When Is It Okay To Take Pictures?

With the addition of a digital camera to almost all cell phones, I thought it might be wise to point out a sight that helps you to understand that there are times and places where taking photos is not okay.

Legal Andrew writes up some short facts about when it is and isn’t okay to snap pictures in public.  Read through the comments as well for more details (and drop him a line if you have questions).  He also links to a few other resources for further information.

Generally though, if a reasonable person expects privacy… then it is not okay to take their picture.

I will also add one bit of advice about taking pictures… you don’t have to document everything you do!  I see this most often at social gatherings.  People are taking pictures of everything they are doing. I know it’s easy to do with digital cameras and phones, but a camera puts up a barrier between you and your subject.  Taking lots of pictures to document your “fun” will remove you from your fun.  So just think about that the next time your friends look a little dizzy from the consecutive flashes.