achammar Loc: Idaho

Just wondering...I may be photographing my first large commercial party where there will be many different company officials there. This party is being put on and completely paid for including food, drinks by 1 certain vendor that all these companies buy from. I'm actually included in one of these companies, but I'm trying to get to be a photographer also. What kind of permissions do I need to get to put pictures on my website. Say I take a picture of a table full of 15 people sitting at their own table. Do I need to get signed permission from each and every person or what...or would it be too complicated and not even worry about putting anything on my web page....(but I would like to if there is not too much involved).
So I guess, what is the easiest legal way to put some pictures on my page, or is there an easy way?

Thanks!
:-)
Albert

drjuice

First, I participate in 8 or 10 events per year where various scenarios similar to what I outline below happen. When I started taking pictures, I began to pay more attention and asked questions of the people who were doing the permissions. My suggestions are based on those experiences.

One rule that is ALWAYS communicated to me and enforced is that NOBODY is to be photographed with a beverage in hand or drinking any beverage. And, if alcohol is being served, no bottles of alcohol from beer bottles to the most expensive Scotch are to be visible. The last rule is involves people who appear to be inebriated. Sorry to say this gets photographers in the most trouble, mainly because they tend to leave their brains at home with respect to this issue. Anybody inebriated doesn't get their picture taken.

I'd strongly recommend NOT getting into the having everybody sign while you're taking pictures. It's a company event, not a private event and legalness is definitely involved.

If everybody's an employee of one of the companies, individual companies may have rules about photography in "informal situations" which may be covered. You absolutely should get the companies involved to handle this. If the companies' big dogs don't want it to happen, back off or you'll be in the dog house.

Most companies' marketing/PR folks should have a process to handle this situation. They may have what's called a media release. It says something like we will have photographers roaming around and they'll be taking pictures from starttime to endtime. Then they'll have rules about staying out of line of the photographer(s) and finally they'll have a line for the person to print their name and a line to sign.

Good luck.

v

achammar Loc: Idaho

Ok, thanks drjuice for that!
I'm thinking about not doing it now. I don't need to do it that bad. I think if I ever do one, it will be for a single company having their own private party. That will be much simpler. I know there's legal issues involved and I don't think I want to deal with all of it and the multiple companies that will be there. I'll stick to weddings and parties. The beverage suggestion definitely makes sense. I appreciate your reply and I'm glad you have some experience with this.
Thanks again!
:-)
Albert

WNYShooter Loc: WNY

Dr. Juice gives excellent advice. Really though, it is pretty much up to the entity putting it on as the event is their production and responsibility. With that said, it is still always a good idea to ask permission from the people you are shooting.

achammar Loc: Idaho

I'm just nervous because it's my first one. I was going to change my mind and not do it, but I did get the go ahead from the vendor putting on and paying for this event to do the photographing. So now I'm thinking about doing it again.
I've been to this event a couple times before, and everyone seems to always have a good time with no problems. They are all responsible adults. If I get paid to do the photographing, and I'm careful and curteous about what I photograph, and then hand all the pictures over to the person paying for the entire thing, do I really have to worry about anything?
I'll worry about getting permission for my website pictures that I want after that is all done.
Thanks for you replies! Very helpfule here!!!
:-)
Albert

Sensei

Some years ago, I escorted someone to a party at the UN. On this occasion, there was a guy walking around with a camera, which was unusual. After removing myself from the table when he was going to take pictures and returning when he was done. He came across the room. raised his camera flashed a shot and said "Gottcha".

achammar Loc: Idaho

oh I would have been pissed! I would never do that to someone...

jerryg Loc: NE Pa

Just do it. If anyone complains later you can always remove the picture with them in it or blur out their face. No one is going to sue you. They would have to ask you to remove them first and if you said "no" then maybe just maybe they send you a letter from an atty. It costs a lot of money to sue someone, they have to give an atty a large retainer since none would take it on a contingecy basis as the outcome is super "ify."

Don't sweat it they're all there for a good time and don't really care if you take their pic and will probably never even know it's on your site.

achammar Loc: Idaho

Thanks for that confidence. I think I will! The likely hood of anyone suing is slim to none as long as I know the pics I take will not show anything anyone doesn't like, which I will be careful not to, and I wouldn't say no if they asked me to remove their picture anyway...
Thanks!
:-)
Albert

Rufus Loc: Puget Sound area, WA

My rule is to avoid taking a shot of anyone eating. The face is not the same as when not eating. No legal probs but I usually want a 'nice' picture of a friend or family.

achammar Loc: Idaho

Good advice. I planned on trying to take pictures before food is served. There is a lot goes on before the food is served and I should be able to get good pictures during that time.

Thanks!
:-)
Albert