disclaimer

Why I do street photography and not asking permission

My photography explores the candid human condition in an urban public environment. As soon as people are aware of a camera their behaviour and their facial expressions change, because they become self-conscious. Suddenly their behavior isn’t real anymore, their actions are not honest and candid and the moment is gone. For this reason I don’t ask permission beforehand and most of the times I don’t make myself noticed, since then my pictures wouldn’t be what they are: a candid documentary of human behavior in public. I also don’t ask permission afterwards, because most of the time it’s just not feasible. Everyone is in a hurry, pictures get taken in passing and until I see the pictures in full resolution I won’t know whether I got anything that even deserves publishing. Asking for permission would also make my work a “commissioned project” and not spontaneous as it is now. One very fascinating aspect of street photography is that it is unique, in the sense that that particular moment in time, that facial expression can not be replicated. Every single street photos is a unique representation of that particular moment. If I have to ask permission beforehand or approval afterwards, perhaps most people will ask to take the photo again after adjusting hair, make-up, or even declining my request of taking a photo of them, therefore all the magic is gone.

Also for some people, having a camera or a gun pointing at them, makes no difference, it produces the same uncomfortable feeling.

Rules of conduct?

I am sure now you are expecting to read a long detailed paragraph about what are my rules and limits and what would cross the line of privacy and common sense. When I have started street photography I spent quite a lot of time searching and trying to understand the legal aspects of my work and if I would have faced problems in the future. Well the truth is that there is not a precise legislation about it, actually not at all. Some countries have specific laws but most of them don’ t.

One thing for sure I do and respect is that if I get caught taking a photo, and the subject disagrees or strongly complains about it, I delete immediately without even trying to discuss about it. I smile, delete it, show the rest of my photos proving I have deleted it, and walk away.

I believe that all street photographers have a responsibility towards the world around them, but at the end it is down to their own common sense to decide what to freeze in a frame and if to show it, digitally publish it or print it. If you really want to fill this paragraph with “rules”, I strongly suggest you to look at all the regulations regarding street photography first of all, then journalism, war reportage, paparazzi, CCTV (banks, traffic control, airport, etc). And at the end of this tedious research, if you still wondering if my work is legit or not, or invade your privacy, please open your public Facebook page, or your public Instagram account, or Google+, and start deleting your photos of you getting dirty eating a sandwich, or wearing just underwear, or playing with your kids or new born and dog, or your beautiful composed selfies or videos where you accidentally got in the frame also strangers.

Having said that, the purpose of this website is to enjoy street photography, but if you still have some concerns, please read the final disclaimer here below.

Final Disclaimer

If you have questions, objections or worries, or if you found yourself in a photo and want it removed, feel free to contact me immediately. I will get back to you as soon as possible.