Photo Journalism 4(1+3)

Lesson 16 : Ethics and Legal Consideration for Photojournalists

Photographing without permission

Anything visible in plan view from a public area can be legally photographed. This includes buildings and facilities, people, signage, notices and images. It is not uncommon for security personnel to use intimidation or other tactics to attempt to stop the photographer from photographing their facilities; however, there is no legal precedent to prevent the photographer so long as the image being photographed is in plain view from a public area.

The Photojournalist has the right to photograph in a public place as long as local ordinance

Prohibits it and they are not creating a hazard or interfering with the public’s right of way. The Streets, Public Park, the Zoo, municipal property and airport, public area of schools, and similar locations open to the public are also open to the photojournalists. They can photograph public or private citizens there without permission.