What's the law have to say about people taking pics...

[Bigmack]

... of peace vigils?

Tiny California town... tiny vigil with 30 people every saturday morning.

About 75% honks and waves, but one guy took pictures of everybody. He muttered some stuff about terror coming here because of us.

What's the legal situation? Can people take pics of others w/o permission?

[Richard Steele]

1. If you are in public, you are fair game for cameras.

[Freedom_Aflaim]

2. If it occurs in public

anyone can take any photos they please.

Think about photos of large crowds..very common right?. It would be ridiculous to believe that everyone in a crowd gave the photographer permission.

[JoeJoefreedom]

3. pictures

absolutely. There is no prohibition regarding that.

[newyawker99]

10. Hi JoeJoefreedom!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[noamnety]

4. Anyone can take photos of public gatherings

without getting permission. That's the legal basis for putting surveillance cameras in public places. If it bothers you, wear sunglasses, a hat, etc. If you're feeling adventurous, aim a camera at him, and snap off a few pictures.

[happyslug]

5. On a Public Place? Yes.

Out in the public you have no expectations of privacy and thus anyone can take your picture. NOW it si consider good photo ethics to ask permission first but that is NOT legally required if you are out in a public area. Public areas can be schools, parks, highways sidewalks etc.

Just think about the opposite rule, if I had to ask permission to take someone's picture I would have to ask anyone who MIGHT be in a picture permission first, including any one who just walks by.

[unkachuck]

6. take...

....pictures of him taking pictures of you....

[norml]

7. Freak him out.

Take his picture too.

[MadHound]

8. Congratulations, you too now have your picture enshrined

In its only little brown manila jacket, in some file located in a suburb of DC:evilgrin:

No, seriously, I wouldn't worry about that. The government guys are at least professional enough not to mutter, mutter. I would worry more that this is some local guy. Be aware that he might have a violent streak, and keep aware of him if he continues to hang around. In fact take a camera along next time and take his picture, just for posterity's sake.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. Anybody can take pictures of you, but...

they can't distribute or use the pictures commercially without a release-- only sell them as news (or give them to the authorities telling them you're a suspected criminal.) I ain't no lawyer or expert, but that's my understanding of it.

A case could concievably be made for stalking or harassment if you're not a public figure, but that's a long shot.

I like the idea of taking his picture. If everyone at the vigil could be pointing cameras at him, that could be fun.

Reminds me of a time way back when I bought a new 700mm lens and was looking out the window at things. Came to a window a block away, and saw a pair of binoculars looking back!

[Bigmack]

11. I did get his pic....

He parked on a side street, and one of the little old ladies gently followed him and got his license #, too. Any way for a citizen to find the owner of a vehicle from the plate number?