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Taking pictures is your right, but know the rules first
By Tris Hussey | March 19, 2008
As photographers we’ve all had the situation where someone has asked us why we’re taking pictures and/or asked us to stop. While taking photographs in public is a right in the US and Canada, it’s a good idea to know your rights, the rules, and a few tips.
I’ve been challenged a few times and have been able to deal with the situations with body, camera, and images intact (my media pass from an Apple event helps…it says MEDIA on it). But the question is, when do I have the right to take pictures and when don’t I? When do I have the right to but it might not be a good idea?
From Photojojo I found a great post for US folks on your rights as a photographer and a link to a post that covers the rules in Canada.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Take the advice here for what it is, advice. For specific legal questions or situations you should consult legal counsel.
Myself, one of the rules I follow is not to take pictures of kids unless I ask the parents first. Meaning, a specific picture of that child. Sometimes kids are in the background when I’m taking pictures in the park of my own kids and if asked I would delete pictures if a parent asked. I’m also very careful not to include extraneous youngsters in my shots though. Also, when I take a picture of someone, I generally will show them the picture and give them my card in case they’d like a copy.
From all the advice and rights I’ve read the one thing that I keep reading is to keep your cool, don’t give in, don’t give up your camera, and call the police if you need to.
But most of all, it is your right to take pictures…
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