The UK law governing photography is reasonably straightforward and is well summarised by Linda Macpherson LL.B, Dip.L.P., LL.M, who is a lecturer in law at Herriot Watt University.
Photos for publication
In addition to the legal restrictions mentioned above, you also need to be aware o data protection regulations which are likely to require that permission is granted from the person in question. Contact the Information Commissioner's Office for specific information.
You should also consider what it feels like for the person you are photographing. As a common courtesy, you should stop to ask if you can take a picture for the newsletter and other materials before you press the shutter where practical. Clearly for crowd scenes this is not practical!
If you are taking pictures of children, always check with their parent or guardian that they are happy for the child to appear in materials after the event.
Local papers will appreciate it if you are able to give the names of the people in your photos, so try to carry a note book with you and jot them down.
People like to have copies of photos, keep life simple and cheap by offering to email rather than print out and post copies. Remember to collect their email address in your note book. Again, be aware of data protection regulations which are particularly strict for electronic mail.
Take credit for what you have done and get whoever is using your photos to illustrate material to credit you directly under or next to the photo. You may want to ask them to add the copyright symbol to make it clear that you require other people to ask you before using your photos, or you may not mind if they are used by others.
Other peoples' photos
Before you use other people's photos, check with them that they are not restricted by copyright. Always credit the photographer or source of the photo if it is not yours.
Free photos
Stock.XCHNG is a wonderful website full of free photos, why not become part of its community and add images that you have a right to share to their online resource. Check the terms of use for each image carefully - some require credits while others do not.
Disclaimer
This know-how sheet is produced by how2fundraise.org, an on-line service provided by The Institute of Fundraising. It is intended to provide general information only and should not be taken as a full statement of the law. Please bear in mind that the Institute does not give professional legal or accounting advice, and while care has been taken with this information, you should consider whether you need to seek advice before taking any actions or incurring costs.
The information applies to England and Wales only.
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