I get quite a few strangers that want to jump in front of my camera, actually! (Which I find kind of weird.) I'll take their photo and email addresses and send them the photos, but I don't post them. I just feel weird posting stranger's photos, for some reason.
Actually the little girl in my picture was an acquaintance and I sent the picture to our mutual friend who forwarded it to the parents, and I think the musician was happy to get some publicity, but that's a good idea about asking for an email address.
@Allison - funny you should mention this. Last night I saw a girl that I so wanted to photograph. There was something about her that I found intriguing. She was just sitting in the coffee shop reading a book but there was something about her that really made me want to photography her, alot. I didn't feel I could approach her so I tried to sneak a photo. Just as I snapped it, she looked directly at me. I was startled and jumped just enough to get a blurred photo. Then, I was afraid to try again. The person at my table said the girl kept looking over at me, like she thought I was some kind of preditor. I should have just asked! Oh well. I might post the blurred photo anyway. In checking my pics from last night, there is a photo of one of the paintings in the coffee house and she is in the corner of the photo - may I'll post that one.
It is funny because none of my strangers asked for a copy, or even a link to where I was posting. I have been thinking about making up some business cards with the general link to my project, so they could look for it, if they want, and have a way to contact me. I think if someone asked me, I might be shocked enough to not think to ask, but regret the next day for not asking for the details.
This weekend, I asked four groups of people if I could take their picture and post it online, and only one said no. They said I could take the photo, but not put it online. I didn't take the picture, even though it was mostly of two people reading, and their faces wouldn't have shown much anyway. I didn't want to forget that I didn't have their permission. I could just have taken the shot and posted it without asking them - they were on city streets - but I would hate for someone to do that to me, so I won't do that to anyone else.
But do ask, it is a lot of fun. They feel honored, and you don't have to feel like a stalker. Some of my favorite pictures are the stranger ones. I'll be posting the three stranger pictures sometime this week.
I have not plucked up the courage to ask anyone yet, except a young lad on a bike, who was in a hurry and said no. Last night I took my camera to a pub to take shots of a band, who unfortunately didnt turn up. In another pub there were severalpeople in fancy dress and one lad came as a punk. His outfit was completely outrageous and he looked amazing. I really wanted to ask if I could get some photos, but the pub was so crowded I couldnt even get my camera out of the bag. I could have asked him outside but it was raining really hard, so an excellent opportunity was lost. I do like the idea of having cards printed.
I never post photos of children that are identifying, but will of an adult who gives permission. But to protect oneself from liability, I think if you had a "model release form" they could sign, you would protect yourself in the future. It's sad that the world has come to this, but anything one puts on the internet never, ever, goes away of couse even if you delete it!
I think Shelina Virjee , business card idea is so great. It would be good to be able to ask to take a photo and give the assurance, with a business card that has your details, that you will email them a copy. I am presently employed at a Commercial printers in the UK and run the digital dept. and can print Business Cards (85 x 55mm). I you would like some printed give me a shout.
In my place there are rules about photographing strangers. One can take picture of any person in a public place but not on private places without consent. One can publish any picture if there is not any offence or ridicule of the person without getting permission. Children's photos can be published only if there is consent of their care fivers.
I always offer people to send them the pictures via email. Very few people do not have access to the internet and I offer those who do not have any to print the pictures for them.
I encounter many people who become really angry if I dare look with the camera in their direction. Other cooperate or even volunteer to be my models.
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This weekend, I asked four groups of people if I could take their picture and post it online, and only one said no. They said I could take the photo, but not put it online. I didn't take the picture, even though it was mostly of two people reading, and their faces wouldn't have shown much anyway. I didn't want to forget that I didn't have their permission. I could just have taken the shot and posted it without asking them - they were on city streets - but I would hate for someone to do that to me, so I won't do that to anyone else.
But do ask, it is a lot of fun. They feel honored, and you don't have to feel like a stalker. Some of my favorite pictures are the stranger ones. I'll be posting the three stranger pictures sometime this week.
In my place there are rules about photographing strangers. One can take picture of any person in a public place but not on private places without consent. One can publish any picture if there is not any offence or ridicule of the person without getting permission. Children's photos can be published only if there is consent of their care fivers.
I always offer people to send them the pictures via email. Very few people do not have access to the internet and I offer those who do not have any to print the pictures for them.
I encounter many people who become really angry if I dare look with the camera in their direction. Other cooperate or even volunteer to be my models.