Author Topic: Differant rules in differant countries. (Read 4388 times)

james1968 · « **on:** November 25, 2010, 12:12 »

Having spent several hours reading through postings on here and Lev's superb article, the one thing that really stands-out is the difference in rules regarding release forms and when they are required.

It seems that here in the UK, we are pretty open with regards to the fact that we can, when standing in a public place, take a photograph of anyone or anything we want, and use it for any purpose whatsoever without the need to complete any forms.

However, if we pose any person within the picture, or we stand on private property, then release forms need to be filled & signed.

As the majority of microstock sites are US-based, we have to adhere to US rules which seem to be a 'forms for all occasions' approach. Maybe it is time for a worldwide standard set of rules based on common sense.

RT · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2010, 12:41 »

Quote from: james1968 on November 25, 2010, 12:12

It seems that here in the UK, we are pretty open with regards to the fact that we can, when standing in a public place, take a photograph of anyone or anything we want, and use it for any purpose whatsoever without the need to complete any forms.

No we can't

vlad_the_imp · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2010, 12:44 »

Different

Snufkin · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2010, 13:00 »

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panoramafreiheit

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panoramafreiheit#Gro.C3.9Fbritannien

The most photographer-friendly country seems to be Austria.

The freedom of panorama is defined in section 62 of the United Kingdom Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, but it doesn't mean you can shoot and sell anything. No serious agency would accept photos of Piccadilly Circus for commercial RF because of the logos. I also read that places protected by the National Trust are very problematic and can't be photographed freely.

Apart from copyright issues, in the UK a photographer is sometimes treated as a criminal.
When I was in London in 2008, I was grabbed a couple of times by guards in Canary Wharf, some wanted to see if the camera really captured photos, others told me to go away. I also had to show the contents of my backpack to policemen. When I was photographing the Big Ben I had to show my passport to the Bobbies...
Rather unpleasant.

Snufkin · « **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2010, 13:07 »

Quote from: james1968 on November 25, 2010, 12:12

It seems that here in the UK, we are pretty open with regards to the fact that we can, when standing in a public place, take a photograph of anyone or anything we want, and use it for any purpose whatsoever without the need to complete any forms.

No, if there is at least 1 recognizable person, you always need a model release if you want to sell the picture as commercial RF.

ShadySue · « **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2010, 13:10 »

Quote from: james1968 on November 25, 2010, 12:12

It seems that here in the UK, we are pretty open with regards to the fact that we can, when standing in a public place, take a photograph of anyone or anything we want, and use it for any purpose whatsoever without the need to complete

What makes you imagine that?
Yes, we can take photos when we're in a public place. Yes, we can sell them for editorial use.
Sell them for commercial use or use them in any way which distorts truth or subjects a person to riducule and you could find yourself in deep sh*t. (Simple example: you shoot a group of people at a table inside a pub, and it's published with a caption implying that they're all enjoying alchoholic beverages. One of them is a well-known teetotaler and was drinking a soft drink. They're perfectly at liberty to sue, though who would bear the brunt - you or the publication - could depend on several factors.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2011, 21:19 »

Quote from: rBrendan98DIAZ on February 09, 2011, 20:05

yep, rules were needed for my opinion to custom fit the needs of people.. well i said it, custom fit..

you are having a lot of fun, please tell me what you are buying at your neighborhood ok?

microstockphoto.co.uk · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2011, 18:19 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 25, 2010, 13:10

...implying that they're all enjoying alchoholic beverages. One of them is a well-known teetotaler and was drinking a soft drink. They're perfectly at liberty to sue...

I'd sue them if they portrayed me as a teetotaler