Is the person in this pic identifiable?

[slacker]

Greetings,

I snapped the pic below last week and would like to enter it into a local photo contest. I'm seeking some second opinions as to whether or not the driver of this pickup is 'identifiable'. The person is wearing sunglasses in his sideview mirror and I smeared his license plate numbers. If folks think he's still indentifiable I won't enter the image because I wouldn't be able to get a model release form signed, otherwise I'll give it a go and enter it.

Thanks in advance!

http://slacker.smugmug.com/photos/87340823-L.jpg

[fivefish]

No it's not... for additional security, apply some gaussian blur to the sidemirror's reflection, and/or darken it some more.

[CIbyLouis]

yeah i would apply some blur and darken like stated above. but by looking at the reflection they both could use the walk.

[slacker]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll try darkening/blurring the sideview a tad more this evening to see how it looks.

[Longwatcher]

As an imagery analyst I can say I have enough information in that photo to at least narrow a person down to probably under ten people. So I would definately blur the mirror.

I would also finish masking the license plate so it is not identifiable as Oregon.
Then you have made it difficult enough to not reasonably identify the person by anything other then the unique back window screen. which means close enough you shouldn't need a model release.

[fivefish]

As an imagery analyst I can say I have enough information in that photo to at least narrow a person down to probably under ten people. So I would definately blur the mirror.

I can name that person in (1) try....

SANTA CLAUS

[Permagrin]

It's a good pic. Just blur it and enter it anyway :)

[coreypolis]

blur or darken it, darkeing it may look more natural, is that allowed for the contest?

[slacker]

I just read the contest rules fine print... I may not be able to enter it afterall if I edit the image to render the driver unrecognizable. If I was dead-set on submitting the photo I guess I could use the guy's license plate # to try to track him down for a release form. While reading the fine print I found a contact email address for the contest organizer... I'm going to email them asking if altering the image to hide an identity would disqualify the image.

Thanks again for the replies and info... In the future I don't think it'll hurt for me to keep a copy of a model release form in the camera bag or car glove box.

Excerpt from the contrest rules:

Cropped photos are eligible in all categories. We do not accept digitally or otherwise enhanced or altered photos. Minor adjustments, including spotting, dodging and burning, contrast and slight color adjustment or the digital equivalents, are acceptable for all categories. If our judges see that a photographer has obviously altered his or her photo, they reserve the right to disqualify it.

An entrant must hold all rights to a photograph. For a photo in which a person is recognizable, entrants must provide a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject's parent or guardian. We have provided a model release form for you to use along with the downloadable entry form.

[Croasdail]

First, let me say the image is brilliant. If it doesn't talk loads about American lifestyle, I am not sure what does. I would blur the plate and leave it at that. That is a relatively common practice. I wouldn't worry so much about the reflection - it really is incidental. The chap has done enough to that truck that is is really unique and identifiable. If push came to shove, it could be identified. But... it is in a public place where one would not have the reasonable expectation of privacy. Lastly, you might just try to track the chap down and ask permission so that you can use the image un altered. There is a good chance the person has a good sense of humor and will allow you to use it as is. It is worth an ask. It isn't that hard to track vehicles based on the tags.

[tlc]

hey! that's my dog!

[fstop212]

It's a great shot - why don't you run his plate and track him down and then get the release. That doesn't sound like too much work now does it? =0)

[Jim G]

The rules say that burning is legal.. just burn in the mirror and burn/dodge the plates...

[Brodog2525]

darken the mirror and enter it in the contest!

[WannaLearn]

Simple burn to mirror. According to the rules you should be fine.

[DocFrankenstein]

I can name that person in (1) try....

SANTA CLAUS
I say belmondo :lol:

[XTlent]

Cool pic!!
it never ceases to amaze me how lazy people are. HA!! He could just get the dog a treadmill and save th $3.00 a gallon on gas to "walk' the dog.

[Radtech1]

Or, paste in a pic of Paris Hilton. God knows she's in the public domain.

Rad