I don’t know if we are allowed to post news articles in this forum, but this article is likely to give you food for thought about the situation we could face next time you are shooting photos in public places (and that’s just what most of us in this forum do).
@ErmesT could you please see if this kind of post is allowed and if not, how to make our guides be aware of the possible perils they could face (as in the above article). Thank you.
Thank you for asking @Shafak
I will try to respond in the order of your questions:
On the article shared by you, we are talking about a double violation of privacy:
the photographer is takin “candid” photos of people “because they look more natural”. This is a violation of privacy
someone is taking photos of the photographer in action, publishing the photos on a social media. This is a violation of the privacy too
There is only one exception, when taking photos with people (according to the EU law, but for other countries it can be different): when you take photos in a public event, if the public is not the focus of the photo. A perfect example is on this post by @TraciC : A recap in photos: Coney Island’s 2019 Mermaid Parade
In there you can see that the public is visible, but it is not the subject of the photos. Being a public event, the public is aware that there are photographers taking pictures.
Taking photos on a shop, or in a restaurant, is very different, because our first rule is to respect the privacy.
If we cannot guarantee that, we should avoid to take photos, or we can blur the faces. I am always avoiding to take photos of people (this is the golden rule)
@ErmesT Thank you for the detailed explanation. Also, sorry. I should have been more specific. Yes, I was aware that the photographer was taking candid shots. Although it was a public event, people were wary as he was taking photos of people and not of the event, objects or places. My point of concern is about LG photographers. As most of the time, we take photos of places year round and not necessarily during any event, the way we behave could give cause of concern to the general public about our very intentions. Your input on this?
I already responded, but I will do it again:
Taking photos on a shop, or in a restaurant, is very different, because our first rule is to respect the privacy.
If we cannot guarantee that, we should avoid to take photos, or we can blur the faces. I am always avoiding to take photos of people, but the most important thing (this is the golden rule) is "asking before taking photos. In addition, when I take a 360, I always inform the people before to shoot, for them to know and to turn on the other side
Yes, @ErmesT That’s exactly what I’m trying to caution LGs. Even though their intention would be respecting privacy and avoid taking photos of people (while taking photos in a restaurant or a shop), the general public could misunderstand the very intention. They have to be ready to face it, if - god forbids - such a situation arises.
Yes @Shafak
That’s why I have edited my previous reply. Asking for permission is the main rule, informing about what you are doing.
I have seen Local Guides suggesting to hide the phone, but this is the wrong way