Photography legality resources

[crazydadguy]

Does anyone have any good links on the legal issues associated with photography and taking photos of other people? I assume that there are copyright issues,etc.. but is there somewhere that defines it?

[MassJester]

You shouldn't run afoul of the law unless you intend your pictures for commercial use, or take pictures in non-public venues. However, people enjoy a right to control the commercial use of their own image. If you are looking to use your images for commercial purposes, then the professional associations (e.g., PMA) would be a good source.

[boBQuincy]

Bert Krages (krages.com) has written a book "Legal Handbook for Photographers".
He has also published a one page document titled "The Photographer's Right" that gives a brief idea of what we are and are not allowed to photograph.

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

[crazydadguy]

Thanks guys. I had never really considered the legal aspect of any of the pictures that I have taken, and I have always allowed my friends free access, but I think at the very least, I should post my photos with some form of copyright posted in one of the corners. They might not be pro quality now, but you never know...:cool2:

[manning]

I had a brush with the law about a year ago.

I was in a parking lot and was testing out a new camera while my wife was shopping. I was panning in movie mode. Next thing I know a woman jumps out of her car charging me demanding I erase the picture and I can't take her picture. I happened to pan past her car.

Ten minutes later we pull out of the lot and all of a sudden I'm pulled over by 2 local cops and 1 state trooper.

I should have known she would call the cops, she was sporting vanity plates and you pay a lot more for those.

I showed them the pictures and advised them if I wanted I could take all the pictures I want of her and as long as I don't sell/publish them she has no case.

The cop talks into his mic, looks at my drivers license and says your right. You're free to go.

What was funny was he motioned to the other cops telling them it's nothing. Those two guys were standing behind my car with their hand on their guns.

By the way, yes sir, no sir works.