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.

[@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 😩

[@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.

[@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]

👏👏👏

[@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 🙏

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.)

[@FerEste]

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

[@secularpilgrim1372]

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

[@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.

[@searodpaddle]

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

[@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.

[@Callieskanaal]

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

[@turusimpala7155]

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

[@Argy_V]

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

[@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.

[@Pat-1000]

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

[@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.

[@emiliaburgos5404]

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

[@dangerpowers123]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sl11tenderhand]

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

[@mikekowalczyk4633]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@patrickhellemans4846]

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

[@bcegerton]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@ronhipwell5543]

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

[@Khandiephotography]

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

[@atticautos484]

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

[@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.

[@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 🤗

[@eldastan]

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

[@MrEyshield21]

Thank you Sean and AOP for this!

[@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!!

[@anjamoerk]

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

[@AbdullahChakmakchi]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SelmanJulian]

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

[@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!

[@95-sub-zero]

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

[@crawfb]

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

[@thomasclark631]

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

[@karim1108]

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

[@NastyTokie]

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

[@createparadise]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@josevelasco216]

🙏 Thanks Sean, for all the great content you share

[@phylb7938]

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

[@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.

[@shkspear52]

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

[@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.

[@0rdsec]

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

[@Ivonysierramartin]

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

[@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:)

[@tomfitzgerald4760]

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

[@cstbb568]

Thank you again, your channel content is amazing!

[@MartinMcNicholls]

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

[@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.

[@nataliamakarenko3547]

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

[@NielsdeKemp]

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

[@seantuck]

Great meeting you too mate:) Till next time.

[@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 ... 😊

[@minimcune]

Thank you Sean, wonderfully helpful and insightful as always

[@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!!!...

[@andygovan]

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

[@GiantEvertonian]

Another very informative video, Sean. Well done mate. Cheers J

[@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!

[@ZachBeauvais]

Thank you for going to the effort of bringing in the extra perspective. It's extremely helpful, and so much more useful than just saying what you reckon the law might be :)

[@sergiocarranza7256]

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

[@joseluisavilagonzalez9626]

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

[@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.💚

[@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.

[@DanDanBlvd]

Another solid work! 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.

[@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.

[@LewisNobleArtist]

Another excellent, moral and informative video. Thanks Sean.

[@Franglais91]

The presentation of the gentleman from the AOP corresponds with my understanding of the situation in France

[@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.

[@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!

[@peacebutt]

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

[@mwmeadorphotography9359]

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

[@sexysilversurfer]

Another great Sean Tucker video. As an occasional street photographer, I am glad to live in the UK. It does make me nervous at times and often will not press the shutter, can I remember those times, no. Don’t be afraid not to take a photo!

[@OliverGodby]

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

[@Kamcams]

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

[@KilianKunz]

This is an excellent video! thanks for some light in the dark.

[@zwiesland]

This was very helpful. Thank you for including the situation in Germany!