"Why are you taking my picture without my permission?" how do i reply?

[Streettographer]

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

 

[skanter]

There are some candid street photographs that are classics, but many others where the photographer has established a fleeting connection with the subject. It's not absolutely one or the other, and there are plenty of examples of both.

The New Yorker piece is about celebrities being in the public eye - not at all about street photography or anything being discussed in this thread. Did you really think it did ?



--
Sam K., NYC
“I’m halfway between tightrope walker and pickpocket.” HCB
—
__
Smugmug Galleries:
http://skanter.smugmug.com
—
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sam.kanter/

 

[Gangster Chicken]

I never ever take anyone's picture unless they're a family mermber because if I took some random stranger's picture where I live there's a chance the person or their husband or family member would start swearing at me and put a dent in my face. That's what people here are like and don't EVER, EVER take a photo if there are children in the frame EVER even if your intention is to photograph the scene not the children because where I live you will be called a paedophile and probably beaten up, that's a definite and then you'll be labelled a peadophile all round town.

That's why I never take photos of people not even beautiful scenes if there are any children even if the children at hundreds and hundreds of metres away it's too risky. Where I live there's a skate park and it's full of young people on skate ramps and i'd love to take photos of them doing their tricks but I wouldn't dare because i'd definitely be beaten up or arrested regardless of the British law stating i'm allowed to photograph public spaces.

Then everyone who knows me would call me peado that's how bad it is where I live.

 

[skanter]

I never ever take anyone's picture unless they're a family mermber because if I took some random stranger's picture where I live there's a chance the person or their husband or family member would start swearing at me and put a dent in my face. That's what people here are like and don't EVER, EVER take a photo if there are children in the frame EVER even if your intention is to photograph the scene not the children because where I live you will be called a paedophile and probably beaten up, that's a definite and then you'll be labelled a peadophile all round town.

That's why I never take photos of people not even beautiful scenes if there are any children even if the children at hundreds and hundreds of metres away it's too risky. Where I live there's a skate park and it's full of young people on skate ramps and i'd love to take photos of them doing their tricks but I wouldn't dare because i'd definitely be beaten up or arrested regardless of the British law stating i'm allowed to photograph public spaces.

Then everyone who knows me would call me peado that's how bad it is where I live.

Sounds like a nice, friendly town! lol

 

[Digirame]

That must be your culture or the way you think. Things are different where I live. Cell phone are ubiquitous and pictures are taken freely of all sorts of people without permission. The common place to see that is on YouTube. I've explained that previously. Children, adults, grandparents all can be found on video pictures that were taken without permission. So a lot of us will NEVER NEVER NEVER give up our American rights because of fearmongers, hateful people or anyone else. Yes, a lot of us take photos respectfully and are nice about it; that's why I am rarely confronted by anyone. People sometimes wave to me when I'm taking their pictures, as I'm friendly and quite visible about it. If someone doesn't want their picture taken, then of course I will stop...I don't persist.

 

[Digirame]

Also I should mention if someone is violent towards a photographer that is lawfully taking photos they could be subject to felony arrest and jail time. Also people that violate our rights as Americans can be subject to very costly lawsuits.

 

[embie]

Bravo

 

[skanter]

Also I should mention if someone is violent towards a photographer that is lawfully taking photos they could be subject to felony arrest and jail time. Also people that violate our rights as Americans can be subject to very costly lawsuits.

Yes. And a member on this thread suggested that people smash a photographer’s camera if they did like the response to “why did you take my picture?” The post was removed, with my response, I assume by moderators.

 

[AlphaMcDelta]

where I live.

sounds like the perfect place for a crime scene photographer ..Weegee would love it.

ant

 

[Chris Noble]

Also I should mention if someone is violent towards a photographer that is lawfully taking photos they could be subject to felony arrest and jail time. Also people that violate our rights as Americans can be subject to very costly lawsuits.

Yes. And a member on this thread suggested that people smash a photographer’s camera if they did like the response to “why did you take my picture?” The post was removed, with my response, I assume by moderators.

I must admit that the arguments invoking the US Constitution to buttress the rights to photograph people in the street seemed rather ludicrous... When all that is actually needed is some common sense and respect. So guilty as charged for taking the ludicrous to the next step of mayhem, street violence, and broken (lens) glass. The joke appears to have alarmed one of the moderators.

 

[AlphaMcDelta]

The New Yorker piece is about celebrities being in the public eye - not at all about street photography or anything being discussed in this thread. Did you really think it did ?

..did about as much as the 'law' advice Sam.

How many of these expert law posts have we seen over the years Sam ..oddly is always the candid photographers justifying themselves ..in law. To be fair tho ..how else could you justify them.
Would love to see them explaining themselves to a copper in the street.

"It is Street Photography" ..they would cry and then they would show their photos (lol)

Then the police could visit their homes and see all the weird photographs on their walls (as if they even print) of people they don't even know.

ant

 

[skanter]

Also I should mention if someone is violent towards a photographer that is lawfully taking photos they could be subject to felony arrest and jail time. Also people that violate our rights as Americans can be subject to very costly lawsuits.

Yes. And a member on this thread suggested that people smash a photographer’s camera if they did like the response to “why did you take my picture?” The post was removed, with my response, I assume by moderators.

I must admit that the arguments invoking the US Constitution to buttress the rights to photograph people in the street seemed rather ludicrous... When all that is actually needed is some common sense and respect.

Not at all ludicrous - being aware of rights is essential, as well as respect and common sense. Most people think that taking photos without permission in a public space is illegal.

We take the first amendment very seriously here in the U.S. There are those here who are constantly trying to restrict our freedom of speech and expression.

So guilty as charged for taking the ludicrous to the next step of mayhem, street violence, and broken (lens) glass. The joke appears to have alarmed one of the moderators.

Did not sound like a “joke” at all, but hostility towards street photographers. who do not behave the way you would prefer.

 

[skanter]

The New Yorker piece is about celebrities being in the public eye - not at all about street photography or anything being discussed in this thread. Did you really think it did ?

..did about as much as the 'law' advice Sam.

How many of these expert law posts have we seen over the years Sam ..oddly is always the candid photographers justifying themselves ..in law. To be fair tho ..how else could you justify them.
Would love to see them explaining themselves to a copper in the street.

"It is Street Photography" ..they would cry and then they would show their photos (lol)

Then the police could visit their homes and see all the weird photographs on their walls (as if they even print) of people they don't even know.

ant

I’ve had many conversations with clueless cops (and others) about the law, first amendment and street photography. Most are open and glad to learn. So many, even pro photographers, think we need a “release form” to shoot or use street photos. Educating others comes with the territory.

--
Sam K., NYC
“I’m halfway between tightrope walker and pickpocket.” HCB
—
__
Smugmug Galleries:
http://skanter.smugmug.com
—
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sam.kanter/

 

[AlphaMcDelta]

The New Yorker piece is about celebrities being in the public eye - not at all about street photography or anything being discussed in this thread. Did you really think it did ?

..did about as much as the 'law' advice Sam.

How many of these expert law posts have we seen over the years Sam ..oddly is always the candid photographers justifying themselves ..in law. To be fair tho ..how else could you justify them.
Would love to see them explaining themselves to a copper in the street.

"It is Street Photography" ..they would cry and then they would show their photos (lol)

Then the police could visit their homes and see all the weird photographs on their walls (as if they even print) of people they don't even know.

ant

I’ve had many conversations with clueless cops (and others) about the law, first amendment and street photography. Most are open and glad to learn. So many, even pro photographers, think we need a “release form” to shoot or use street photos. Educating others comes with the territory.

..the ones here surprise me the most. They don't appear to understand 'Street' and what purpose the public-space serves and have no reason for protecting it. They don't know and yet they are against what ever it is.

Travel Photographers the same but worse, they are desperate to show their holiday snaps but have zero audience. They trample us (in hordes) and even travel together in the forum. Have seen a whole 'Street' forum disappear and then because no one wanted to look at their holiday snaps they disappeared as well.

Nothing left but the empty desert they left ..the creeping sand.

(anyways back to work) (sitar just landed in Oz, finally)

ant

 

[Gangster Chicken]

I never ever take anyone's picture unless they're a family mermber because if I took some random stranger's picture where I live there's a chance the person or their husband or family member would start swearing at me and put a dent in my face. That's what people here are like and don't EVER, EVER take a photo if there are children in the frame EVER even if your intention is to photograph the scene not the children because where I live you will be called a paedophile and probably beaten up, that's a definite and then you'll be labelled a peadophile all round town.

That's why I never take photos of people not even beautiful scenes if there are any children even if the children at hundreds and hundreds of metres away it's too risky. Where I live there's a skate park and it's full of young people on skate ramps and i'd love to take photos of them doing their tricks but I wouldn't dare because i'd definitely be beaten up or arrested regardless of the British law stating i'm allowed to photograph public spaces.

Then everyone who knows me would call me peado that's how bad it is where I live.

Sounds like a nice, friendly town! lol

Yeah it's only got the highest murder rate in the Uk my town has, a couple of weeks ago a migrant stabbed a child to death in broad daylight. 98% of my photos nowadays are taken out of town away from the violence and judgemental people who'd break my jaw for photographing them.

 

[skanter]

I never ever take anyone's picture unless they're a family mermber because if I took some random stranger's picture where I live there's a chance the person or their husband or family member would start swearing at me and put a dent in my face. That's what people here are like and don't EVER, EVER take a photo if there are children in the frame EVER even if your intention is to photograph the scene not the children because where I live you will be called a paedophile and probably beaten up, that's a definite and then you'll be labelled a peadophile all round town.

That's why I never take photos of people not even beautiful scenes if there are any children even if the children at hundreds and hundreds of metres away it's too risky. Where I live there's a skate park and it's full of young people on skate ramps and i'd love to take photos of them doing their tricks but I wouldn't dare because i'd definitely be beaten up or arrested regardless of the British law stating i'm allowed to photograph public spaces.

Then everyone who knows me would call me peado that's how bad it is where I live.

Sounds like a nice, friendly town! lol

Yeah it's only got the highest murder rate in the Uk my town has, a couple of weeks ago a migrant stabbed a child to death in broad daylight. 98% of my photos nowadays are taken out of town away from the violence and judgemental people who'd break my jaw for photographing them.

Is moving a possibility?

 

[Paulmorgan]

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

Interesting debate about legal "rights". But they are just a social safety net. Part of the challenge of street photography is reading strangers, how to approach them, how to reduce their natural suspicions, and recognizing that every situation and person is different, so there is no simple rule-book.

Some people who want to try street photography find that very frustrating, but avid street photographers think of it as a very positive and creative challenge.

No, most experienced street photographers take candid photos without the knowledge of their subjects.

You have a very naive and dull view Sam,

Once you “approach them” and “ reduce their natural suspicions” then the candid moment is usually ruined.

No its not, it all depends on how you go about it.

We are trying to portray life as it is -without- the interference of the photographer’s presence. If you like smiling portraits of people on the street, then go right ahead and ask permission before shooting. Don’t forget “say cheese!”

Lots of really really good award winning wedding photographers are working with the candid approach these days, capturing life as is, lots of smiles as well.

 

[skanter]

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

Interesting debate about legal "rights". But they are just a social safety net. Part of the challenge of street photography is reading strangers, how to approach them, how to reduce their natural suspicions, and recognizing that every situation and person is different, so there is no simple rule-book.

Some people who want to try street photography find that very frustrating, but avid street photographers think of it as a very positive and creative challenge.

No, most experienced street photographers take candid photos without the knowledge of their subjects.

You have a very naive and dull view Sam,

lol!

Once you “approach them” and “ reduce their natural suspicions” then the candid moment is usually ruined.

No its not, it all depends on how you go about it.

We are trying to portray life as it is -without- the interference of the photographer’s presence. If you like smiling portraits of people on the street, then go right ahead and ask permission before shooting. Don’t forget “say cheese!”

Lots of really really good award winning wedding photographers are working with the candid approach these days, capturing life as is, lots of smiles as well.

Street vs wedding photography. Seems you dont understand the difference.

 

[Paulmorgan]

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

Interesting debate about legal "rights". But they are just a social safety net. Part of the challenge of street photography is reading strangers, how to approach them, how to reduce their natural suspicions, and recognizing that every situation and person is different, so there is no simple rule-book.

Some people who want to try street photography find that very frustrating, but avid street photographers think of it as a very positive and creative challenge.

No, most experienced street photographers take candid photos without the knowledge of their subjects.

You have a very naive and dull view Sam,

lol!

Once you “approach them” and “ reduce their natural suspicions” then the candid moment is usually ruined.

No its not, it all depends on how you go about it.

We are trying to portray life as it is -without- the interference of the photographer’s presence. If you like smiling portraits of people on the street, then go right ahead and ask permission before shooting. Don’t forget “say cheese!”

Lots of really really good award winning wedding photographers are working with the candid approach these days, capturing life as is, lots of smiles as well.

Street vs wedding photography. Seems you dont understand the difference.

By your definition it seems one is a tucked away cctv camera.

 

[skanter]

• Paulmorgan wrote:

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

Interesting debate about legal "rights". But they are just a social safety net. Part of the challenge of street photography is reading strangers, how to approach them, how to reduce their natural suspicions, and recognizing that every situation and person is different, so there is no simple rule-book.

Some people who want to try street photography find that very frustrating, but avid street photographers think of it as a very positive and creative challenge.

No, most experienced street photographers take candid photos without the knowledge of their subjects.

You have a very naive and dull view Sam,

lol!

Once you “approach them” and “ reduce their natural suspicions” then the candid moment is usually ruined.

No its not, it all depends on how you go about it.

We are trying to portray life as it is -without- the interference of the photographer’s presence. If you like smiling portraits of people on the street, then go right ahead and ask permission before shooting. Don’t forget “say cheese!”

Lots of really really good award winning wedding photographers are working with the candid approach these days, capturing life as is, lots of smiles as well.

Street vs wedding photography. Seems you dont understand the difference.

By your definition it seems one is a tucked away cctv camera.

I’ll just let my photos speak for themselves, you can do the same.

BTW, why do you post here at all as you are hostile to this forum?

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66386271

--
Sam K., NYC
“I’m halfway between tightrope walker and pickpocket.” HCB
—
__
Smugmug Galleries:
http://skanter.smugmug.com
—
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sam.kanter/

 

[Paulmorgan]

• Paulmorgan wrote:

what's the best reply to questions like that? they arent asking why i'm taking the picture but why didn't i ask for permission.

i told someone that i dont need permission nor consent in order to take a picture in a public area, but they said "you should ask permission"

whats the best reply to confrontations like this? "Why are you taking my picture without my permission?"

Interesting debate about legal "rights". But they are just a social safety net. Part of the challenge of street photography is reading strangers, how to approach them, how to reduce their natural suspicions, and recognizing that every situation and person is different, so there is no simple rule-book.

Some people who want to try street photography find that very frustrating, but avid street photographers think of it as a very positive and creative challenge.

No, most experienced street photographers take candid photos without the knowledge of their subjects.

You have a very naive and dull view Sam,

lol!

Once you “approach them” and “ reduce their natural suspicions” then the candid moment is usually ruined.

No its not, it all depends on how you go about it.

We are trying to portray life as it is -without- the interference of the photographer’s presence. If you like smiling portraits of people on the street, then go right ahead and ask permission before shooting. Don’t forget “say cheese!”

Lots of really really good award winning wedding photographers are working with the candid approach these days, capturing life as is, lots of smiles as well.

Street vs wedding photography. Seems you dont understand the difference.

By your definition it seems one is a tucked away cctv camera.

I’ll just let my photos speak for themselves, you can do the same.

BTW, why do you post here at all as you are hostile to this forum?

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66386271

Well interestingly the poster of this thread never came back and your views really are very naive.

You said.

"Street vs wedding photography. Seems you dont understand the difference"

https://dennisberti.com/my-journal/wedding-street-photography

The culture in here really is very boneheaded and toxic.

--
Hoka Hey