The simple answer to that question is that you do not if you are simply taking the pictures for your own pleasure but it’s the polite, safe, and proper thing to do, especially if you are in a foreign country. There could me many reasons why someone does not want their picture taken. There may be local customs, folkways, and mores against having one’s picture taken. There are some Native American people who believe that having their picture taken steals their souls.

You could also put yourself in physical danger by photographing people without asking their permission first. For example, let’s for the sake of discussion say, you photograph a person wanted by the police for murder, you could become his/her next victim. Not likely, but it could happen. Get into the habit of always asking permission before photographing people or their property. If you intend to use the pictures as stock photos or for publication, you need to get the proper release form signed every time. I’m not going to get into model and property release forms here because I’ve covered that on my blog, The Freelance Writer/Photographer http://thefreelancewriterphotographer.blogspot.com/. I’m simply going to offer you a few guidelines for getting permission in this article.

For now I’m going to assume and, yes, I do know what can happen when we assume anything, that you are shooting the pictures for your own pleasure and have no intentions of using them for any commercial endeavor.

ï‚· It’s not practical to ask everyone for permission to photograph him or her if you are shooting pictures on the street or at some large event like a concert. I always get permission to photograph the person who will be central to my photograph but seldom as permission of those who are minor participants. I always ask permission to photograph the central subject of my photo especially if I’m in a foreign country. I try to behave the way I would expect them to behave towards me if they were visiting my country.

ï‚· There are many ways to get someone’s permission to shoot their pictures when a signed release isn’t needed. Often simply raising your camera and smiling at them will get you the go ahead nod. This work especially well when there is a language barrier. Of course, if you have intentions to sell or publish the photos you will have to approach the person(s) to get the proper release(s) signed.

ï‚· Some people may give you the nod to go ahead even when they don’t want their picture taken simply because they don’t want to be rude. This situation often arises when you are traveling in foreign countries because most people don’t want to appear rude to visitors to their country. Be aware of this and be on the lookout for it. If someone appears uneasy in anyway about having their picture taken, simply move on without taking their photograph.

ï‚· Do your homework before traveling to another country. Research the country’s people and their social customs and taboos so you will know what’s expected of you. Knowing these things ahead of time will not only keep you from offending people with your photography, it will keep you from dressing or acting inappropriately in other ways as well.

ï‚· I never ask permission to photograph stage performers at any performance where photography is allowed because they expect to be photographed.

ï‚· On the other hand, I often get invited back stage to take photos simply by asking ahead of time and offering the performer a free set of the photos you take. Politeness and consideration can get you into photo ops where most amateur photographers don’t get.

ï‚· Be especially careful when photographing children. I always look for a parent or guardian and get their permission before photographing a minor child if a parent or guardian is present. Most parents are flattered with having their child’s picture taken as long as you ask first. Their concern over having a stranger photographing their child without permission is understandable, especially in today’s crime ridden society.