Street Photography Law & Ethics

There is often confusion or conflicting views between photographers with regard to the legal implications of taking photographs in areas generally considered as “public”.  Often such views and opinions with regard the law only serve to further confuse.

Notwithstanding the legality of a particular photo or location, many consider that consideration should be given to the moral aspect of any photographs being taken and the consequences and impact that such a photo may have on the photographer and/or the subjects within the said image.

Consideration and respect for the public are paramount to minimise the risk of confrontation from an angry member of the public and more generally to minimise the risk of alienating photographers in the eye the public and the potential imposition of more restrictive legislation.

To increase awareness of this area of photography,  the AOP’s Business & Legal advisor Nick Dunmur recently and Street and Portrait photographer Sean Tucker met for a discussion on the legal ins and outs of Street Photography.

In their subsequent video, they discuss the laws surrounding street photography and more specifically, photographing people in public. Sean shares his views with regard to considering your own moral code when undertaking your own photography projects.

The main take away from the meeting is essentially; not whether it may be legally permissible to take a particular photograph, but to first ask yourself, whether you ‘should’.

Source:

The Association of Photographers

Sean Tucker Photography