hello all, i'm still very inexperienced when it comes to photography and had a question in regard to do's and don't's. i'm not exactly sure how to phrase this so bare with me. i'm just trying to get an idea of what's acceptable to capture and what's not, i'm not talking about any sick or twisted things but normal everyday stuff. i've already been harassed for taking pics of a bridge and i'm trying to find out if there are any other things that might bring about the same treatment. one for instance is pedestrians, i'd like to get down town and shoot some pics of the city streets (as some are very picturesque) but i'm not sure if it's ok to get people in the shot or not. i'm sorry if this question seems odd or just plain stupid but as i'm learning everything on my own i want to make sure i keep out of trouble and i figured who better to ask then those who've been practicing photography for a while. thank you in advance for you time and assistance!!! eb

Welcome eb! Not to worry. When in center city remember that there are cameras all over the place. If you are in the Old City section of town I doubt very much you will have any issues. However if you act like you are doing something intrusive people will get upset. Use common sense and don't shoot private property. If you shoot say Elfreths Alley, people expect you to be shooting there. I know that when I was shooting at the end of Market Street in Old City the people at the bars and in the cafe's were actually asking me to shoot them. On the other hand only a block away a homeless person was cursing me and threatening me about taking any pictures. Be aware of the expresions of others, don't shoot private property, and use god old common sense and you will be fine. The bridge thing was a fluke and I wouldn't be too concerned.

thanks zhounder! i appreciate your advice very much. i kinda figured as much on the private property, besides, i wouldn't like someone coming around taking pictures of my stuff. thank you again! eb

Bottom line - you can shoot just about anything you want, providing you're on public property. Selling these images may be a different story (you may need property releases, etc. - but you can shoot them anyway!) As far as shots of people that you may want to market, I've found the best way is to shoot them candidly, then approach the people with something like, "I'm a photographer shooting stock images for potential use in "XYZ" magazine. I happened to notice you (your family) and was wondering if you would consider allowing me to photograph you (your family). in return, I would be happy to supply you with any photos as a result of the shoot. Here is my address - contact me for copies of the images." Get them to sign the release (most people will sign it blindly) - and then it's in their court - they nee to contact YOU for images (I have yet to have anyone contact me - and I have a stack of releases!). BUT - if someone DOES contact you - be darn sure that you follow up and send the images - otherwise your name will become squat! Wolf

thanks wolf, that's great advice! i appreciate your assistance greatly!!! eb