Bfree2 Loc: Grants Pass, Or

I have a question for Voss, and all of you into street photography. I have observed several really good photos of “the streets”, and many with enough character and details to publish. So for the question. Wouldn’t a ‘Photo Release’ be required or advised? Is this a sticky area, or just a dumb question?

Voss

Well, Bfree2, there are no dumb questions. Here's a very quick overview of the law covering this type of photo. It's pretty simple. If you're using a photo for news/editorial purposes, your own use, as part of a display/exhibition, or even for a book of photos that you're publishing, then you can use your photos without permission of the subjects.

If you're using the photo to promote a point of view, such as in advertising, or to promote attendance at the Third Baptist Church, then you need a model release.

An important stipulation on all of this is that you must be in a public place. If you sneak into someone's backyard and photograph him at play, you'll need a release (and probably an attorney).

This is a generalization, but would probably cover 90+ percent of photos/situations.

User ID

`

I prefer the shot without any back story.

It stands perfectly well on its own, just
as an image ... not even wondering what
the unexplained interaction might be ...
just seeing the frame and content is enuf
for this audience of one.

`

Voss

Thanks, User ID, for your thoughts on this matter. And I agree fully with you that a shot should be able to stand on its own without an explanation. But sometimes, just for group information, it's nice to know more detail about what's happening in it.

Bfree2 Loc: Grants Pass, Or

Well Voss, you have explained and cleared up a lot of questions I have had. Thank you for your time. I for years have taken ‘Street Photos’ and never realized there was such a category.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Rules are Rules!

Voss

I hope you're pleasantly surprised.

Voss

Definitely! Don't want to get the street dirty.