The photographers rights... (?)

[Seymore]

I went downtown Olympia today, and there are many "homeless" and derelict people that hang out down there. I was just down there to shoot the wall art, paintings on the side of buildings and graffiti with my trusty MF Nikkor 135/2.8.

Well, I was starting to wrap things up, and was shooting the corner of a building where a relief protruded when out of the blue a run-down female approaches me and tells me (bluntly) that if there are any PICs of her there that they MUST be deleted. I told her that I was NOT shooting people that day and that I had NO PIC of her. She then rants on that "WE" have an agreement that she will not have her PIC taken. (her words which I did not verbally agree to) I told her that if she is out in public that a photographer has every right to take her picture. Her rant then got more vicious stating that her PIC was not to be taken and that we had an agreement, and something to the effect that I had no right to shoot her. (her exact words just flew right past me) I informed her that if I choose to publish her PIC I would need a release, but that in a public place, I had every right to shoot her.

At this point I just kept walking and noted that she went back to her van which, by appearance, she lived from. This was about 30' from where I was shooting last.

So, my question... Do people, in a public location (on a public city street), have the right to request you not shoot them? ...or delete their PIC, if you're just out to document city life, and have no intention of publishing their PIC? Where does the photographer have to draw the line in a public forum? Are my rights, as a photographer, limited by the public in a public place?

Please talk to me...
Thanks,

[DavidTO]

They have the right to request anything...and I, for one, would honor it.

Legally, I believe you're right about your rights, though.

Do a search on the forum, there was a pdf linked that outlined a photographer's rights.

[Andy]

the photographer's rights (http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm)

sure, you can shoot people in public. you can even publish them under certain circumstances *without* a release (e.g. education, journalism, editorial). but since she obviously didn't want her pic taken, it's probably just best to move on in this situation (i realize she was "instigating" or so your account goes..and it's hard to swallow your tongue).

good topic, seymore!

[Seymore]

They have the right to request anything...and I, for one, would honor it.

Legally, I believe you're right about your rights, though.

Do a search on the forum, there was a pdf linked that outlined a photographer's rights.Yea... I got the PDF. But I guess my question leans more toward the rights of the person on the other side of the lens... in a public location.

BTW, I will honor a request... most of time. If they come across as this "female" did, I was half tempted to snap off a shot just to spite her. But, I refrained myself.


the photographer's rights (http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm)

sure, you can shoot people in public. you can even publish them under certain circumstances *without* a release (e.g. education, journalism, editorial). but since she obviously didn't want her pic taken, it's probably just best to move on in this situation (i realize she was "instigating" or so your account goes..and it's hard to swallow your tongue).

good topic, seymore!Thanks Andy. Yep... I had the PDF printed with me, but with her attitude I just wanted OUT! She wouldn't listen to reason. I was able to keep my kool... But, I'm sure you've dealt with the "homeless" in NYC, they're the same here... and I'm sure you can attest to their "mental well being", or lack thereof! :uhoh Please also see my reply to DavidTO above.

BTW, I'm keeping track of the OTHER threads along this issue. And, trying to put my head around all of this for the CamClub I'm a member of. Looks like I'll be asked to give a presentation about "OUR RIGHTS" in the next few months.

[DavidTO]

BTW, I will honor a request... most of time. If they come across as this "female" did, I was half tempted to snap off a shot just to spite her. But, I refrained myself.



Well, you did the right thing there. For one, she was obviously a little off balance -- a little quick on the draw, and why would you engage with that? But even if she wasn't so volatile, there really is no reason (IMO) to snap off a shot in spite. That would be abusing your camera, I would think. Using it for nefarious purposes when really it is so much more powerful and better than that.

Thanks for sharing the story, I think we all learn from sharing stories. We especially learn how we would act in a situation like that, by vicariously living through yours.

[Seymore]

Live-n-learn David... Live-n-learn. :thumb

[gus]

If she is living in a van then you were probably the highlight of her day.

Just tell her you are working for Echelon & are scanning with a special infra-red camera to locate tall greys that are known to frequent the area.

Give her life lines phone number & tell her that she will be assisting homeland security if she can report any findings of teleporting or cloning.

...i always carry a phantom ring to give them as well....whilst they are churning what you just told them & looking at the ring...move quickly away.

Never failed me yet !

[wxwax]

I'd bet a nickel she was mentally ill to some degree. In my experience street folks are very agressive when they see a camera around.

Some apporach you and claim you've taken their photo. Either they want money or they don't want their faces shot.

Others will skulk and try to get in your shot, then come over and demand money.

I just walk away.