I have been without a camera for about two years. The one I had was an "elementary digital" but it awakened me to a desire to learn and do much more photography. I have reluctantly settled for taking photos with my cell phone. Looking at endless reviews, researching DSLR versus Mirrorless, Nikon vs. Canon, all the bells & whistles, etc., I am OVERWHELMED with information. I want to photograph people in their normal life activities, hoping to capture candid shots, not greatly interested in video, and my other desire is on detailed close-ups. I want to be able to have at least one lense to do close ups of still objects or people's expressions while laughing, reading, crying, etc. I've seen far too many "packages" & am slowly coming to the conclusion-- I need to keep this as simple as possible. Perhaps one camera, one lense? I have yet to take even the most basic photography course. The photos of mine that are posted here (please look to get an understanding of my desired type of photo) were my earliest attempts. I am probably most interested in thoughts, as if you were starting fresh, between DSLR vs. Mirrorless, if you were to buy one additional lense for close ups. I need this to be simple as I am an "illiterate" in photography terms! Most of my friends photograph with DSLRs and have secured many lenses. They are unwilling to switch, understandably, and have no experience with mirrorless. I am also not wealthy, by any means, so under $1000 is a must! You'll note from my signature stamp...I'm still driving a 30 yr. old car, by choice. Thus, not expecting a flamboyant camera kit! I am at the very beginning now, and can start over. Help a "photography child" please.
--Toni

The law may vary from state to state. Generally you can photograph anyone in a public place because there is no expectation of privacy in a public space. You can display or publish such a photograph but you cannot use it for commercial purposes without a model release. That would include advertising or promoting a product or service. For example, and this actually happened, you can use a photo inside a book without a model release, but you can't use it on the cover because the cover promotes the book. Many publications will not publish without a model release anyway out of the fear of litigation.

I'm not a lawyer nor do I play one on television (old joke), but this has been discussed several times on this and other forums, and this is what has been explained by those who know the law.