Admittedly, there are not as many dangers experienced by event photographers as there are in some other professions, but there are consequences to ignoring UK photography law. Before you can begin your venture as an event photographer it is of utmost importance that you familiarise yourself with event photographer rights and the law in the UK.
This article is going to answer some frequently asked questions about event photographer rights and the law in the UK, including:
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- What permission do I need to take close-up photos of people?
- What permission do I need to take photos in public settings?
- Do I need permission to photograph children in public settings?
- What permission do I need to take photos on private land?
- What permission do I need to use my photos for commercial purposes?
What permission do I need to take close-up photos of people?
Laws on taking photos without permission are very context-dependent.
Put simply, if you are on public land and not causing any member of the public discomfort by taking close-up photos of them then you are legally allowed to take these photos for your own artistic needs. It is however a matter of politeness to ask your subject’s permission if you are in such close proximity while taking their photo.
Therefore, when you are attempting to take close-up photos of people you should consider whether you are in a public space and causing your subject any kind of discomfort. If you are making somebody feel unsettled in a public space by attempting to take photos of them, this is when you will be in danger of crossing the boundaries, and even possibly being prosecuted for your actions.
Alternatively, if you are on private land then you should first have permission from the landowner to ensure that you do not break trespassing laws.
What permission do I need to take photos in public settings?
Before you take photos in what you believe to be a public place you must check that it is, as lots of places that have almost unlimited public access are actually on private land – churches are a big one that people often forget!
Also, in some larger cities especially (we’re talking particularly about you, London) there are public spaces that still require relevant permission before taking photographs. London is a prime example. The Royal Parks, Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square are all off-limits if you are shooting commercially, without prior written permission from the local authority. Personal photos are fine. If in doubt, always contact the local authority in advance and ask.
Aside from this, as an event photographer, you are allowed to take pictures in all public spaces. And contrary to popular belief, this also includes photos of people.
Do I need permission to photograph children in public settings?
You do not actually need permission to take photos of children when you are in a public space. However, if you are in a private setting it is a good idea to gain permission from a child’s parent to have yourself covered.
What permission do I need to take photos on private land?
Taking photos on private land is your most likely scenario as an event photographer. If you have been hired to take photographs at an event, then you do not need to collect permission from every single person that you photograph individually.
As a courtesy, you can suggest to the event organisers that they publish a warning to attendees that their photograph may be taken during the event, and that attendance grants their consent to this, and to the photos being used for commercial purposes. This can be done on the event literature, website or ticket, as appropriate.
What permission do I need to use my photos for commercial purposes?
If you want to sell your images to a media library or to use your own photos to sell products, then you will most likely need to acquire a signed model release from your subject, or from everyone in the photo if it is a group shot.
We hope that this guide about your event photographer rights and the law in the UK proves useful to you.
However, if you want an event photographer for your event, but without the stress and hassle of learning the event photography law ropes, then Splento offers quality event photography packages for an affordable price tag.
For simple, straightforward, and no-nonsense event photography contact Splento today!
FAQ
What legal issues should event photographers be aware of in the UK?
Event photographers in the UK should understand copyright laws, the right to privacy, and issues around photographing in public versus private spaces. Knowledge of GDPR compliance when capturing images of individuals is also crucial.
How can photographers protect themselves from copyright infringement claims?
To protect against copyright infringement claims, always get written consent through model releases, especially when planning to use images commercially. Maintain thorough documentation and consider registering your photographs if they’re highly valuable.
What are the risks of photographing in public spaces?
While public photography is generally legal in the UK, photographers face risks such as confrontations with the public or authorities misunderstanding photographers’ rights. Always be aware of specific local regulations and private property boundaries.
How should event photographers handle incidents of harassment or assault while working?
Photographers should maintain professional boundaries and have clear policies on conduct. If harassment or assault occurs, they should report the incident to the event organizers and, if necessary, to the police, prioritizing their safety above capturing images.
What insurance should event photographers have in the UK?
Event photographers should consider public liability insurance to cover injury or damage claims, professional indemnity insurance for legal defense costs against claims of professional negligence, and equipment insurance to protect against theft or damage.
