Stranger Person Photo?

[Jerrytrebec33]

If I took a photograph of a stranger at the park without him knowing but he is recognizable in it, am I aloud to put it on my website?
Thank you

[intechpcx]

Wow, didn't we just have a lengthy thread on this debate? It really comes down to two things, what you can do legally and what is generally accepted courtesy.

Generally speaking, yes you should be able to post it without issue since it was in a public place. However, courtesy would dictate that if you know how to get a hold of the person, you should ask permission first. Likewise if you post it and the person contacts you asking you to remove it, common courtesy would be to comply.

Now, if you decide to sell it on the other hand, that could get more complex. Now you get into talk of royalties and such. I don't believe there is any legal requirement again since you were in public, however it could get hairy fast if the subject found out you sold pictures of him/her. Last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer to fend off a lawsuit. If you plan to sell it, your best bet would be to check into local laws and such.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Now, if you decide to sell it on the other hand, that could get more complex. Now you get into talk of royalties and such. I don't believe there is any legal requirement again since you were in public, however it could get hairy fast if the subject found out you sold pictures of him/her. Last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer to fend off a lawsuit. If you plan to sell it, your best bet would be to check into local laws and such.


You don't account for paparazzi photographers, yes they are rude, yes it is legal, and no, the subject does not get royalties on the shots.