I take what I like without permission if it's in a public place. In Australia this action is supported by law. Private land is a different issue. But standing on public land and photographing private land is not. I've noticed a lot of people I've come across (to tell me to stop) are not aware of this.

Another example I have found is the assumption that child protection laws prohibit you from taking pictures of your children or anyone else's in a public place. In the UK, US and Australia this is not so (as long as it is not indecent of course).

As for Paris, SNTE, the company that copyrighted the light display that adorns the Tower, does not enforce copyright for the little people - ie. bloggers, tourists and personal website holders. Aside from that, the reality is that enforcing this is a legal nightmare.

You will also find that much of what is purported by organisations is not legally enforceable so it pays to read what you can on related rules.

So far, the only real problems I have had is an overbearing parent at a football match, Melbourne Rail and in the US (Texas, ironically taking a photo of a railway track) but, again, their rules are only their own and not legally enforceable.

Don't allow paranoia to destroy the innocent. Know your rights and responsibilities and don't allow scaremongering to dictate your view of the world.

Blessings,
BDP

I asked about photographing inside the new Salt Lake City library and was told that I was welcome to photograph as long as I get permission from any identifiable people in any photographs.(which leads one to believe that you shoot first and ask permission later)

I guess it does seem to fit the local mantra that goes "It is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission"

Interesting topic though... thanks for all the great responses

I haven't asked since now. I do not often take photo of individuals, specially females and children. A few days ago I took some photos of outside and inside of a store. I didn't ask for permission and the store owner didn't tell me anything, just looked at me to see what I was doing.

I think asking for permission limit our job, specailly taking photos of people. We cannot take photos of youngs who are making love/kiss/hug, children palying, people sit in parks, students traveling to/from school. But this limitation is understandable. This is every one's right to/not to let take photo of him/her or his/her properties.

I am thinking of examining taking photo of individuals with and without permission. I may do it in next days to see how people react.

If it is a public space and a not-so-close photo, I don't ask, but I take care that people are aware that I am taking pictures. For close shots or inside photos, I always ask permission.

I found reading all these posts very interesting. I fully understand/agree about being very careful about photographing children, asking for written permission, etc.

Here in Serbia few people have those kinds of worries. I have asked for photos of persons in the past here in Belgrade (a potato seller on the market, dressed in typical Serbian style, some gypsies whose imaginative pushcarts I found so practical) and the seller refused, as did some but not all gypsies since they feared I'd use the photo for negative puposes. On the other hand, others have a happily agreed. I give them my blog address, and usually make them a copy of the photo, in the case where I know where they'll be and find them again.

I agree with Bibi. This is a question of common sense, and may have different solutions ind diferent societies or in different contexts. I feel that in more "developed" societies, where there is more regulation, and maybe more knowledge about the indivual rights, people that take pictures restrain themselves more often. But this is not a good thing, as we see lots of pictures of buildings and empty streets. You find more pictures with people, and with people facing the camera, in other countries, and that is a good thing. In these cases, we sense a more human interaction, and the people pictured are generally treated with repect and dignity.

People here in Davao love to be photographed even without permission. but out of respect and courtesy, we ask. After that, we show them the result and we say thank you.

I don't know what's the rule in Montreal, but I never take pictures of people in it. It's too much of a problem when someone finds out his/her picture is posted on the Internet. I'd rather stick to other subjects.

Chilean lwas are not very clear in relation to pictures ans privacy but if you take the picture in a public space, you won't have any problem, I suppose. However, people are too sensitve and picky nowadays so I avoid taking pictures to strangers, besides I'm terribly shy. Only my acquantances appears in my photos and they have gien me their authorization to taking pictures