A question of releases

[craniac]

I understand the need for releases but have been wondering one thing, that relates most to travel photography.

Let's assume that you are in some part of the world and take a brilliant set of photos of the local people. So brilliant in fact, that you think a magazine may publish them. But you were unable to obtain a release, either because the people pictured are illiterate or there was no language in common between them and yourself. Would you be able to sell these photographs for publication? If not, how do magazines like National Geographic handle this issue?

[RockSlut]

Just off the top of my head, I would think that it would vary based on the local laws. Many countries legal systems are very similar, however I would suspect that there would be some quite large variations. Also, depending on how you were to publish the photos you may not need a release either. The rules as I understand them apply differently for editorial purposes than to commercial (advertising ) purposes.

I have done some research on the issue, but only in so far as law is applied in Australia.

I'd suggest researching the country's laws prior to visiting as a precaution.

[IndyJeff]

No release is needed for an editorial use. NG is an editorial use.

[craniac]

No release is needed for an editorial use. NG is an editorial use.

That's nice to know, in the unlikely event that I ever shoot anything good enough for such use.

[IndyJeff]

Just remember, "if it is for news then it is good to use. Use it in an ad and it can be bad."