Law and Ethics in Street Photography

[@johnericksallan9446]

"No single shot I take is worth ruining someone else's day", what really struck me the most in this video. Thank you Sean for educating everyone! more power to your channel.

[@coltonkleins]

@@rbx22 uneducated neckbeard

[@kristofburm6969]

Hear hear. Same goes for your own feeling having to discuss. Better to avoid tension.

[@williamdavid4823]

Also ... "If somebody asks me to delete that photography, I'll delete it". It's only a photo, you've got the rest of your life to take more, many & varied.

[@Duawest]

This also struck me!! Full respect!

[@mikeg4691]

@@williamdavid4823 That awkward moment when you shoot film.

[@jamesmaguire4328]

As a lawyer (England & Wales) and photographer, this is an excellent video and helpful. The law can be open to interpretation and changes to that interpretation. But when it comes down to it, and like most things in life, it is a judgment call; and do what is right and fair in the circumstances. I agree entirely with your comments about boundaries and ethical boundaries. Thank you

[@seantuck]

Thanks James. I appreciate that.

[@keithdf2001]

I am not a lawyer but I would never settle until a court tells me otherwise. I will not make it easy for someone especially if I do not feel that I have done anything which requires payment (street photography)

[@KennethDAstonJr]

United States this isn't an issue, now if you're some obnoxious photographer then you might have issues. Also, in the United States, folks are captured at least 10-15 times a day w/o their knowledge on all the other surveillance devices

[@keithdf2001]

@M3sterX Agreed. All they can do it kick you out. They cannot confiscate any footage you have taken or restrict how that footage is used. They can bar you from the establishment so there are some courtesy and respect issues you might want to take into account.

[@BryanTorok]

@M3sterX Actually, the property owner can set rules of behavior for people in/on their property. If you violate the rules you can be asked to stop or to leave. If you refuse, in most places you would then be criminally trespassing and subject to arrest.

[@MacKintoshPhoto]

Having a good ethical base is so important for confidence too. I like to say good photography is 10% photography, 90% philosophy.

[@theonlinelime1992]

Adam MacKintosh Photo and if your photography is 100%, then the photos will be amazing, but you might come of as a little unkind. So I think 10% photography is actually quite true because I spend most of my time telling people why I’m taking the photo, this means that I can walk away not feeling uncomfortable about lying to someone about my intensions, or not being clear in what I wanted the photo for.

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

No

[@avadhsoni7704]

Wise words mannnn wise words

[@mml1426]

Photography is 30% photography, 30% ideas and 40% edition

[@jamiewindsor]

Superb and highly valuable content as usual. I shall direct people to this every time I get people asking these same old legal questions on my Photographing Strangers video. Congrats on hitting 300K subs too.

[@seantuck]

Cheers mate.

[@thenicflynn]

Jamie Windsor the both of you make such great content! Thank you 🙏

[@Its_mikey_wawa]

I just watched the Photographing Strangers video. I’m a big fan of both of you. You’re both great creators. It’s awesome to see two people/channels that I admire supporting one another!

[@korm87]

Wired and Wound we leave that to the French 😩

[@miguelosvaldo]

I think "to celebrate people" is one of the keys for street photography. it speaks of the beauty you want to capture, respect and making something nice to share. thanks, as always interesting and helpful and above all inspiring.

[@sarabethmattis6099]

👏👏👏

[@lordsoffilm5459]

NB This applies to the USA, UK and Germany. Get a lawyer. 7:00 "You can photograph anybody but..." 7:30 "Generally speaking... commercial use is the promotion of a product service or brand." 8:41 Artistic practice defined as derived from an exhibition. It's ok to sell prints and books based on an exhibition, but beyond that, it gets blurry and might be commercial use. 9:27 GDPR - a photo with an identifying marker makes a photo classed as personal data, and thus subject to GDPR. "It shouldn't affect your ability to make pictures." 10:10 GDPR has two exceptions - artistic use, and journalistic use. 11:30 Difference between a consent form and a model form. You really want a contractual model release form, where it's key that the model gets something for something, quid pro quo, to avoid issues in the future. 13:00 Key differences in Germany: It has greater breadth of privacy law than the aformentioned Anglophile countries. 14:15 Key differences in the USA: There's federal and state law. When you deal with confrontation, be nice... 17:38 Ethical considerations. We need to make ethical considerations before we consider the law. 18:09 Sean's boundaries that you shouldn't cookie cut. I won't copy it here, and will just say for me , the commenter, what is truly ethical is the unprecedented, a decision that only you can make. That said, for me, photography should have the potential for convivial conversation with those in the frame.

[@Hassebas88]

For film users, who can't delete or show an image: carry a small thin book/zine with some examples of your 'intentions' or; photographs to show if anyone needs to know why you just took their picture. This video was very useful, thank you.

[@trm7391]

This is a great idea!

[@harper5378]

I've thought about this - however, what about the people just getting into street photography? If you've got nothing to show, any ideas for what to do?

[@ThoolooExpress]

A little late, but you can always show them pictures from other street photographers you like, tell them you're trying to get into the hobby and that you want to take pictures like the ones you're showing them.

[@chriswood4]

I've actually considered printing out Cards to deliver to people I shoot with a message saying "Smile, you've just been photographed ! If you would like to see your photo please head to [...]" I think that would help with both the situation and your personal growth to the public. But maybe I'm wrong 😅

[@memusetoo]

For me ethics rarely prevent me from taking the shot but always prevent me from posting it. Great video and food for thought Sean.

[@SzilviaVirag]

Exactly. Snap away, but ethical photographers only post those photos that would not embarrass the person/people in the photo.

[@fingerhorn4]

That's a very intelligent and fair comment. I think it is ok to invade certain privacies if you keep it to yourself. The can of worms open when you publish it.

[@stevenvanhulle7242]

Sounds like the right thing, and I don't doubt you're sincere. But put yourself in the place of your subject: they see someone take a picture of them and disappear. They don't know you won't publish the photo, and even if you tell them, they have no reason to believe it. I also would never publish without permission, but when people signal that they don't want me to photograph them, then I don't. It's called respect. If I would ignore their feelings about it, that would be called selfishness. (And then I'm not even talking about how bad pictures can be when the subject is uncomfortable, or even annoyed.)

[@Elisha_the_bald_headed_prophet]

​@@stevenvanhulle7242most people are under the delusion that they look best when posing.

[@andrewgulland8012]

I carry a small photo card with basic and considered contact details that I will give to subjects when challenged... I will always engage if my subjects want me too and try to make them realise that they are an important part of my personal photography work... I do not dress all in black, with black tape stuck over my camera, as I am not some sort of street photo ninja... And yes I will always not reproduce an image if my subject doesn't want me too (I can't delete as i use film)... The AOP is the best photo organisation ever...but I would say that as I am a member!

[@thereapersperch]

I love photography and street photography but this is the one aspect of photography I hate. They say if you're pictures are not good enough, it's because you're not close enough, well that's where you start to invade people's personal space and conflict arises. It's also a reason I'm drawn to landscape and wildlife photography. You never get a mountain complain about having their picture taken, no need to get a model release from a puffin. I've never understood why some people object to their photo being taken but then again they probably don't understand why anyone would want to take their picture either.

[@mcddetectrespect.7467]

The best 20+ minutes I’ve watched on street photography and responsibility we have to respect people we photograph. Thank you for sharing this most interesting video.

[@JoeEvansSound]

Cheers Sean, you have shown us a great piece of video. You can tell you have worked hard on this and kindly had the help of Nick Dunmar from AOP. Great interest and lots to think about. Kind regards and many many thanks. PJ

[@MikaelPersson]

I swear every video you make is so interesting and calming in a way. I have learnt so much from watching your videos, keep them coming!

[@anthonypc1]

17:31 "Long before we hit the boundaries of the Law, we need to make ethical decisions for ourselves." Thanks for that point. it sometimes disappoints me how many people I talk with who will dismiss any concerns about what they say or do to other people, as long as they can't be arrested for it. Just because "it's my right!" doesn't mean I ought to do it. pretty basic stuff, I know. but if I had a dollar for every time someone's conflated ethics with legality in defense of being an ass.....

[@grahamrichards8531]

Corporates do this all the time!

[@awkwardpawsome]

Yes I agree!! I asked in a server and someone told me "The ethics will be in the laws" :/ Then someone else directed me to this video :)

[@grantcullen6066]

An important subject Sean that you have covered thoughtfully. A street subject's mental health is also a factor. We simply don't know the 'story behind the face' we photograph. One in four of us is suffering a mental health issue at any one time. Most people mask it in public and would probably show little sign of upset if photographed. But we still might ruin their day unintentionally (we might make their day too!). It's a difficult one to resolve, though I struggle to justify the 'in your face' approach that some street photographers persist in pursuing.

[@harshm2u]

Love this, Sean. Especially the talk about ethical boundaries at the end.

[@jongrall]

Great video, Sean! My ethical boundaries as far as what I will and won't shoot are very similar to yours. Earlier this year I made a new friend and we would go out shooting street together. His ethical code was more permissive than mine, and it forced me to think about my own boundaries. This friend would not shy away from photos of homeless and vulnerable people, leering images of attractive women, and occasional "unkind" images of the sort you mentioned. Instead of challenging him about it and trying to force my own standards on him, I simply recognized that I wasn't comfortable with being party to these photographs. I somehow felt that by being present alongside him, I was indicating agreement or acceptance with what was happening, which was not the case. We haven't gone out shooting together since, and he probably doesn't know why, but I'm comfortable with my decision. Like you said, stick to your ethics, and stick to your lane. He's not a bad person, or even a bad photographer, but I learned that we weren't a good match to shoot on the street together.

[@NielsdeKemp]

It was nice meeting you Sean! Thanks for this insightful video 🤙🏻📷

[@seantuck]

Great meeting you too mate:) Till next time.

[@melissamenard2]

Stumbled upon your video and I am impressed by how honest this message was to me. I am a beginner in the art form of photography and I always feel shy to take pictures in public even if I'm not even trying to capture people. Thanks taking the time to explain all this and being to authentic and just in your ethics.

[@nicklopro]

Long time follower Sean! You really stand out in my mind as the most thoughtful and genuine photo tuber. I've just started my journey sharing my stuff on here and, in my own light hearted childish way, just shared my thoughts on ethics in photography. Thanks for being uniquely you man!

[@paulhickey6896]

Really useful video, well done. So many videos on KZbin about street photography but this is the first one I've seen on the ethics of it. A really basic aspect that is totally ignored by all. It's given me great guidance and should be watched by anyone wishing to take a camera out on the streets.

[@secularpilgrim1372]

Just a good, clear, concise video on questions we've all been asked, or asked ourselves. Double thumbs up! Thank you.

[@HaasGrotesk]

In Sweden we have even better laws. A place is considered a public place when the public has access to it, so shopping malls, stores, and streets are public and not private.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

HaasGrotesk this is the same as Australia.

[@jackwatsonepic626]

@@Lucy-dk5cz yes but in the UK a lot of shopping malls a privately owned so they get around that way

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

jack Watsonepic same as Australia. Privately owned but the act that deals with photography defines the place as public. So an owner of the private land can ask you to leave the property if they wish but can’t stop you from taking photos or deleting those you have already taken.

[@lpsloveandgame6046]

That sounds like common sense I-

[@photodom2000]

Just did a night time shoot on Thursday with around 10 members of my Camera club in Glasgow city centre. We weren't shooting people as such, more nightscapes, but there were people in the images. We did not have one adverse comment the entire night, even when shooting in a funfair with kids around. No one questioned us or our motives, most people were interested in what we were doing and when we explained it they were happy. Nearly everyone that walked in front of our cameras accidentally apologised. No doubt we were picked up quickly on the City Centre CCTV, but as we were lugging tripods around, it was clear we were not up to anything nefarious. Closest we came to being 'questioned' was outside Princess Square photographing the entrance when a security guard wandered out, looked at us for a couple of minutes, go bored and wandered off. I generally have no problem explaining what I am doing, but I do resent being told in public that I can't photograph without everyone's permission (which has happened.)

[@rachelscott7348]

Dominic Smith I am so surprised to read this; I am from just outside Glasgow but now live in London and I was in a group doing a night shoot in soho and I had a few people coming up being a bit funny with cameras around.

[@photodom2000]

@@rachelscott7348 That is a shame. London is more cosmopolitan than Glasgow and with Soho being what it is and it's reputation as a Red Light District (not sure if this is still entirely the case,) it may be a bit more problematic to photograph there. However, as you were part of a group, I think it would be fairly obvious to those not a little drunk, that you were taking the pics for your own benefit. Can you give us some examples of who approached you and what they said? Generally if I am approached in the town centre, I give a brief explanation along the lines of, "just taking some personal photo's," and if that doesn't work, I point out the CCTV cameras that invariably cover the area we are in. I was once stopped by the crew of a TV show that were filming in George Square, Glasgow and 'told' that the Producers didn't want any pics taken by the general public of the filming. I politely pointed out to him all the other members of the public filming the filming with their camera phones and that if they didn't want an pics taken then they should have stayed in the studio and not ventured into a public place. Basically, I wasn't interfering with their production so 'tough pal.'

[@rachelscott7348]

@@photodom2000 It was right before christmas and I wasn't even photographing people I was trying to shot the lights down one of the lanes just off of Carnaby street and a drunk person kept insisting they didn't want their photo taken despite telling him he wasn't in the shot (he was also behind me), I explained as well it was a photography class. I just left and went to another lane and he left me alone.

[@photodom2000]

@@rachelscott7348 You did the right thing Rachel. Some people just want to make trouble, even more so when they are drunk. In Glasgow you normally get Photo Bombed.

[@rachelscott7348]

@@photodom2000 that dose not surprise me one bit! I have never taken my camera out in Glasgow but the buildings are so beautiful! with the right light I can imagine you would get some stunning photos!

[@FrancisBurnsWorldwide]

I have a question. At 4:00 in the video, Nick Dunmur says: “If you are in a public place you can photograph anything.” What if you (the photographer) are located in a public place, but the subject (for example, a person) is not located in a public place? To use the example Nick gives about the South Bank, in London: if I was on the public walkway part and I took a photograph of a person on the non-public part (they were sitting at a table on the terrace of a cafe, for example), then could I use that photograph?

[@EIIjot]

Im not sure about in the UK but when I researched this it was completely legal to do in Ireland and a lot of Irish law is the same as the UK's. You can stand in public spaces and shoot through a window into someones house however ethically/morally dubious it may be. The only restrictions were that you weren't impeding somebodies ability to exit somewhere from what I remember.

[@anmaralsibaie6533]

You're still taking an image OF a private place, but it really shouldn't be a huge deal, unless you're shooting someone's private home on a public street

[@Nitidus]

Under GDPR, this is illegal, I'm pretty sure. Photographing somebody in a private space adds a ton of identifiability.

[@artistjoh]

The laws are very similar in most countries with a free press. People tend to overestimate their rights to privacy, and underestimate the practical realities of life. They don’t realise if people cannot be photographed without permission in public places then news footage of events would be extinguished. Selfies would become rare, shots of family enjoying a roller coaster ride become impossible, the shot of mum blowing out the candles on her birthday cake at a restaurant become non-existent (yes I know its a private business and the business can ask you not to, but I am talking about the people in the background who do not have a say in the matter.) And these private photo situations are relevant because once published on Instagram etc, those photos are subject to the same legalities as professional shots. Without the ability to take photographs of people in public and semi-public places without permission, a very high portion of normal photography would cease to exist and Facebook would have a problem. A street photographer is different only in the intent of their work and that is why laws specifically talk about commercial and artistic purposes, but ultimately everyone is affected by the constraints of the law, and the freedom to take reasonable photos that are not deliberate attempts at surveillance or invasion of legally defined privacy.

[@patrickhellemans4846]

Sean, you are not only a great photographer, but also a fantastic human being!

[@gordroberts53]

Thanks Sean. I have steered clear of street photography,. mostly because due to my concern that it somehow violates peoples' rights to privacy, legal or not. Your discussion on ethics has opened the door a little for me and perhaps I will give this a go. As always, thanks for sharing, is always exciting to see a notification of a new post from you. Cheers from BC!

[@3BMEP]

Wonderful as always, my friend.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Hugh:)

[@maximeimbert1]

That was incredibly useful - thank you ! Someone confronted me recently, in a very agressive way and I wasn’t prepared to defend myself. After watching this, I feel more confident.

[@Nurziyuwa]

Thank you for breaking down the laws and ethics of street photography! It really helped me clear my mind from the concerns and fears related to street photography that I have been wanting to try.

[@zguy95135]

The only concern to conceding to someone demanding that an image be deleted is that it just further emboldens them. They will be online and tell people incorrectly that images must be deleted and they will be that much more angry at the next photographer if they stick with their legal right and not delete the image.

[@DanknDerpyGamer]

Indeed - while the focus of this video being street photography and people does narrow the scope in which the willingness to actually delete photos is present, it still does have that issue that needs to be considered as well (rather than a blanket always)-will-delete) - not a slam on the person who made this video, of course. :D

[@muntublackson4757]

Sean tucker is one helluva decent human being. Empathy is something all of us aspiring, professional casual street photographers or otherwise should aim for.

[@mikekowalczyk4633]

Wow! Thanks for collecting all this information, Sean. Especially getting Nick Dunmur in front of your camera. Sharing your boundaries was extremely valuable.

[@DanBlondell]

This was excellent. I was looking about a year ago for something like this and couldn’t find anything so thank you for starting this conversation on KZbin!

[@pauljenkin297]

A great and extremely helpful video, Sean. It was generous of the chap from the AOP to spend the time explaining. Many people (photographers included) have a huge sense of entitlement these days and it's all too easy to condition ourselves to believing that we can do whatever we want and no-one has the right to challenge or stop us. Knowing where we are in terms of being on public or private property is really interesting. The fact that places are accessible by the public does not mean they are publicly owned. If we're in railways stations, bus stations, airports, shopping centres, there are all privately owned. Yes, the private security people can be over-bearing and officious but they are doing what their bosses require and, ultimately it's their property so it's their rules. Excellent work.

[@ablueslenz]

If there were a Nobel Prize in Photography based on the art and the ethics of the medium, you, Sean, should win one! As always, great information here, along with contagious passion.💚

[@Kamcams]

A really informative video about the legality of street photography. Your ethical stance also struck a chord with me. Thank You

[@atticautos484]

Fantastic. I love these videos. Your ethical boundaries, described at the end of this one, were very insightful. Thank you.

[@RomeSnowShower]

I already said it in other videos, and I say it again now: Sean Tucker channel=High Quality Content.👍

[@andrew7637]

Probably my favorite production related thing about Sean's videos is the lighting, his face half exposed and the other obscured in shadow. He doesn't use clickbait titles. He isn't inflammatory or imposing. He asks you to think. He is thought provoking.

[@FerEste]

I live in Spain and I find this video so helpful! Specially the part about de GDPR. Thanks for producing and sharing it.

[@koobs4549]

Excellent video!!! Very good information coming from a very good & well balanced place. It is so important to know the law & to understand the kinds of situations that you may find yourself in. It can be especially difficult in the US when dealing with over zealous private security & angry everyday folks who are ignorant of the law. Avoiding confrontation is always going to be the best way to prevent an unwanted situation.

[@tomfitzgerald4760]

Awesome video. Super helpful. Really love your street shots too

[@joseluisavilagonzalez9626]

Very illustrative video about legal advices and ethical behavior principles. Very, very useful!

[@dominica-o1654]

Another informative and well considered video - Thanks Sean! I’ve had a fascination with street photography for a while but only braved taking photos at tourist spots in London, where I feel like people are expecting to see other people with cameras. Clearly quite limiting in terms of creativity and it’s great to know what freedom I actually have.

[@OliverGodby]

Excellent video - a brilliant addition to the discourse on this subject, bravo.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks- very professional and thorough!! Nice combo of AOP video and your professional and ethical point of view. I have a better understanding of what resources to look for in the US. Thanks!!

[@TwelveFrames]

Excellent topic Sean! Thank you and the AOP for the time you put into this.

[@andygovan]

Great work, thank you. Being honest about why a pic is taken and being kind are two excellent reminders. 🙂✌️

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Protip! Record to 2 card slots and delete when asked. You'll avoid any confrontation, but card 2 still has the photo.

[@seantuck]

You could, although you're engaging in a lie then by saying you're deleting an image when you're not. That wouldn't sit well with some people, myself included.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Sean Tucker very true, but depends on the Individual's own ethical rules of course. :P I'm mostly joking in saying this because I would always dislike a photo with that negative feeling anchored to it. I've been loving your genuine, long format, honest approach to videos. Thanks for your work.

[@Khandiephotography]

This is fantastically executed. Thank you for a balanced view and informative without being blasé about the fine line/moral compass of it

[@ferdiyansurya]

Nice video Sean. You’re right about what is legal and what is ethical. I myself now stay out of taking shots of homeless people, children, or people in distress. No photo is worth getting myself in trouble literally or consciencesly.

[@jpdj2715]

Very well made video. From yet another continental (European) country, I would summarise as follows. A) Distinguish making/taking a photograph from publication (and distinguish publication from making copies!) B) In making a photograph, in my country "public space" is not identifying you to be allowed to make a photograph, but rather "visible from public space". Where you are as a photographer, does not matter, actually. It helps to be in public space too. The "Thames South bank walkway" example easily falls under that - so it would not be a no-go here. C) Distinguish minors from adults. And this feeds into the next one. D) Publication of a photograph you made of anything visible from public space is only allowed if you can assume not to violate a "reasonable interest". In the video, the term "reasonable expectation of privacy" was used and this is an example of a reasonable interest. And this would also include Sean's ethical considerations of "somebody in a vulnerable situation", "degrading", and "sexualisation" - which is to say our jurisprudence already has Sean's ethics formalised.

[@shely_D7vil]

Most useful afirmations in my opinion: 6:43 you can photograph anybody if you're in public 8:39 usage of pictures 9:57 whats considered personal data 13:58 German and french law 14:10 USA's law

[@Yodayameart]

Thank you! I live in Germany and rarely shoot there (I prefer to shoot on a holiday being a tourist...) because I am afraid of doing something illegal. I know it is easy to get information about it, but this video cleared a lot of questions I had in mind. I still try to find my way of doing street photography, e.g. I love taking shots of peoples faces but I rarely to never publish them on my Instagram; mainly because I think: If I don't feel well uploading my siblings like that, then am I in the right/ is it ethically correct to upload strangers like that? Just like you said, I try to take "positive" pictures and ones, that are celebrating beauty and art. I would never publish photos I wouldn't publish if the person/motive was me. It's hard but I'm slowly finding my own way of doing street photography and respecting privacy as much as possible and needed. I loved this video so much! Thank you!

[@jlunch]

Superb video Sean. You’re a kind man as well as an excellent artist and educator. The gentleman’s contribution from the AOP was so well presented. I was very impressed by him. Thanks so much. I want to send you guys hugs and stuff 🤗

[@MrEyshield21]

Thank you Sean and AOP for this!

[@brandishwar]

14:10 There are actually FOUR levels of law in the United States: Federal, State, County, and Municipality. But generally the county and municipality levels are silent on what applies to street photography and it's relatively rare for those levels to have anything applicable. In the larger metropolitan areas, though, you may run afoul of something. For example, if you're doing a photo shoot in a public park (even if you're not setting up a photo set), you may require a county or city permit. Same may apply if you're hanging around the area to take photographs - whether of people, wildlife, or whatever catches your interest.

[@zguy95135]

If someone hassles you about a permit if you're out there with just a camera they're wrong. If you are doing a video shoot or a portrait shoot with lighting etc you will probably have issues because it looks like a commercial shoot (even if it isn't). If you are in public you have the right to be there.

[@redietkefale7034]

A very insightful video exploring both the legal and the ethical side of street photography

[@REALTRUESKILLS]

Best video I've seen all year God bless you brother👍🏾

[@Callieskanaal]

Excellent to know, let your own ethical boundary code be present when walking the street: great advice. Thank you, Sean.

[@citrocar1028]

This is the most significant video concerning photography. I've always been perturbed by taking photos of unknown people in the street. This video might also inspire me to see what's the scenario of law in India about taking photos in the street.

[@matthoffman6962]

I think this video answers my question in regards to publishing a book or selling street photography prints. From this video it is 100% legal to do. Except, if I’m using it to promote my business actively but I’m able to sell it as an artistic body of work.

[@GrymmsPlace]

Wow. Just Wow! I have seen other streams referencing law and rights of street photography. This is by far the best I have seen so far. Very, very interesting and useful indeed. In regards to the ethical boundaries, if in doubt, leave it out. Great stream. Thank you for posting.

[@ningsun2]

It s greatly helpful Sean ! I do street photography too, sometimes I do wonder to myself the issues you discussed. I do start conversation with the subject I want to get more portrait like range before I do, most people are very nice and let me take their photos. But your video is making me thinking about the issues much more clear. Thank you again for posting this video!!

[@dcxdanny]

In the USA...I have seen some confrontations by fellow photographer friends, and most times the people are just looking for an excuse to yell and argue with you. I have watched my friends try to explain themselves, with no real backing off by the stranger. I truly believe the best way to handle that situation is to.... just say "I'm sorry" and walk away. Most times when I am out shooting, people will either see me and turn away, or wave me off...... Fine, I'm moving on. Anyway, great video on explaining what is a "public space". Lots of people just don't seem to get that. I remember many years ago bicycling in a very large public park and stopping to take photos. Later I stopping to chat with one of the park rangers. Funny, he laughed and told me that he was getting reports that people have been calling the Sheriff about me taking photos in the park. Guess the Sheriff's office was just telling people that it was a public park, and that was allowed.

[@Britton0932]

As always your videos are amazing. I know that this channel is dedicated to photography, but you are a fantastic videographer. I stumbled upon your videos because I was searching for lighting video. Since, your videos are responsible for me picking up stills. I actually did my first headshots shoot the other day where I photographed 39 performing arts high school students, and I owe that to you. They turned out good, even though I was only shooting Rembrandt with a single speedlight. To my point: As I watch your videos about photography, I am particularly intrigued by the video footage that you interlace within these videos. As time rolls on, the appeal of your video add ins has been increasing video by video. It may be interesting to see a video on how your own evolution of moving pictures has occurred. Cheers bud. I, for one, greatly appreciate all of the effort and care that you put into these videos. I am sure the rest of this community agrees.

[@seantuck]

I appreciate that.

[@theresarice7289]

Like you, I never want to embarrass anyone with an image I've taken. There was one from a dance act at the county fair where the dancers waiting off-stage were clearly being critical of those on stage. The other photographers thought it was a winner - i wouldn't share it anywhere online because those girls might have been embarrassed. Good for you on your ethics!

[@AB-lx8cf]

simple in NYC, if you are on the street, you are in a public space and its fair game. I remember an old photo taken of a blind man on the street which started the conversation of ethics. did the blind man know he was a subject or was he totally oblivious? it basically came down to even people with sight don't always know they have become a subject in someones photo so there should be no difference between a photo taken of a man who is blind and a man who has sight. if you ask permission, the moment is lost. I stand by that school of thought. things change when someone knows what you are doing. posture, facial expressions, mood, etc. street for me is life unedited. that's where I stand.

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Thanks Sean for an excellent video, thoroughly agree with your ethics. And thanks to Nick for outlining our rights as photographers in the UK.

[@WayneLLC]

I think this is a really useful video with powerful statements on morals and ethnics. This again supplement our support and appreciation of your works, to release on your 300k subs. Thank YOU, Sean - I think it is really very heartening to always be assured that despite your great works, you have a even greater heart.

[@Nwa6917]

High value content. A „must see“ for every street photographer. Thx a lot, Sean 🙏

[@Skinvictus]

Great video Sean. Its refreshing to see a great photographer with the humility to bring in expert opinion alongside their own on topics like this.

[@sl11tenderhand]

Really appreciate the work put into this video, Sean. Great information and perspective.

[@JoshuaBabarinde]

I love your videos. You teach the skills plus an additional layer of heartfelt conversation on the man/woman behind the craft. Thank you.

[@NastyTokie]

Thank you for taking your time to create this educational video. Wish you the best!

[@JJ_Photo]

Well said about GDPR! GDPR is only meant for commercial business and companies collecting data. Not for a private person taking images. The hysteria has to stop. Great video Sean!

[@photowalk.podcast]

Superb film Sean - clear, simple, to the point. This is the best I have seen on this subject yet.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Neale. I appreciate that:)

[@nataliamakarenko3547]

I've been searching for this information soo long, many thanks for that!

[@thesquirrelchase-exploreph5635]

I like the idea of thinking about kindness. Good video. Thanks.

[@djsoulfilter]

Great and informative video. I've recently got more into street photography. I always consider how it would feel if somebody stuck a lens in my face. If it's just somebody walking by or a street scene I snap away. If it's a person I find intriguing I always introduce myself, let them know I'm trying to get more into street portraits and ask their permission. I've missed taking some portraits this way but I've also got some good portraits. I've even had random people walk up to me and ask if I could take their pic.

[@LewisNobleArtist]

Another excellent, moral and informative video. Thanks Sean.

[@charlesgyoung1]

The most important point made by Sean is that each person must utilize their own ethics in the pursuit of street photography. Once you understand the specific privacy and governmental regulations you are on your own to craft a process that suits your form of expression. There is an implied bias I'm afraid with videos like this one that tend to lean to the light forms/geometric and less intimate forms of street photography. Nick Dunmur is clearly on that side of the fence giving advice that will keep photographers out of trouble. I get that as hes giving quasi legal interpretive advice and the AOP isn't going to stick their necks out. Photographers Tatsuo Suzuki and Bruce Gilden have styles that deliberately seek tension and conflict. They are clearly on the opposite end of the spectrum and have a legitimate right to do what they do. Finding our own voice and style is what is critically important to be able to say what we want to. What is ethical to Donald Trump is repulsive to others. Many of us deplore what he says BUT we are fortunate that our democratic freedom of speech protects those rights. So we are left with the careful balance of the ethical argument and its direct impact to our work. As we struggle with this balance in the pursuit of our voice we need to overcome the fears/intimidation that restrict us from pushing boundaries at the cost of creative work.

[@TjeerdPloeg]

Well done! Very useful and to get your mind set before going out, and not to make street photography that could harm someone.

[@tectorama]

I like to photograph Buskers, but I always ask if it's ok first, and put a pound in their collection. Also if they are regulars I give them a laminated photo, another day.

[@bassem500]

Thank you Sean, that was very valuable and corresponds 100% from the legal and moral sides to what I know and practice.

[@mwmeadorphotography9359]

Great video and very informative. Thank you for sharing. Your morals with photography are admirable.

[@DR-fy7qy]

A very useful information to know about the lawful side of street photography. I also find your ethical approach to this subject and the reason behind it is most admirable!

[@gharrop1]

So helpful and informative, thank you very much Sean for taking the time and trouble to put this thought provoking and philosophical video together.

[@MyUrbanBackyard_PDX]

Thanks for posting this Sean. In addition, a photographers body language goes a long way. I'll actually lower my camera to communicate my intent NOT to take a photo. This happens most often at gatherings where people are extra "happy". Also, for me, a smile and direct eye contact goes a long way with regard to intent. Someone can communicate immediately with me if it's ok for me to proceed with the photo taking.

[@Juan0003]

This is something that’s been on my mind for a while now. It’s great to have someone to give some perspective, even if laws are different from country to country. Thank you!

[@craigmorris8322]

As always Sean such a superb video covering such a useful, important and confusing subject. It had the possibility of being such a dry subject but brilliant. Huge thanks to all involved for their time and efforts for our consumption. I will ref this to anyone who asks these questions of me.

[@Go8997]

Well said. The ethical boundaries is something all photographers could use a lesson on.

[@latindanser79]

Good evening Sean Tucker. I asked myself a question that I would also like to ask you. Witch cartoon book would you read to get a wider feeling of a visual story line? A story line you can maybe use as inspiration. It has to be a cartoon book that fits with the way you want to take pictures. In Holland you have the books of Kuifje or Franka. There are also the books of Lucky Luke for example. There are some master piece works out there.

[@seantuck]

I don’t read ‘cartoon books’ I’m afraid. I’m assuming you mean graphic novels which I always like the look of, but never end up buying for myself. It seems an amazing art form.

[@jasonwilkinson7079]

Excellent video. I have been challenged on numerous occasions. The strange thing is, having photographed cities and towns all over the world. The ONLY place I have been challenged is in my home city of Manchester.

[@soccerchamp0511]

Thank you for including the point about men being careful about taking photographs of women. A good rule of thumb to follow in all areas of your life would be to not treat women as just objects (to add beauty to your photography). Treat us like human beings who have thoughts and emotions. When you show those things in your photography it will be even better.

[@evertonporter7887]

It's actually better for female photographers to take pictures of women IMO. The only women men should ever photograph are family members, relatives, girlfriends and wives😎😃😂. Unless you're a professional wedding or portrait photographer.

[@rdgerdes]

Sean, this is s very useful information, but even more importantly, it made me think about issues in advance, and your comments on intent were a great catalyst for me to think through these issues and set some boundaries for myself. Thank you.

[@timauger]

Sean: three specific instances that you do not cover (OK you can't cover everything ... ). I have encountered all of these at one time or another in my editorial role (working on books). 1. Photograph INSIDE a commercially published book. One often comes across the term 'editorial use'. I take it that such use would not be regarded as an infringement. This comes up all the time with travel books, for example. 2. Photograph of an individual on the COVER of a commercially published book. Is this still 'editorial', or is it promotion of a commercial product? If the latter, a lot of great photography and travel books published in the past are in trouble - including several I have been involved in during my long publishing career. 3. Photograph inside a book which is published to promote a commercial enterprise - for example, a COMMISSIONED book on the history of a bank, say (I have been involved in several of these). A more general question that you do not cover is whether the image of an individual forms the central theme of an image, or whether he or she is part of a group, or a crowd. This must surely make a difference. As to ethics, I have been struck by the double standards shown by some photographers who see themselves as ethically pure - for them it is ethical to thrust a camera in the face of anyone in an 'exotic' travel destination, often a wrinkled old person, harshly lit, or someone living in picturesquely poor conditions, whereas they wouldn't dream of doing the same thing in a suburb of London or Glasgow or New York. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[@gilbertwalker6769]

Well done, Sean! I admire your putting ethical considerations before the legal ones. I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for your integrity!

[@MartinBeecroft]

Excellent and informative video. Always a talking point for street photographers and a debate I have often had with fellow street photographers; I hold identical views on the ethical considerations although over he many years I have been taking street photographs I have never been asked to delete an image and usually find those who do enquire are usually interested and approving once I explain what I am doing.