Is it okay to take candid photos of people in public while traveling?
Asked 7/18/2013
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I enjoy candid photos because people often look more natural when they are not posing. While traveling, I would like to photograph local people in public, but I am unsure about the legal and ethical side of doing that without asking first. In general, is it acceptable to photograph people candidly in public places? Does this depend on local laws or customs, and is it better to ask before or after taking the photo?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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The rules in most territories come down to an 'expectation of privacy' - that is to say if you as the photographer is in a publically accessible place and not up a ladder or something then anyone you can see with the naked eye is fair game even if they're in a private place.
If you want to ask first then that's courteous and after snapping them posing you can tail them for a bit after. Otherwise snap first and ask later. But neither is required.
Obviously you should check the laws of the country or territory you're going to just in case.
Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14028
13y ago
0
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It depends on where you are. Candid photography of people in public is often legal, especially for personal, editorial, or artistic use, because people in public usually have little or no expectation of privacy. But laws vary by country, and local customs can matter just as much as legality.
A good rule is:
- check local laws before you travel
- ask local guides, hotel staff, or your travel provider about customs
- be especially careful in places where photography may be sensitive
If you are in doubt, asking first is the safest and most courteous option. Some photographers shoot first and ask later, but that can still cause conflict even if it is legal. If someone objects, the polite response is to respect that and avoid escalating the situation.
Also remember that commercial use of photos of identifiable people may require a model release in some places, even if taking the photo itself was legal.
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