Photographers Rights

craigIS · 11-15-2011, 06:15 PM

Hey Max'! I've been contacted by someone from the Municipality where I live, and it seems as though they want me to take down some photo's I have on Flickr and FB. These photo's are of Public Servants in the Safety sector, who are on the job, and in public. I took the photo's on public property, while the subjects were on public property in plain view. Also Some images are from public ceremonies. I'm being told that it's illegal to take pictures of people in public.

I found it before, but I can't find it again. I need to find all laws in Ontario and Canada that pertain to photographers. What I do know, is that I'm allowed to take photo's of people or things in public, while on public property, and that the media doesn't have any more rights than I do.

If anyone can help me out that would be great!

Oh, for the record, I mostly dabble in "Fire Photography", which is as it sounds. I take photo's of anything Fire Service related. I do it for me, but also the Firefighters who go un-thanked, and un-recognized for the work they do. I have a following of Firefighters who I do work for when I get the chance. The top brass of the Police, and Fire departments seem to think what I do is wrong. Aside from what you guys think as well, this is how I make money.

Thanks again everyone.

**T.Dot_E30** · 11-15-2011, 08:29 PM

http://ambientlight.ca/laws/

craigIS · 11-16-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.Dot_E30

http://ambientlight.ca/laws/

Thanks, that helped a lot. Not the original site I was hoping for, but just as informative!

propr'one · 11-30-2011, 02:33 PM

no right to personal image in ontario. you were on public property, they had no expectation of privacy, you dont have to take them down.

328IScreamer · 11-30-2011, 04:57 PM

did they name specific pictures or just asked that all of them be taken down? What was their reasoning?

craigIS · 12-01-2011, 04:25 PM

I wasn't told which images were apparently in violation of a persons rights. I wasn't told all of them had to be taken down. I was told that some of the public servants are not happy about their photo's being on the internet.

I have yet to return a phone call. I figure I'll just help them waste their own time for a bit.

TorontoKhan · 05-26-2012, 12:25 AM

That's very sad, and we say we live in a free country.

Did they make you take them down Craig or you good?

craigIS · 05-28-2012, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoKhan

That's very sad, and we say we live in a free country.

Did they make you take them down Craig or you good?

I didn't take anything down. I'm with in my rights as a photographer, and a citizen.

Just you you all know, basically, if you're on public property, taking pictures or video of buildings or people that are also in public, where reasonable privacy can not be expected, you are doing nothing wrong. This includes police officers, and other public service workers. Unless what you are doing hinders a criminal investigation.

Dinanstu · 05-28-2012, 02:05 PM

What exactly are you doing with the pictures of these people?

craigIS · 05-28-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinanstu

What exactly are you doing with the pictures of these people?

Post them online, send them to the editor of the mag I shoot for, and sell them to anyone how has an interest. Usually people who have an interest in my emergency photography are not of the general public. No offense, but the general population doesn't give a shit about the people who are risking their lives for them. The interested parties are usually people who are involved in emergency services in some way.

TorontoKhan · 05-28-2012, 05:19 PM

Glad to know, Craig, thanks.

pawelgawel · 07-18-2012, 03:56 PM

Im very certain that if you are selling your photos with idividuals on them that have not released a clause then it is illegal for you to do so.
You have the right to practice photography in public sphere for yourself, but once it involves monetary transactions you must have the permission of all models in the photo.

craigIS · 07-19-2012, 12:10 AM

I've found a great deal of information since I've posted this.

I don't need permission from anyone, so long as I am, and the subject is in a public place where privacy can not be expected. I can sell the images as well, under the same pretense.

I also work for a magazine, as well as freelance. The primary usage of my photography is for reporting, and photo stories.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawelgawel

Im very certain that if you are selling your photos with idividuals on them that have not released a clause then it is illegal for you to do so.
You have the right to practice photography in public sphere for yourself, but once it involves monetary transactions you must have the permission of all models in the photo.

pawelgawel · 07-19-2012, 05:28 AM

^ please guide me to where i can read into this... im confused now as i just read a book where the photographer travelled and needed a release form from his subjects.
Im very curious about our laws here.

pawelgawel · 07-19-2012, 05:29 AM

^ please guide me to where i can read into this... im confused now as i just read a book where the photographer travelled and needed a release form from his subjects.
Im very curious about our laws here.