Taking pictures of those subjects who don't want their pictures taken

[limr]

For #1, it would probably come down to what would they do if I took photos? Would I then be running for my life? Case in point: when I was in Hanoi during the Trump-Kim summit, I took some pictures of some Vietnamese AFVs. I'm pretty sure that's against the law there. But the line of vehicles was interesting so I went for it. But I'm also pretty sure they didn't see me taking pictures.

It's not just your own safety but that of the person who allowed the picture to be taken. If everyone else disapproves but the subject allows it anyway, there could be consequences for him or her.

 

[Fujidave]

I love taking shots of people while out and about, but my main rule is I NEVER take a photo of kids at all.
If someone does not want me to take their photo I will just move on and respect their wishes, but when I`m shooting street photography I will always make sure I get a person in the image.

 

[waday]

I find it deeply disappointing that in the 21st Century there are still people who rely on suspect interpretations of a Bronze Age fable to tell them how to dress, when and what to eat, why you should not educate women and if photography is allowed or not.

But when I'm travelling in backward looking countries I try to respect people's choices, even if I can't understand their reasoning.

Could you elaborate on why you brought this up in this topic, which is conjecture and barely answers the question posed by the OP? It seems this is directed at Muslims, and yet you're describing all religions and most countries to a certain respect.

 

[Photo Lady]

so what is the bottom line.. is it okay to take random photos of strangers ... whether they are aware or not aware.. i often thought about this too.. like public state fair and all the different faces you come upon.. is this okay... or not okay.. i know you can do it.. but is it right..?

 

[Derrel]

so what is the bottom line.. is it okay to take random photos of strangers ... whether they are aware or not aware.. i often thought about this too.. like public state fair and all the different faces you come upon.. is this okay... or not okay.. i know you can do it.. but is it right..?

I think that there exists no,one, single, 100% "correct" answer.

 

[Photo Lady]

so what is the bottom line.. is it okay to take random photos of strangers ... whether they are aware or not aware.. i often thought about this too.. like public state fair and all the different faces you come upon.. is this okay... or not okay.. i know you can do it.. but is it right..?

I think that there exists no,one, single, 100% "correct" answer.

I think your right.. but i did think of this a few times when out and about.. i wondered if it were okay or not politically correct .. once in awhile i thought it would be fun just to take random photos but thought maybe it would be better to take them if they weren't looking..lol they certainly take chances in some of those walmart photos floating around.

 

[SCraig]

so what is the bottom line.. is it okay to take random photos of strangers ... whether they are aware or not aware.. i often thought about this too.. like public state fair and all the different faces you come upon.. is this okay... or not okay.. i know you can do it.. but is it right..?

It depends on the COUNTRY. In the USA people in a public place cannot expect any level of privacy and therefore cannot complain when their photograph is taken. We cannot just arrogantly assume that what is acceptable here is likewise acceptable in other parts of the world since laws and customs are vastly different. When we visit other parts of the world we are visitors and are expected to behave with some sense of respect for their customs.

 

[Photo Lady]

That makes total sense to me.. very well defined

 

[The_Traveler]

I don't think that putting this question with an eye towards honoring religious or cultural beliefs is good.
Forget religious or cultural beliefs.
Let's say that the subject, whom you know to be a reasonably terrible and ignorant person because you are related, has a tightly held belief that, if his or her picture is taken, he (or she) will die within 5 days.
Let us also say that you want a photo because his spouse, whom you know to be a lovely, intelligent person wants a current picture.

The person doesn't want the picture taken and you do - for a good reason.

It is easy to make that decision specifically and I generally don't respect people as a group for their religious or cultural beliefs, any more than I would respect them because they really loved Star Trek.
I respect individuals and I make my decision specifically on local reasons.

 

[ClickAddict]

I don't think that putting this question with an eye towards honoring religious or cultural beliefs is good.
Forget religious or cultural beliefs.
Let's say that the subject, whom you know to be a reasonably terrible and ignorant person because you are related, has a tightly held belief that, if his or her picture is taken, he (or she) will die within 5 days.
Let us also say that you want a photo because his spouse, whom you know to be a lovely, intelligent person wants a current picture.

The person doesn't want the picture taken and you do - for a good reason.

It is easy to make that decision specifically and I generally don't respect people as a group for their religious or cultural beliefs, any more than I would respect them because they really loved Star Trek.
I respect individuals and I make my decision specifically on local reasons.

I would not take his picture. His choice. Not hers. Whether he is nice or terrible does not change my view on this. (Now keep in mind there's a difference with someone who TRULY does not want their photo taken (as in your case where he thinks he will die) and someone who is "Ah man, I dont look good in photos" and complaining to his girlfriend while she is trying to get a nice "couples" shot together. In that case I'd smile and coach him along with some humor cause you know it's more just a game.)

 

[vintagesnaps]

Now with that reason given it's a different matter than what it seemed to me. It had made me think of people who are Amish who don't want their photos taken, at least from what I understand showing their faces in an identifiable way, and I think that needs to be respected. In general in public you can take photos, but if someone doesn't want their picture taken, I think it's best to leave them alone and find another subject! lol Just because it's in public and you can doesn't mean you should, depends on reading the situation and making a determination as to what's appropriate in a particular set of circumstances.

In this case it might be better to NOT take the person's photo, and give it some time. But I suppose there may not be a lot of time, so maybe try talking to other family members, try to find some resources related to elderly people or any related conditions etc., and try to get some ideas how to approch this. It's unfortunate that the spouse didn't think to get a photo taken some time ago because I don't know if there's any way the person can be convinced to have a photo taken now, and I don't think it would be good to force the issue.

Sometimes too the more someone feels they're being pushed into something, the less they're willing to do it. Maybe explain (again possibly for the umpteenth time) why the spouse wants a photo and offer some choices - would the person be willing to do a photo in their easy chair? or in the kitchen if they like to cook? or in the yard if it's a nice day and flowers are blooming? or with something related to a hobby? or at a table they can partly 'hide' behind if uncomfortable with how they look in photos? or with others in the photo? or... something the person would accept.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Photo Lady mentioned taking photos at fairs, festivals, etc. Try looking up the event and there should be info. somewhere (website, media guide, back of tickets not so much anymore!) about taking photos, etc. I would think though if someone asked you not to take their picture, especially of kids, it would be better to wait til they move on, then take the picture of the booth, display, etc. Or find something else to photograph and come back in a few minutes.

I've done sports/events and usually there's a disclaimer available somewhere that there may be TV cameras there, photos are allowed, etc. so people know they could be seen at the event on the local news or in the local newspaper, or their pictures may be taken or used by the team/venue that could show them at the game/event.

Photographing events usually involves timing. I found that heads would swivel, and kids (and people who had been to the beer booth) would wave and want their pictures taken, then they'd realize I wasn't all that interesting and go back to watching the game. Then I could get some pictures. So it takes some watching and waiting.

In general it depends too on usage. You may be able to take photos for personal use, which could include usage as a print (for the buyer's personal use). Anything for commercial (business, advertising) use or for retail use (mugs, T shirts), releases would be needed/permission given.

Try http://asmp.org or PPA for info. on usage, releases, etc.

 

[Photo Lady]

Photo Lady mentioned taking photos at fairs, festivals, etc. Try looking up the event and there should be info. somewhere (website, media guide, back of tickets not so much anymore!) about taking photos, etc. I would think though if someone asked you not to take their picture, especially of kids, it would be better to wait til they move on, then take the picture of the booth, display, etc. Or find something else to photograph and come back in a few minutes.

I've done sports/events and usually there's a disclaimer available somewhere that there may be TV cameras there, photos are allowed, etc. so people know they could be seen at the event on the local news or in the local newspaper, or their pictures may be taken or used by the team/venue that could show them at the game/event.

Photographing events usually involves timing. I found that heads would swivel, and kids (and people who had been to the beer booth) would wave and want their pictures taken, then they'd realize I wasn't all that interesting and go back to watching the game. Then I could get some pictures. So it takes some watching and waiting.

In general it depends too on usage. You may be able to take photos for personal use, which could include usage as a print (for the buyer's personal use). Anything for commercial (business, advertising) use or for retail use (mugs, T shirts), releases would be needed/permission given.

Try American Society of Media Photographers - Homepage or PPA for info. on usage, releases, etc.

very good points. thanks

 

[JonFZ300]

I have lately been in a Muslim country where many potential subjects definitely don't want their photos taken because of a disputed passage in their scriptures.

Is Picture Taking Forbidden in Islam? | Synonym

What do you think about this?

I think the idea that people who take pictures are going to be punished by God on judgement day is ridiculous. Even more ridiculous is that there is an exception for "necessary" images like passport photos. So I'm going to be punished by God on judgement day for taking pictures or having my picture taken, but God will spare me from eternal suffering for passport photos? The people who wrote the holy scriptures of Islam and Christianity didn't know where the sun went at night. The "rules" in the article are modern interpretations of those scriptures. I think basing any modern-day decision on any ancient scripture or interpretation of scripture is a bad idea and is simply a way for people to control other people. Yes, I am an atheist.

Just to explore what people think.

What if:

1) if you had the opportunity to take an image where the subject was all right with it but close onlookers would almost certainly think it was wrong?

2) if you had the opportunity to take an image where the subject would never know that a photo had been taken?

1. I wouldn't take any image that would create tension in any way. If the person who is OK with it wants to be photographed, I'd just take it away from the upset onlookers. No "street" picture is worth ruffling feathers, unless it's journalism or something like that.

2. If I knew they were OK with it, I would. If there was any doubt at all, I wouldn't.

 

[The_Traveler]

It is interesting that there seems to be no response from people who consider themselves 'street photographers'.
Having a proscriptive opinion about something that doesn't affect the person with the opinion is a bit like a man having a strong opinion on tampons.