Photography of people in public

[Reflection]

I've had a quick look, and couldn't find any threads about, but just want to doublecheck something.

When taking pictures of people in public, are there any laws about it? If I wanted to display said photos on a website or in a portfolio, do I need their permission?

From what I've gathered, these people are in public and know they are on display and so there aren't problems with display photos of them.

Thanks in advance.

[karusel]

I don't really know UK laws but I think there are about 8.000 cameras placed all around London, so I guess taking a photo here and there wouldn't be such a big of a deal :D

You can take a photograph of anyone in a public place, except where the privacy is expected, such as in public restrooms. I think also that the person being photographed has no right to be upset about it, demanding you 'delete that picture or you gonna get it'. The same applies to photographing children, but you should be tactful about it, since some parents seem to be overprotective, specially if you're using somewhat big lense and you don't want to freak them out. Legaly you're pretty much always on the safe side, and when you're not, I think you'll know it.

[Reflection]

I wasn't planning on taking photos in toilets, and with children, I would always ask their parent's first.

Thanks!

[Avalonthas]

I wasn't planning on taking photos in toilets, and with children, I would always ask their parent's first.

Thanks!

As long as you follow those above rules and anything else related to private places and young ones, then basically in public "knock urself out" lol.

[steven]

The only catch is that you cann't make money on the photos without the person's permission.
So if you don't sell or make a profit on any way then your clear.

[Persian-Rice]

It is legal to shoot in public. But you might want to print 30-40 model release forms and keep them in your bag so you can use the pictures in the future. You can't use someones mug in your photo(for anyhting other then personal) unless they allow you to............. You can use any photo without permission as long as you dont see a face. If someone wanted to be nasty and you had a part of their private property, they could bother you about it.

Well, this also does not apply for editorial use. I have mine on my business card. It's a foldable one. On one side is my info, the inside is the legal stuff and the back is where you sign. I always give them a copy as well.

[Ikinaa]

This months edition of Practical Photography has an article about photography in public in the UK.