Dawntin

I belong to a small photographers club. The question arose about taking photographs in which people are in public places and participating in public events, (e.g., athletic events, public parks, local fairs, street scenes, etc.). Turns out almost everyone had her/his own "ethical" standards. We did a little online research and found that, in the US, there is quite a bit of state-to-state difference in what should be considered both legal and ethical standards.

Since I tend to prefer photos without people, I'd never really given the matter much thought. When I've taken pictures of people, the photos are of family members or friends attending parties or fun events. Now, though, I'm more confused than ever.

This leads me to asking, what ethical, legal, and just old-fashioned good manners should be considered for folks who are basically hobbyist photographers and love the creative outlet of taking photographs?

Most folks agree a "model release form" is necessary if they are photographing someone that may end up in an ad or involve commercial use for the photograph. Even more were adamant about not taking photos of children.

Would appreciate discussion of this issue, information, or specific protocol suggestions on this matter.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

What states did you find in which photographing people at public events is illegal?

Dawntin

https://www.photographybay.com/photography-laws/ Check this website.

Click on each state to compare and contrast with others. Had found a really great graphic map of the US that allowed quicker access to info. A search with the words "state by state photography laws" will give a lot of websites with lots of varying info..... ergo, my confusion.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

If you are shooting in or from a public area there is no expectation of privacy and everything is fair game. There are some exceptions like military bases etc. A model release would be needed for the picture to be used for commercial purposes.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I looked at it, and I didn't see anything in any of the states which makes it illegal to photograph people at a public event, which is exactly what I thought. There may be ethical considerations, but I don't believe there are any legal ones.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Generally it is members of the public who worry about photographers....and have a view that may or may not stand up in court...easiest solution is to explain why you pointed the camera in their direction and show them that you have deleted the image they are in, if requested. No point in arguing at all.

If you are photographing a person, and know you are going to sell or post the image on-line, then get a release. IF however, the person in shot is incidental to the image...(distant or their back is facing you) I wouldn't worry.

In what circumstances would you be upset with a photographer....and there is your answer.

have fun

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to the forum. If you are shooting in a public area there is no expectation of privacy and everything you shoot is fair game.Even if you zoom in on a couple necking and it a married man with his girlfriend. Most military bases do not allow photography. A model release would be needed for any picture yiu want to be used for commercial purposes. Have some ready if you see some commercial opportunity.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

A public event may not necessarily be held on public grounds (for example, in a privately owned sports arena.) Then the rules set by the entity in control of the grounds must be considered.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

This is true. There is a difference between a public place and a place that is open to the public.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

This is an interesting question and everybody will likely have their own take on the answer. I believe it is true that there is no expectation of privacy in public places. However, there are certainly folks who will not want their photo taken irregardless of the situation. And here in Seattle, you cannot take your DSLR camera with you to most major sporting events. They won't let you in with it. I was at a parade last summer where hundreds of bicycle riders shed their clothes and painted their naked bodies for a ride through literally over a 100,000 on-lookers. I overheard a couple of these bike riders say to some photographers to please ask before taking their picture. I had to laugh. They were about to ride though a very large crowd of people, the majority of which had cameras or cell phones. There is no way they had any expectation of privacy.

User ID

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Jut how small are you ? Is there
a maximum height limit ?

Bill_de Loc: US

That had always been my belief until I started reading some of the decisions of various Federal Courts. Some say there is nothing that protects photography in and of itself. People have lost in court by saying it's a hobby, or for personal use. When they stated they were gathering information and photographs were used to record information to be shared with an audience it was considered OK.

No wonder we have so many lawyers.

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Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Just tell people you are shooting for security reasons. We are on video almost 24/7 in today's world and if they don't get sued for invading our privacy, which really doesn't exist anyway in public, then I figure I am good to go too.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

This subject has been hashed over here for years. Certainly sports events should be safe. I was in education most of my life and an administrator. I believe that all folks have an EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY. Weather or not it is in a public place or not. If I am in the public I always ASK if I may take a picture, I have NEVER been turned down. I do not take photo's of anyone under the age of 18, just don't go there.
Again, public events in public places should be safe.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.