Comments on: Photographer’s Rights

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:21:01 +0000

Thanks guys. I’ve been yelled at from store owners, and had the police come out and harass me because I was taking pictures of an old abandoned drive-in sign. I would think that being there with a camera would show my purpose as in I’m there for photography. If I was loitering with no camera, I would think that would be more of an issue.

Thanks again! I’m printing this out and keeping it with me for next time.

By: Terry G

Terry G — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:20:07 +0000

Great post! I agree with you Lynette, it can be a little intimidating at times. Being polite, courteous, and using common sense will help cut the tension down if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Thanks ToFu for all of your valuable information. You rock!!!

By: Lynette J

Lynette J — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:38:47 +0000

Great post guys! I am always sooo scared to venture out of my little comfort zone when it comes to new locations…..but with this info I just might!

By: Muriel

Muriel — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:41:33 +0000

Great PDF, guys.

Robbie – I’ve been telling my clients that no permit means we’re not-for-profit and usually, everyone has been fine with that. And if they’re not, I may suggest to them that a permit is more money (because it is) and sometimes pushes back a shoot date because you have to apply, pay, etc.

If they’re okay with paying for the permit (especially if the location is out of my area and/or chosen by them) and possibly waiting for it to show up, then I’m okay with that too.

And some public places don’t require a permit regardless. Some do. You would need to check beforehand. I know that Paseo-Colorado stopped me on their premises from just photographing my friend on their property. They said I had to obtain permission. And that’s fine; on another day, it might’ve been different with another officer who doesn’t care.

As a wedding photographer though, you generally need to consider a permit beforehand and include the application of one in your pricing. Mostly because you will probably be lugging around some equipment like extra bodies/lenses and obviously a wedding dress and groom will give it away. It’s tougher for them to believe you’re just “photographing my friends.”

Just my .02 cents =)

By: jen harris

jen harris — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:16:41 +0000

Good information for all photogs to have! Thanks!

By: admin

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:14:15 +0000

Depending on the location, some public places require permits while others do not. The best solution is to purchase a day permit to photograph commercially. The price for a permit (from my experience) ranges from $25 to $300 for one day.

By: Robbie

Robbie — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:22:59 +0000

If I were with a paying client and were asked by an official if I were shooting for profit, I would not feel comfortable lying about that. What would my rights be then? Do you have to have a permit to shoot for profit in any public place?

By: Chris Olry

Chris Olry — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:11:55 +0000

Thanks for the pointers… the handy reference sheet is very nice.

By: Brian Smith

Brian Smith — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:05:21 +0000

Great Post! I was always worried about the “deletion of images” when asked by a representative of the location’s that had issues with my photo sessions. I have been asked several times to delete my images or stop shooting and leave but it was usually by an elderly employee so I just put my running shoes to the test …All kidding aside this was a great blog and a great link to the legal document. Keep of the great work Tofurious!

Thank You,
Brian Smith
S&R Photography

By: Curtis Copeland

Curtis Copeland — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:43:37 +0000

Thanks for the photographer’s rights information and insight!

By: Melissa Lawler

Melissa Lawler — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:08:30 +0000

That was great! I love hearing how other photographers deal with this. Thank you for posting what our legal rights are. You guys rock!