Law and Ethics in Street Photography

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In this video I interview Nick Dunmur, who is a member of the legal team at the AOP (Association of Photographers) to talk about the laws surrounding street photography and photographing people in public. I also offer some thoughts on putting together your own moral code for your work, because sometimes asking if you 'can' take a photograph isn't enough, you also need to ask yourself whether you 'should'.
Share this video on if you found it helpful.
#streetphotography #law #ethics

[@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.

[@kjuarez3654]

This also struck me!! Full respect!

[@mikeg4691]

@@williamdavid4823 That awkward moment when you shoot film.

[@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 😩

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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]

👏👏👏

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.)

[@harshm2u]

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

[@Nwa6917]

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

[@secularpilgrim1372]

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

[@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!

[@TwelveFrames]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@searodpaddle]

Dropping some serious knowledge and much needed for many of us. Thanks for another great video Sean!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@FerEste]

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

[@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.

[@dangerpowers123]

Easily the best most comprehensive video on this topic I've watched so far. Thank you

[@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.

[@atticautos484]

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

[@eldastan]

Great video. Very informative, clear and concise. Also, love the framing and the lighting.

[@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

[@Argy_V]

Loved this one. Everything so well placed and well said .

[@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 🤗

[@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.

[@turusimpala7155]

Im so happy to find your channel, thank you so much, Masta!

[@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.

[@nataliamakarenko3547]

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

[@cyrilstheone]

This video as cleared up a lot that I have been thinking about lately.I'm for ever talking to guys like you about this side of the work I do. Thanks again.

[@ronhipwell5543]

Bravo Sean! Such valuable content, always on your channel. Well done!

[@mikekowalczyk4633]

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

[@MrEyshield21]

Thank you Sean and AOP for this!

[@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!

[@emiliaburgos5404]

Very informative video! Also the lightning in the intro part is amazing! 💛

[@Pat-1000]

Solid advice , thank you Sean and to your guest speaker.

[@bcegerton]

What a superb vlog Sean, very interesting and enlightening. Especially with the part about Southbank, that was a surprise

[@NielsdeKemp]

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

[@seantuck]

Great meeting you too mate:) Till next time.

[@jonfletcher147]

Brilliant film. Thanks Sean! Nick answered all my questions and concerns. Very interesting content as usual. Keep up the great work Sean and as usual your videos show what a wonderful human being you are a well as photographer.

[@patrickhellemans4846]

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

[@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!

[@MartinMcNicholls]

Another extremely useful, helpful, informative and thought provoking video. Thanks Sean

[@Callieskanaal]

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

[@SelmanJulian]

This is so useful. Wish there was more in depth discussion by experts of photography matters, Thanks for this Sean.

[@andygovan]

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

[@OliverGodby]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@robinbhairam7508]

Another extremely useful video and one which I’ll definitely refer to and share. It’s just another reason why you’ve hit the 300k subs, ... Always presenting an honest, practical and interesting narrative to help support all levels of photography. Truly ambassadorial to the industry - Congrats and well deserved Mr T ... 😊

[@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.

[@strangerzproductions1551]

Time well worth spent. Thank you for this.

[@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.

[@minimcune]

Thank you Sean, wonderfully helpful and insightful as always

[@randygerdes]

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.

[@95-sub-zero]

Extremely useful video and interview Sean, thank you for taking the time to clarify so much incorrect information and hearsay.

[@NastyTokie]

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

[@josevelasco216]

🙏 Thanks Sean, for all the great content you share

[@REALTRUESKILLS]

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

[@karim1108]

Thank you Sean for the very informative video. Very much appreciated. Keep up the great work! :)

[@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!

[@shkspear52]

Fascinating Information and so Worthy of discussion .... thank you for your Deep Dive!!!

[@AbdullahChakmakchi]

Finally got round to watching this video. Such great information. It really helps. Thank You 🙏🙏

[@thomasclark631]

Excellent guidance, especially regarding the intersection of the legal and subjective considerations.

[@phylb7938]

Love everything about this video. Thank you for this useful information.

[@Khandiephotography]

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

[@createparadise]

I ❤️ your ethical boundaries. Thank you so much for sharing them!

[@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!!

[@joseluisavilagonzalez9626]

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

[@sergiocarranza7256]

Thank you, Sean, for this so valuable video! Greetings from Lima, Peru.

[@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!

[@mwmeadorphotography9359]

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

[@0rdsec]

Wow, incredibly useful, helpful, and important. Thank you Sean!

[@crawfb]

Thank you. Something I've been uncertain about for a while clearly and concisely explained. Invaluable to all responsible photographers.

[@jamesgolando8862]

Great advice and excellent content, thanks

[@anjamoerk]

Thank you so much, Sean! That was really helpful! Greets from Munich, Germany 😊

[@tomfitzgerald4760]

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

[@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.

[@Kamcams]

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

[@cstbb568]

Thank you again, your channel content is amazing!

[@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.

[@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:)

[@peacebutt]

i just wanna say that the thumbnail photo is SO GOOD!! also great video

[@howardahhon7600]

Thanks Sean for another informative video relating to photography!!! It never came across my mind regarding the legal side on photography. Thanks for reminding me on the ETHICAL part of photography I want to portray!!!...

[@roseckansas3871]

I have so much respect for you Sean. You are absolutely awesome!

[@LewisNobleArtist]

Another excellent, moral and informative video. Thanks Sean.

[@bassem500]

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

[@iantroup]

Very useful & informative video, glad I found this.

[@cfagil]

A very informative video. Enjoyed it as usual. Thank You.

[@nikosmexis]

Many thanks for this video!

[@Haggisspotter]

Very well informed video, you conduct yourself professionally and have compiled a great video which has helped me out. I am starting out in photography and I'm learning more about street photography. I like taking pictures that make me happy. Thank you.

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

Man I was so hyped for this video after I saw you post about on Insta, that I actually waited because I wanted to give my full attention. I am so glad I did. This was so good

[@_wearejovy_]

Absolutely love this video and information about this. Will definitely be thinking about my own ethical code :D

[@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-

[@darrensacks5120]

Thank you for the insightful and useful content as usual