Digital Photography Forum
Posted on: Sat, 22/12/2007 - 00:05
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Okay to take pictures?
Hello.
I am looking for some legal advice.
The other day I was taking pictures in Lewisham of a bustling street. There was a street musician in the background, and the man got quite upset. He demanded payment and when I refused, he claimed I invaded his privacy and that I was in breach of the law.
I was not focussing on him and he was merely a background figure in a larger picture. Surely I did not do anything wrong.
Where do I stand legally, does anyone know?
Comments
As far as I know, there is no formal right to privacy in the UK, so if you want to take pictures of people in a public place, that is your choice.
I would, however, as a curtousey always ask permission of people I am photographing close up, but if you are just taking an overall scene, as was the case here, I don't think you have any legal worries.
That is true, UK law does not formerly recognize a right to privacy, but it is interesting to note that the European Act of Human Rights does.
This has not been properly implemented in the UK, but there is sure to be a test case soon, and then we will all have to use our cameras more sparingly.
My advice would be to always get permission. Everybody has a right not to have their picture taken.
If it is as in the case above, though, I would probably not worry. It is only if you are doing individual portraits that you might be in danger of invading their privacy.