What should I know about photography rules in France compared with the U.S.?
Asked 6/22/2011
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I understand basic photography rights in the United States, but I’m traveling to France and want to know the practical differences for vacation photography. I expect to shoot in public squares, streets, monuments, churches, museums, and possibly some street portraits. Are there any notable restrictions in France on photographing public places, illuminated landmarks, museums, or using a tripod?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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In France, you can take a picture of anything in the street, as long as it is in public. Some illumination works are copyrighted, so for example you can't take a picture of the Eiffel Tower by night, because the illumination work is under copyright. You can of course take the picture, but won't be able to sell it without any authorization. That's the same idea for all illuminated monuments in France.
There might be some other limitations, such as government building or stuff like that, and an officer might tell you not to take picture. In Museum, the usage of flash is almost always forbidden. On the street, especially in Paris, you should not use a tripod because, for the law, it can be seen to obstruct the pedestrian circulation.
If you want to shoot portrait, you can, but if you want to exhibit it later, you will need "droit à l'image" from the person that you photograph, only if we can see her face.
Otherwise, you're free to take as much pictures as possible.
Originally by user5702. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5702
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In general, taking photos in public places in France is broadly allowed, much like in the U.S., but a few practical limits were noted.
A key example is illuminated monuments: some lighting designs are copyrighted. The commonly cited case is the Eiffel Tower at night. You can take the photo for personal use, but selling or commercially using it may require authorization. The same principle can apply to other illuminated monuments.
Museums often prohibit flash, and some may have additional photography restrictions, so check posted rules.
Using a tripod on the street, especially in busy places, can be treated as obstructing pedestrian traffic, so it may attract attention or be disallowed.
There may also be restrictions around certain government buildings or sensitive locations, and authorities can instruct you not to photograph in specific situations.
For portraits or photos of identifiable people, taking the photo in public is one thing, but publishing or commercial use can raise privacy/image-right concerns, so be cautious and get permission when appropriate.
Best practice: follow posted rules, avoid flash where prohibited, be careful with tripods, and treat commercial use of photos of illuminated landmarks or recognizable people with extra caution.
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