Originally Posted by BlackCloud

Legally you are allowed to photograph pretty much anything in the street in the UK with the exception of certain buildings or defence establishments, law enforcement staff in certain circumstances etc. However, what you can legally do and what you would actually consider doing are different things. Few men in the UK would consider photographing other peoples kids as sadly there is a paranoia about paedophiles here, mad as it is. Here we are getting to a point also where an increasing number of magazines, websites, competitions etc. wont allow pictures of people without their permission. They are concerned about litigation.

Additionally, in the UK, shopping malls including some outside terraces etc., inside shops inc. McDonalds, theatres etc. would all be considered private property and photography only allowed with permission.

This country has a (partly justified) paranoia about paedophiles and also people here are much more suspicious about photographers motives. I think you perhaps enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere about it in the US Bob. Street photography is allowed and possible, but you do need to be 'aware' who you are pointing a camera at. I would NEVER do kids anywhere, and to be honest as Fogey says, in the UK, if you did there is every chance you would be challenged or even attacked. If you can enjoy it there in the US Bob carry on. It's probably how life should be and not as uptight as the way this country has become.

Originally Posted by Moonstone

Okay, been thinking of this subject over night, and have just come back from lunch with a group of friends who are all American, and wondered if it was my "European" view, as some things I don't get over here, and view it from a European outlook.
So I quizzed them over lunch, how would they feel if someone started taking pictures of the kids that were present, ages 2-15, while we were sat there. All gave the same reply, ask the photographer to stop, one said call the manager over too and demand the pictures deleted. I then asked why and they said the same as me, they have no control of where that picture would end up, or used. It wasn't so much a paedophile issue, more a general privacy issue, and protecting a child's right to privacy as a parent.
All, also said they would be pissed if they came across their child/children image/s on the internet too, without their permission sought first. Maybe, it's an age issue, we are all in our mid thirties to mid forties, and not so much a cultural difference.


It's not a legal issue, as legally you can photograph most things in a public place, but whether it is wise or intrusive to do it.


There is also a point of , you the photographer have no idea of the child in questions background, a good friend of mine was abused by her partner, and basically went into hiding with her kids, what if someone snapped one of her kids and then posted it on a forum? Or kids that have been taken into care, etc.

Like I said earlier, I just see it as one subject matter, that is best left alone as far as street photography is concerned, maybe it's my parent head rather than my photography head leading , but at the end of the day, that is what is most important to me.

Originally Posted by Fogey

I think it boils down to where you take the photograph. I have taken pictures of kids in a funfair having fun with their parents. I have taken candid pictures of kids interacting with their parents in a public place, ie:, the street.

I have never, however, taken a photograph of a child in a restaurant. That is just not on. A restaurant is, in my view, a private place and should be treated as such, as is somebody's garden etc.

I suppose it is down to common sense. Don't take photos of people, especially not children, where you wouldn't want to be photographed - in other words 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.

Originally Posted by jols

Hi Bob,
I have not been about lately but though I would pop in and have a peek.

While I would not like a random person photography my child you do say in your first post you hand over a business card etc..................

Do you have a website?

jo

Originally Posted by bobmielke

http://bobmielke.smugmug.com Good to see you on again Jols. I try not to argue with folks because the laws and customs in the United States are different. My goodness in Portland, where I live, it's legal to ride a bicycle butt naked down main street, abort babies or off yourself in medical cases where you're terminally ill. Taking a photo of a child in a McDonald's is a lesser evil in a town with a gay mayor. LOL

Originally Posted by Zoundz

Not getting involved in the last comment however, I will say I think it's about respect - and I think it's wrong to take pictures of people where they are obviously uncomfortable with it. Just because it's your right to do so, doesn't mean it *is* right to do so.

It's an interesting subject, I love street photography, but have never had the confidence to try my hand at it to be honest. I agree that it does come down to where a photo is taken. I have little worry about taking photos of dogs in a show ring, but if a dog has an owner present, I wouldn't take a photo without asking outside of that sort of scenario.

xx