When is it OK to Take Photos of Strangers?
After posting my “Mexican Bus Stop” photo yesterday, there were quite a few comments and questions about taking photos of people and how those photos can be used. So since it's poll day, I'd like to gather the group opinion on taking photos of people you don't know. When is it OK to take a photo of somebody? Should you have prior permission? Should you shoot first and ask after the fact? Should you just snap away and not worry about it? Should you leave people out of it and take photos of something else? Or is it really dependent on the situation?
I realize that the topic is much deeper than can be covered in a five-answer poll, but try to vote for the one that best matches your opinion. If you have more to say, I'd definitely like to hear it in the comments.
Be sure to check out last week's poll on “Which Camera Brand Are You Loyal To?” I was right in predetermining that Canon and Nikon would win, but I didn't think it would be such a landslide. Canon came in with over 50% of the total votes, and Nikon with over 25% of total votes. Looks like Sony has some catching up to do…
Tim Solley
September 6, 2007In a perfect world, it would be great if I could walk up and ask someone for permission before taking the shot. But the minute I do that, many times that will spoil the shot I wanted because the person is now aware of my presence. In addition, sometimes the fleeting Kodak moment is gone by the time you get permission. So for me it’s typically a combination of getting a few images that I really want, then getting permission and snapping off a few more if I need them.
Brian Auer
September 6, 2007Perfect point about asking prior to shooting — you just can’t get the same shot unless you’re dealing with an experienced model.
Brian Reischl
September 6, 2007If someone is in a public place, I think it’s fine to take their picture. The real issues (legal and moral) come up when you’re trying to decide what to do with it later. If you just check it out and delete it, or make a print for yourself then I don’t see how the subject is harmed. If you sell it for porn advertising then you’re clearly doing something bad.
I guess it’s that gray area in the middle that’s a problem…
Brian Auer
September 6, 2007Agreed, the gray areas are the tough ones. That’s why many of those gray issues end up in court for a judge to decide on. I do get the impression, though, that when it comes to art, the court generally sides with the artist.
Gabby
September 7, 2007Until recently I have been too shy to take photos of people. The voyeuristic approach of taking without asking seems rude but for me so did going up and asking someone if I could take their photo, I felt it was an invasion of their privacy.
I recently spent the weekend in a country town that holds an annual Medieval Fair (seen here on my Flickr). Eighty percent of the locals and tourists were dressed in medieval clothing. I figured if they were dressed up then they were fair game! I had the best time and shot over 400 photos!
I love shooting people and now I have to find a happy medium between asking and not asking. It’s true what you read though, a smile and a nod almost always gets a positive response…so far…!
Brian Auer
September 7, 2007I think a lot of us have a hard time snapping photos of people or asking for permission. You have some great people photos from the fair. Looks like it was a great opportunity to use the camera.
Tom Steenhuysen
September 5, 2008I once read a long article on this subject and it left me feeling with the following: “just do it”
Easier said than done, so here is how I do it now.
I try to give something back to the people. After all, in a way they did give you something, so it’s only fair.
First I tell them my name is Tom Steenhuysen. Then I spell my last name “s-t-double e-h-u-why-s-e-n”, and I add: “but just call me Tom” then I say “if you go to my website justcallmetom.com and email me, then I will give you the shots I made for free. The full high-resolutions.”
Which is what I indeed do. If the shots turn out to be wonderful, I still ask them afterwards if they mind if I use them elsewhere. If not, I still got to make the shot, they still get their images and everybody is happy. And if they don’t contact me – no harm done. It’s a win-win situation.
I also have a business card with my name, website but no phone number on it that explains the same deal.
Oh yes, and the added benefit is of course that they may like those shots so much they might need my services or tell their friends and family about me.
I must admit, this was not easy at first, but now it has become a practiced speech which makes it easier each time I use it.
Hope this gives some courage to some of you. Above all, show a genuine smile from behind the lens!
Happy shooting!
Tom Steenhuysen – but please: justcallmetom 😉