if I get a good photo I can contact them and find the person I need.
Luckily this is a small town, many people know me and as a newbie, I'm very willing to give a parent a photo of their child. Never know, might like what I do and become a paying client.
Thanks for the tips!

By: Keith Grafton

Keith Grafton — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:01:23 +0000

Great set of tips and good advice. I would add to #5 that in the UK the police have become paranoid about photographing in many public places, the key is to look like a tourist, and don’t even think about using a tripod. If you set a tripod in parts of London you can count the time in seconds before there is a hand on your shoulder, and then you have to give a long explanation about why your not a terrorist.

By: Dallas

Dallas — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:51:41 +0000

Linda I think you are missing an opportunity for exposure if you do not contact the dance group. I love street photography & I have never had a problem with someone whose image I captured. I have always take 1 of 2 approach's.. (a) I capture the image & in most instance the person never knows because they are actively involved in something. (b) Something is going on or I see a photo opp that I want so I walk up to the people, smile & ask them if I can take their picture. My most recent Gallery was at a tailgating event where I had my camera on a monopod & walked around the site for 30 minutes trying to be seen. When I came back people either ignored me or agreed to the shot when requested.

By: Linda Henning

Linda Henning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:10:08 +0000

We have just been discussing this subject on Facebook. At one moment I felt confident now more confused. I have a lot of photos from the state fair and some of a professional native dance group.From this converstation Im thinking I should get in touch with them offer copies of the photos and get permission in writing (email) from the elders showing respect for their talents as well.

By: Peter Phun

Peter Phun — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:14:47 +0000

Thanks to all of you who took the time to comment.

I can't offer any concrete evidence that this is the way to "operate" when taking pictures in public. It's anecdotal of course.

In my 25-year career with the newspapers I have never been arrested. Threatened with arrest? Sure. But I knew when to stand firm.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:37:39 +0000

Amen to number 7 - I wish a few more people could get their heads round this very simple concept.

By: Bryan Lever

Bryan Lever — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:48:03 +0000

Really useful advice. I have classically avoided including people in my stock photos but your article has given my some Dutch courage to give it a go. Must remember to carry around Release forms. Thanks

By: Larry Parkes

Larry Parkes — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:57:12 +0000

Some excellent advice here! I've always wished I could indulge in more street photography than I do...but most times the chance of negative confrontation and possible physical risk makes it just not worth the risk for me...I'm not the type to bleed for my art, LOL.

By: Larry Coleman

Larry Coleman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:36:25 +0000

Hi Peter,

This is a great article for folks like me that are just getting into people photography. I was recently listening to a podcast by a pro who said he always looks people in the eyes a little bit longer than normal to see if he can make a connection, then asks if he can ask them a question rather than asking how are you today which makes most people uncomfortable. He then asks, "can I take your picture". He said that makes it very clear whether it's a yes or no. Always be pleasant and if it's a no, be gracious, say thank you and walk away.

By: Rohn Engh

Rohn Engh — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:36:17 +0000

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If you’re an editorial stock photographer, test this one out. Here’s a way to get good co-operation from people in public.
On your shirt or sweater, wear one of those small black plastic badges, -the kind a deliveryman or a nurse will wear. It should have your name on it and your website or agency. They cost under $5. In addition to the camera you’re using, always wear another camera around your neck, not in your camera bag.
Reason? If you look like a hobbyist, you won’t be taken seriously. People actually love to be photographed if there’s something in it for them. As Andy Warhol told us, “It’s their twelve minutes of fame.” (The people know your picture will appear in print.).
Test this out. Leave your extra camera and badge at home and try to photograph in public. You’ll feel naked.
I can also suggest a 4-line phrase you can say to strangers, but that will be for another time.
- Rohn

By: John Pendelton

John Pendelton — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:10:50 +0000

Great article. I passed the link on to my camera club (WICC). We OFTEN discuss issues concerning privacy and permission. Getting a signed release is a STANDARD!

By: dallas allbritton

dallas allbritton — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:07:04 +0000

Very good article and I'm happy to see that I am following much of what you covered. I love street photography and learned that asking for permission, even of parents tends to change the atmosphere from that point on because some says something that draws attention to me, after the fact. When people approach me I stop and chat, even if they only glance or speak because I know they want to know what I'm doing & in most instances I wait 5-10 minutes before I resume my work. Zoom lens also create more danger because the thieves presume it costs a lot and think you have money on you.

By: Lee Ann Owens

Lee Ann Owens — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:48:03 +0000

Sometimes the subject becomes more at ease by reviewing the image preview. That way they see your professional camera and how good the professional quality of the image. Also get the age of young and elderly subjects. Age can be a news worthy fact.

What about social media like Facebook for photo rights and releases? Maybe that's another discussion?

By: MannyWallace

MannyWallace — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:42:44 +0000

Excellent tips!

By: Julia Harwood

Julia Harwood — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:34:35 +0000

Loved the article, thanks, I am a stock photographer, so this is very helpful.

By: Paul Conrad

Paul Conrad — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:03:02 +0000

Great advice Peter.

Especially Numero 7. For every one person that says "no," there are hundred that say "yes."

As for Numeros 1 and 3: I had the cops called on me once while interning at the Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner. I was photographing in a park and the police showed up asking what I was doing. After about 10 minutes of explaining who I was, showing my credentials and waiting for the police to verify it, I was let go and the parents informed I was legit. Embarassing, but a great learning experience.

I have a really funny story concerning Numero 4, but that's for another time.

Thanks for the great article.

By: Denver Engagement Photographer

Denver Engagement Photographer — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:38:36 +0000

I like your comment on the fact that police officers are not lawyers.

A lot of the time, they are completely oblivious to the law frankly, and can be rather annoying to deal with.

By: Trudy

Trudy — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:14:53 +0000

Great tips. Your posts are always really good. I love #1. No offense to the guys, but a few male photographers need to check their appearances before heading to shoot. I am a photographer myself and some of them frighten me when they are out with their camera. I notice this quite a bit when I am traveling. For example, when I was in Tokyo in front of Meiji Shrine where Harajuku girls congregate, many of the male photographers out there honestly looked like they just made a break out of jail. Of course we want to be comfortable when shooting, but grooming is still important.

By: Marsha Feinberg

Marsha Feinberg — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:10 +0000

Thank You Peter. This was a funny yet very informative article.