Re: [Leica] sneak thief photographers

["Gerry Walden" <photos@gerrywalden.freeserve.co.uk>]

In the end isn't the reality that we are all getting too hung up on this
issue of model releases.   An awful lot of us shoot in the streets a great
deal of the time without bothering to ask our subjects permission and we use
our photographs for all kinds of uses.   It gets a little ridiculous if we
need to approach people and try to explain to them in a foreign language
that we have taken their photograph and there is a remote possibility that,
assuming we like the resultant image and a picture editor somewhere sees it
and decides that it is just what he needs to advertise his expensive perfume
or whatever, then it might be used somewhere where they are most likely
never going to see it anyway.  I exhibit my work in many venues and also
sell through picture libraries and have never worried too much about model
releases for shots taken "in the public domain".   I have always obtained a
signed release if I have used a model for a specific shoot, but I even
question whether that is necessary when she/he has been paid for a
professional service and is aware that it is for commercial purposes.

I would, however, never "sneak" a photograph of some one who has expressly
indicated that they do not wish me to photograph them.   As for trying to be
inconspicuous, I am 6' 1" tall (1.80m) and weigh around 250lb (114kg) and
yet
somehow they just don't seem to see me.

Gerry (UK)

Francesco wrote:

"IN THE END, if you ever want to use that stealth image of that
person you did not want to confront, for anything but editorial
work, you are screwed.

I have made many images, from Bali to Paris to California,
of people on the street.  Most never knew I was there, and I was
scared or nervous to ask them permission or for a release because
of the neighborhood or situation.  Are these photos worthless now,
in terms of using them for stock images or books or selling
prints at the swap meet?  Can I only display them in the privacy of
my own home without getting sued?  How do you all handle this?"