Is it illegal to take photos of the public (please read details)?

I am studying photography A level and as part of my idea I want to take natural photos - hence, the people can't know I'm taking them. So I'm thinking of going into my local town, setting up my camera in the street and shooting randomly to see what I get. Will I get attacked by security or anything for it? Or is it more about respecting other people's privacy? The photos are likely only to be put into my sketchbook, and won't be sold/exhibited etc.

Slightly mixed response, but overall it sounds as if I would be okay...

Taking photos of people I know wouldn't work because they'd obviously know, but thanks for the advice on where not to do it.

I've also heard that it's not as restricted in the UK, which is where I am.

I think I will explain to people who ask, but other than that you're on camera constantly on CCTV so I reckon it should be alright. Of course I'll stop if someone tells me to.

Thankyou so much!

In the U.K. it is perfectly legal to take a photograph of anything or anyone in a public place. If you intended to use a closeup photo of somebody widely in a publication it would be polite to ask if the person had any objections, of course, but not required by law (obviously if you tried to misrepresent that person or added something which could be libelous that would be a separate issue).

Unfortunately, in today's "Big Brother" Britain, innocently taking photos is seen by some as suspicious activity. Bus & train enthusiasts have been challenged for taking pictures of vehicles, for example, and I myself have been challenged by a person who turned out to be an off-duty police officer from another county simply for walking along a lane with a camera.

So go ahead and snap away all you want, but just be prepared for the chance that you might be accused of being anything from a potential terrorist to a potential child-abducter by some people. What a sad reflection on the way this country has gone.

Yes.

I believe it is illegal.

People are held to be "in posession" of their image, and their permission needs to be obtained if the image is to be used. Film companies working on the street, often put up notices for the passing public, stating that they are filming, and that the that public will be filmed (as part of the work) and the presence of any individual will be taken as "giving consent". I don't think that would stand up to a legal challenge personally.

It is not illegal to take a picture of anything that is in plain sight. now if you stopped people and asked them to pose, wear specific clothing etc then you would need their permission to publish the photos. I am from New York City and in the paper about a month ago there was a case where a man was taking pictures of men's crotches (clothed, not nude) without their knowledge while they were on the subway and putting them on a fetish website. The District Attourney stated that he couldnt persue charges because the guy was taking pictures of something that was already in plain sight. Now i am sure you have no intent of doing something so weird, just giving a recent example.

People should not have a resonable expectation of that kind of privacy when walking around on public streets. Some places however have put ordinances in place to cover public photography, just to avoid disturbances and disruptions. Check with the local p.d. to see if you need a permit to do that, but odds are you won't. If anyone (cop or citizen) asks, just tell them your intentions and I doubt there will be any problems.

Hi, when i have done this before i have been told that aslong as ur on public property ie a pavement/street etc you have the right to photograph!!
When it comes to people it is fine to photograph them. As you have stated you wont be selling or exhibiting this work then there is no need for a model release form.
The only thing which may pose as a problem is when you are photographing children....some parents may have a concern over this but again it is for sketchbook work and so you do not need to explain yourself much further.
Many people will probably take and interest any way when u have all of your equipment out (generally the older generation) &&will not mind being in the shots

Good luck

you cant take pictures of people without permission. If you tell people what you are doing and why and ask permission you may get a better response. also taking pictures of children in the current climate is extremely dodgy !!
is it possible to take photos of your A level classmates in town instead ???

You'd be fine. Just don't try to do it too near entrances to shops or other premises, they might think you're casing the place.

Suggestion: try tourist sites, those are excellent locations for random candid photography.

You're perfectly within your rights to do this. That might not stop the gestapo from harrasing you though. See this, for example: http://nannyknowsbest.blogspot.com/2008/...

I think the police are more concerned about taking pictures of buildings than people, you may get questioned and advised by them, but I don't think it's illegal 'YET'.

you can take but the picture shudnt be showing or remarking something that are humiliating

No, people do not have the right to not be photographed in public.

If they don't want to get photographed in a public place- stay home

Legally you can take photos of anyone in the street. Individuals do not own the copyright of their own image so cannot object and you do not need to get them to sign release forms or anything like that.

Be careful of taking photos in playgrounds or of children as although strictly speaking this is not illegal it does start to muddy the waters and accusations of child abuse start being banded around.

If you are on private property then they could ask you to leave. If you are in the street then you can get moved on by the police as you could be accused of loitering but I doubt that any right minded police officer would do this unless you were causing a nuisance or obstruction.