I would like some input, especially from those in the know about liabilities and such concerning posting photos on the web of people and children.

Here are the specifics.  My church sponsored a fall festival on October 31 as an alternative to the normal goulish type Halloween function.  It was free and open to the public. It was outside but on church property.  Over the years it has turned into a very big event in the community.  This year attracted thousands. (Free food, candy, rides and games will do that).  I was asked by the church to bring my camera and shot pictures, no pay involved.  I got some great shots of adults and kids all dressed up in their costumes.  I especially prefer the candid shots of people caught up in their own little worlds of joy.

Now that I have the photos, what should I consider before posting any shots on my Facebook, the church's Facebook, here at R'osity, etc... 

Please weigh you opinions considering that adults attending and children were dressed up intentionally to be seen.  This would not be the same as if I were at a public park or sporting event photographing people that were assuming some amount of privacy. 

I liken it more to people, young and old, marching in a parade rather than the bystanders watching the parade.

In a lot of cases the parents where standing right beside the children and were watching me take the photos.  Everyone was happy (except the kid that didn't want to leave).  The only adult to ask me about anything wanted to know if they were going to be on the local news. 

Your advice is appreciated. 

Just as a sidenote I know there would be no problems from adults and parents who are church members.  Those familiar with Facebook know it is a social site where everyone post and tags everyone else all of the time.  

An interesting question. I posted a collage of nine photos showing about 20 kids the other day. I asked them first, and in most cases their parents or some adult was accompanying them and there were no objections or questions.

Still, I felt uneasy about posting that collage and I intended to leave it up only for a couple of days, in fact, I'm removing it in a few minutes. I had almost expected someone to ask if I had their permission.

Privacy will, and is, taking a beating right now because of cell phones with built-in cameras where people do not know if a photo is being taken. And people are taking photos without permission all the time. I suppose though, that because photos are becoming so prolific, that alone provides some sort of anonymity because it is very difficult for any one photograph to gain any stature when they are surrounded by billions of others.

In most cases, you have the right to take pictures of people in places that are open to the public. Some venues like commercial stores, museums, government buildings or military facilities do have restrictions.

On the other hand, people who are attending these public gatherings also have rights. Some people can make objections against you taking photographs of subjects or circumstances that are sensitive to them. Taking pictures of children is one of those sensitive matters, especially for the parents. In these cases, common sense and some reservation is the best way to deal with that.

About posting those images on the web... look at it this way. The fact that you post these images for everyone to see can be seen as proof that you have nothing to hide, that you are confident that you're doing nothing wrong or illegal, and that you are reliable and responsible as a photographer. Stand your ground, be open and confident about what you're doing, and people will not only tolerate, but also respect you for what you're doing. Most of them, most of the time anyway... ;o))

Just my opinion, of course.

I think, personal opinion, that as long as you do not post their names it should be OK.

Having said that, I took a picture of some boys playing around a tree in front of our church on a Sunday and posted it here, but made sure they were in the shadows.

I know in the USA that if you are in a public place you can take pictures as long as what you are taking pictures of is visible from the road or public place.  BUT people can get upset if you do take those pictures.  

You might want to do a little research, just so you aren't taking our word for it!  Check out this site, and click some of the links ... read up on your rights as a photographer:

http://content.photojojo.com/tips/legal-rights-of-photographers/

Sounds like you're in the clear unless you want to sell the photographs. 

It's always good to be informed!!

Thanks all.   I happened to run across the link provided by auntietk while searching the web for information. 

I came to the same conclusions that in this case there should be no legal problems.  I am also confident no one should think I was sneaking photos of kids for perverted reasons.  I'm still not sure if I will ever post any of the photos though.  I want to but I don't want to at the same time.  Some of the expressions of delight and pure joy are evident on the children's faces.Their safety is foremost above any personal satisfaction I would get in posting the candid pics.

I think I just talked myself out of posting.  Whew!

Maybe next year...

hi,

well my opinion would be to refrain from uploading pictures of people, as the web is full of all kinds of perverts and recently because of serious security issues. one never knows where a picture would end up.i know its really hard to not put up pictures, but i think all these sites should have some kind of security tha nobody should be bale to download these pictures...

It's an interesting question. I work in a primary school, and have countless photos of the wonderful kids on excursions, camps, playing sport and all kinds of stuff.......and I can't share any of them! It's a real pity. Regarding stopping people from downloading photos, it's just not viable. Yes right clicking can be stopped easily, but programs like Screenhunter and the million other programs out there effectively 'screencapture' the shots. Even watermarking your photos is a total waste of time. Any watermark can removed in seconds. As far as you specific question goes, it was a public event. No problems in my view.

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blinkings i do agree with you but not on the whole..

what i mean is that there are a number of geniuses out there who could do something about this. for instance if you are taking a taking a screen short of a certain website, the shot could could go completely black. i dont know exaclty, i m not a computer expert.

just a thought!

I recently had a photoshoot with models and I informed them that I will be posting their photos on both FB and here on Renderosity.  They had no problem witht hat.  I think as long as people are aware that you will post it on the web they will actually appreciate that. 

I have published pictures of my children here before and one thing is for sure, if there is any perverted sicko out there that think he can harm my child, he needs to know that he has to get past me first.  And any angry mother is dangerous. ;)

I will never publish pictures of someone without their consent.

at places of the church. You tell them to go to facebook and down load they photos. they love it. i did that on my facebook as the people told me about how to get they photos.

oh when some one ask me to delete they photos which was few i did delete them

'blinkings i do agree with you but not on the whole..

what i mean is that there are a number of geniuses out there who could do something about this. for instance if you are taking a taking a screen short of a certain website, the shot could could go completely black. i dont know exaclty, i m not a computer expert.

just a thought!'

Well I have a degree in Computer Science, so believe me, any photo can be copied VERY easily.