question about a street project....

[Bnack]

So I've had an idea for a while to do a portrait project on the street. I want to actually set up with a backdrop, tripod, reflector and strobe on the sidewalk somewhere downtown on a day when there will be a lot of foot traffic. I simply want people to volunteer to let me take their portrait for my project which I would intend to use for display/sale, but not commercial use. My questions are:
#1 should worry about laws being any different than walk-around street photography because I've set up a little portrait station on the sidewalk? Are the cops gonna shut me down?
#2 Will I need them to sign model releases of any type for this purpose, or would this only be in the case of commercial use?
#3 Any other particular foul-ups you you see in this particular plan

Thanks a lot for any particular input that you can give.
Cheers.
Steve.

 

[VictorM.]

1. Probably. Depends on your location. Check for local permit requirements.
2. Try to get signed releases if possible. Less trouble now than later. Use the simplest release you can find. Simple will keep people feeling comfortable.
3. Try to use an assistant to keep an eye on everything except the subjects. You will then be free to relax and deal with the people.

 

[Bnack]

Thanks Victor.... #3 I hadn't thought about....

 

[Bob Michaels]

#2 Will I need them to sign model releases of any type for this purpose, or would this only be in the case of commercial use?

Two approaches:

1) After losing a number of good photo ops trying to overcome the subject's hesitancy to sign a release, I gave up and have not asked one in 6-7 years. Never had a problem since.

2) Doug McCulloh and Jacques Garnier got releases from everyone for their series "On the Beach" which was an identical approach to yours but on a beach in CA and in Daytona Beach FL. Now they are much better photographers than me which is why their photos ended up as a 72 print exhibit. See the photos here http://www.douglasmcculloh.com/index2.html Or rent the exhibit http://www.smponline.org/traveling.html Also, the hard cover book is available.

 

[Pablito]

Re. #3
Why would anyone want to volunteer? What's in it for the subjects, how will you convince them to pose? This sounds like a community based project of sorts only you don't mention any interaction or interest in who the people ARE, any give and take with the subjects. Are they anything more to you than physical specimens? Will you give them prints in exchange for posing? I don't mean to be challenging, it's just that projects like this can be so exploitative - or not - all depending on how it's handled.
re #2 Releases are always a good idea but they can really cut back on the folks willing to participate as mentioned by Bob Michaels.
#1 You will almost certainly have problems with the cops. Try to place your set-up on PRIVATE property and get permission from the owner. Blocking a sidewalk is asking for trouble.

 

[Bnack]

thanks for the suggestions. I think setting up on private property with permission may be a more hassle free way to go.