Is Street Photography Legal and How Not to Get Into Trouble?

This may come as a surprise to you that you have the right to photograph any person on the street without their consent, as long as you are shooting from a public space.

Photographers get to enjoy this freedom of expression simply by virtue of the fact that people have no right to privacy in public.

However, to get close to your subjects without coming across as an intruder requires balls, especially if you are new to street photography and are not sure of your legal limits.

Street life presents fleeting moments with strangers in stunning situations. But, can you capture those moments without the consent of the subjects?

In this post, we have outlined 5 rules that you should familiarize yourself with to understand your rights and limits and avoid confrontations as a street photographer.

RULE 1:

RULE 2:

RULE 3:

RULE 4:

RULE 5:

There is a fine line between freedom of expression and invading privacy. Knowing your rights and limits will help you enjoy your vantage point as a street photographer.

We hope that this helps you approach street photography with confidence so you can enjoy your vantage point as a street photographer.