Our rights as photographers

[amaksimchuk]

I know this topic has been beaten to death. However, lots of questions remained unanswered in my mind, such as what is legal to photograph and publish, what "privacy" and "private property" really imply, etc. Majority of answers on this topic have been personal opinions, nothing you can take to court.

You might find this USAToday article an interesting read, complete with legal references - it sure has cleared a lot of grey areas for me.

Respectfully,
Alex

 

[Frank Granovski]

Whenever I submitted photos for mag publication, of a person, I also had to submit a release form.

 

[RML]

In most cases it would be wise to consult a proper lawyer. I know, it's a P.net answer but when it comes to the law IMO you can't depend on the advice of the average non-lawyer. And even after consulting a lawyer, you might still not be completely safe.

 

[BrianShaw]

And even after consulting a lawyer, you might still not be completely safe.

Not even the best lawyer on earth can fully protect a photographer against a big guy who really believes he has the right to privacy and insists on putting a hand in front of your lens or demanding to confiscate the film. Knowing your rights is great... as is having model releases, etc. But another important asset for all photogs in potentially confrontational situations is a light bag and a good pair of running shoes!

 

[bmattock]

The link to this news story has been posted here before, but the advice in it is largely good, as far as I know. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, either.

I still recommend that photographers who care about their rights and wonder where the lines are drawn to purchase their own copy of Bert Krages' book, available on Amazon and elsewhere:


"Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images," by Bert P. Krages, Esq. Published by Amherst Media (September, 2001), ISBN: 158428059X.


Opinions are all well and good. But most people - even here - don't know the difference between civil law and criminal law, so their advice, though well-meaning, is typically worthless, or worse - dangerous.

The best answer is still to consult a lawyer, or failing that, to look it up yourself from the many REAL resources available. Asking others what they think and then going with the opinion you like the best is an invitation to disaster when you're talking about taking steps that could get you arrested and/or sued.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[paulfitz]

I am going to print this and carry a copy on my person. When the lawsuit happy approach me, I will hand them a copy. It is written by a lawyer and is also copyright by him.



http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

It seems pretty definative for me and enough to satisfy most challenges. Thanks for the info! It's great!

 

[robert blu]

It's a strange world ! Once it was believe by people living in the not "civilized" world that with a photo you could steal their soul ! Now it is getting almost impossible to take a picture with somebody (even it the background) in it in our "civilized" world !
In Italy, specially in the cities of the north people react very agressive when see you taking a photo. Much better in the medium-small town of center.
recently due to misuse of photo taken with mob phones has been made a law : you are allowed to take any pictures in a public place, like roads or squares, if no minor are in it. You cannot take photos in a mall, in a theater, in a school, in a restaurant etc. But even photo taken in a public place have limits: you can keep in your house and show to your friends. But you are not allowed to public in a newspaper or magazine, or to post in internet, or even to make a small exhibition in your local photoclub without wrtitten permission of people in it. Of course you can, but if they discover it and bring you to a court it can cost a fortune!
And if you ask permission to post a photo in internet most of people (90%) will answer NO. At the end what does it mean ? I don't know. Only sure things is that daily life is getting more and more complicated.
I'm writing this note just to declare my insatisfaction, with all respect to everyone. Englis is not my mother language, hope having not disturbed anyone. regards
robert
PS I'll try anyway including some friends to prepare the photo of the month !

 

[bmattock]

Only sure things is that daily life is getting more and more complicated.

Amen, brother, amen. I'm in favor of everyone having a drink and calming down.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[robert blu]

I'm calm Bill, but I'll follow anyway your suggestion and will prepare a drink, for me and my wife going to be back from work in a short time ! A good glass of red wine ! ciao e...salute !

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Noted and noted. Thanks for the info. I should perhaps laminate a print.