Re: Shooting people in stereo (strangers)

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Many books on photography have sample release forms that you can copy
>and carry in your camera bag. Why should the photographer care? Because
>if the model doesn't like you, they can sue for big bucks (it happens
>all the time). Just a sign of our times.

Here is my problem:  

I would like to take a few pictures that include people for my private
collection.  Some of these pictures might turn good enough to be circulated
in SSA folios or projected in Detroit or even submitted in PSA
competitions.  I have pictures like that, circulating in SSA right now and
being projected in Detroit and PSA.

I can just go ahead and take the picture or I can ask permission first.  My
experience shows that in  many cases people say "No" when asked permission
to be photographed.  They do that for no good reason.  They say "no"
because they either get very self-conscious or suspicious.  Normally, these
same people would not have minded it if you had taken the picture without
asking.  Asking them to sign a release form is even worse.  I have never
asked anyone to sign a release form, but I am sure most people will refuse.
Heck, _I_ would even refuse to sign a release form without a lengthy
conversation and assurances of how is the picture going to be used.

Most people would think that going to the trouble to ask is not a good
sign.  That's why they tend to refuse, while there is no reason to worry
about it. Why make things complicated when all you need is pictures for
personal use???   Slide competitions for me is part of the same "personal
use".  I do not see how I am harming anyone by sharing these pictures.

So, I am not going to even ask.  If I get the indication that the person
does not want to be photographed, I am not going to take their picture. 
But I will not ask so they can tell me "no" for no good reason.  They want
to sue me for the "big bucks" that I don't have?  Let them do it!!!  As I
said, this is only one of the many risks we take by just being alive. 

Just consider what are the chances of that happening (being sued for "big
bucks").  First, this person must become aware that their picture was used
in public.  The chances of that for me is one in a million.  Then, instead
of being pleased about it, they must get upset.  Then, they must be willing
to sue me even though I did not have any financial gains from using their
picture.  The way I see it, it is more likely that I get hit by lighting
while I take their picture than being sued and having to pay for doing so.

I do not remember being asked when people were taking my picture in the
last NSA convention.  I would be very happy to see my picture in Stereo
World, but unfortunately, I was not one of the "lucky" ones!

George Themelis


------------------------------