Privacy

[Iancity]

Hi, a lad I know regularly takes photos at local gigs and then sells the photos on his website, however, he also takes pictures of the people in the crowd, their faces not obscured at all, and also sells these photos.
He is concerned that he may need a 'model' release form signed by anybody whose face is recognisable if he is to sell the prints - does anybody have any idea what the law is on this sort of thing ?

Thanks


Ian

[Yandros]

Have a look at the pdf here...

FREE DOWNLOAD - The UK Photographers Rights Guide.

I believe (and as this pdf points out), the UK has no real privacy laws (I'm no lawyer though!). Model release forms are required by agencies because a lot of countries do have such laws. I think the main issue would be taking photos for commercial gain on private property if the management doesn't allow it. If there are no rules of entry stating this, I would guess he's in the clear, particularly as it's a venue where there would be no expectation of privacy, and the people aren't being identified by name.

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Iancity

Hi, a lad I know regularly takes photos at local gigs and then sells the photos on his website, however, he also takes pictures of the people in the crowd, their faces not obscured at all, and also sells these photos.
He is concerned that he may need a 'model' release form signed by anybody whose face is recognisable if he is to sell the prints - does anybody have any idea what the law is on this sort of thing ?

Thanks


Ian

I am not a lawyer but I cannot see any problem as the shots are taken in a public place where there is no "expectation of privacy". Taking your friends worry to a logical conclusion would mean Sky TV getting a release form from the people in a crowd at a football match...

[danburbridge]

The main reason for model releases is for advertising.

If you photograph someone and use it in an advert you are implying that the person photographed endorses the product.

As this guy is just selling prints then this is not an issue (although were the club to use the shots in advertising then it would become one)

[onefivenine]

I think Dan is spot on here.

So many club/crowd type shots are used for things like Anti-drug advertising campaigns.

Imagine how someone would react to appearing in one without consent... legal action would no doubt ensue!

[Ned Senior]

Interesting points made here

thanks guys