how and when to ask permission...

Falkon
there use to be a device that did that, shot at right angles it screwed onto a lens the mirror was coated on the outer serface to inprove the shot.
Rob.

Falkon wrote:
That is what I was thinking about. When you see a person that you want a photo of and you ask first then they will be hamming it up for the camera. Candid shots appear more realistic and often look better. Maybe I will mount a mirror to the front of my lens so I will appear to be taking a photo in one direction when I wan really taking one in another.

Falkon - Here is a link for the right angle lens that you mean:

http://www.camerafilte​rs.com/

Good luck.

Hell, if you were going to go to that length, might as well just use a 600mm lens and sit on a rooftop!

It doesn't help that I'm a teenager and people don't seem to take me seriously.

I let people know I'm there and try to make myself noticable as to not worry anyone. If someone approaches me, I explain to them. Asking someone first, at usually pulls away its naturalness, so I ask afterwards. At least that's how I do it for PJ stuff. And for kids, I always offer to the parents if they want copies.

Commercial photography is currently not allowed in Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square, or any of the Royal parks (without a permit, which costs an arm and a leg) There is no restriction on tourist type photography or pictures that will no be used for profit or in any other business context.

N

I like Salleke's smile, point to the person and point to the camera suggestion. It's a friendly approach without being too confrontational or up close and personal.

As for shooting kids, I only shoot my own. If they're playing with other kids then those kids may end up in the photos too. It's never a problem though as the other parents can see that I'm a parent just like them.

I see it this way. If you are honest and up front and willing to give your information out, you generally wouldn't be someone who is trying to hide something. Maybe that's just me as far as photographing anyone young.

For a photographer not selling their work
If a person in in the baclground of your photo in a public area you do not have to ask them to sign anything.
If you make them the subject of your photo you do not need their permission.

For a person selling their photos
If you take a photo of someone who happens to be in the photo and in a public area and they are not the subject of your photo , you don't have to have anyone sign.
If you make a person the subject of you photo You will need to get them to sign a release and they may ask for money.

Use common sense.

quietman wrote:
This is indeed an often-discussed subject.

A couple of law firms have put together a list of guuidelines:

For Americans:

http://www.krages.com/​phoright.htm

For those in the UK:

http://www.sirimo.co.u​k/ukpr.php

Both sites have quick reference sheets/pamphlets you can print and carry with you, to hand out to those concerned, or heaven forbid, those in authority...

I've never looked at the second one, but there was some rather heated discussion concerning the first one in another thread some time back. I've got some issues with it.

But, that notwithstanding...

I'll normally just ask "Mind if I take your picture?" 99 times out of a 100, the answer will be "Sure, go ahead!". If it's a long range shot, where someone isn't necessarily identifiable, I'll just shoot away. But anytime someone can be identified, I'll ask permission. Also, if I shoot someone and they ask me to delete it, I'll do that, too.

I've also found that presentation; how you look and act, goes a long way. When I go out shooting, I normally dress as if I were going to a casual restaraunt; maybe jeans or Dockers and a polo shirt. In the summer, I'll wear shorts and a polo shirt. As has been mentioned already, if you "look the part", it helps.

With regard to shooting children, I'll ALWAYS ask. I know how I would react if I saw someone shooting pictures of my child, and I will always assume that others will react the same. Those are problems I just don't want. If someone asks "Why?", I'll just say that "I'm out shooting a day at the park, no problem." Sometimes the parents will decline, but most often they have no problem with it.

I also carry business cards with me, which I'll hand to anyone who expresses concern.

I think, in the end, your level of professionalism, or the perceived level of it, will go a long way...

Steve

You forgot the distinction that it has to be a "newsworthy" event for the paper...

I am purely an amatuer at this point, but slowly working my way into marketing and selling some photos. I love taking candids of people as well as semi-posed shots using something like: "Hey, I love your mohawk! Can I get a quick picture of you?" And as stated above, 99% of the time people will smile and say "sure!"
Sometimes I just go right up to them and chat them up for a bit if there is something unusual going on and this breaks the ice. They see me walking around with a camera and big white lens taking pictures of whatever is going on, and I am "pegged" as a photographer. I try to get people talking about themselves and build rapport so when the question "Can I take your picture?" is asked, it's something they almost expect.
I also carry some business cards with my name, my website and an e-mail address that they can contact me if they want some free prints or just an e-mail of the photos. If I think it might be a particularly nice shot I will say "I think I have some great photos of you! I'd like to put them on my online gallery. Check out my work, and if you don't want to be on my website, just shoot me an e-mail and I will pull your photos off right away." I have not had a single person e-mail me yet! I think some of them like the idea of being in a gallery.

IMHO it all comes down to be polite and friendly with people and nobody will have problems that we take pictures ... good luck to all of us ...

well, mypersonal rule is if i wantto take pictures of strangers. i would ask first or, i would take the picture and show them. if they approve i keep it and email them a copy if not then its deleted.
i don't see why anyone would take pictures of strangers for their personnal use, what personnal use? i think its wrong to post those photos online- even in here especially if the person you photographed has no knowledge ot it.

i ask so whoever would take a picture of me in public should ask too otherwise it wouldn't be a pleasant experience for the photographer.

besides, i have seen a lot of candid photos of people posted on here. it seems like they were done just because they were sneaky about it. how about considering the photo composition or lighting?

Here's a thought. How about an official "P.O.T.N. PRESS" badge we could hang on our pocket or even the old fashion hang it on the hat something that we could download from here and print on our own. Just a thought that might help people not be so leary about getting their photo taken.