Street Photgraphy Laws and Rules In EU ,What is Allowed ,and what is not .

Hi every body,I am a street photographer and I haven't been In EU before,but I was in Turkey ,where I could

direct my camera virtually to any point ,any person and ,to any building and shoot ,In a five visits to Turkey I

have shot about fifty thousand image and I haven't received any objections ,neither from the people ,nor from the

legal authorities of the streets ,in the contrary ,I have been asked to shoot people some ten times .

I am going to Spain ,Paris,and Rome for about three weeks ,I am asking those with expertise and my street

photographers colleagues about the rules and laws that governs street photography in those European cities, I

want to be in the safe side,not to break any laws ,and to behaves regarding the street pedestrians.

 

Please ,if you could refer me to a link that I could read,or if you could advice me about what I should ,and what

I shouldn't .

 

Thank you so much in advance.

 

Saad Salem.

<p> "I want to be in the safe"</p>

<p>With respect street photography is not about being safe. Floral photography is about being safe or perhaps scenic photography.</p>

<p>There is always an element of risk and if you spend too much time reading rules you will scare yourself...and spend most of your time hiding under your bed.</p>

<p>First rule anywhere is to be polite and not intrude into people's personal business.<br /> I think that individual states in the EU still have considerable variation about what is allowed. Some photographer apparently just recently got 'zapped' for nude photos of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/29/kate-middleton-nude-photos-pictures-photographer-arrested_n_2037696.html">Kate Middleton</a>. You're probably OK for less compromising pictures of ordinary, non-Royal folks, even in France.</p>

Thank you Allen ,you have made your point ,but here is my point too ,I am an Arabic and Muslim ,and I prefer to spend what is left of my life under the bed ,than to spend it in a jail for being a terrorist shooting some building for a future bombing .

 

I know there is risks ,and I wished you and other photographers to tell me what to shoot ,and what to avoid to be in the safe side of the law (outside the bars of interrogation ) .

JDM von Weinberg

 

Thank you so much.

<p>I personally have found that it is often best in these kinds of situations not to wear my جلابية‎ and كوفية‎<br /> ;)<br /><br /> I had to stop wearing my كوفية‎ in Nigeria, because there only الحجّي‎ wore them, and I was not that.</p>

<p>The Spanish, the Parisians and the Romans are all very liberated, avant garde, largely open minded peoples. </p>

<p>I have a friend who has spent the last 6 years moving between cities like Istanbul, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Berlin and Amsterdam. She is a 'street art' devotee - consequently she spends countless hours in the public domain waiting for photo subjects and witnessing all sorts of photo worthy activity. She has emailed me with some very interesting and clever street photos using the simple method of finding a desired hot spot of activity and sitting down in a nearby cafe or hanging out on a park / street bench with camera ready, watching the people interact, transact, argue and agree with each other. </p>

<p><br />She shoots with no set of rules other than always asking an individual if they concent to her taking <em>close up</em> images as they go about their activity. Her experience is similar you yours in Turkey, no objections and often willing subject matter. Just about anything that is visible in the public domain is fair game to photograph in these places. </p>

<p>I have never had any major trouble in France, Italy or Portugal (not Spain). I agree with JDM that being polite and friendly is Rule One. I have occasionally been asked for money (one euro) for taking pictures of people especially the more colourful characters one sees in markets etc.</p>

 

<p>Be very wary when you visit Rome to avoid photographing anyone in 'Roman' dress, eg gladiators or centurions etc, particularly around the Colosseum. They're gangsters and will demand large amounts of money from you ( 100 Euros and up) afterwards. It's a racket that's been going on for years.</p>

Street photography is as safe as taking a walk if you respect the people around you. If you engage in thoughtless, rude, intrusive, or

annoying behavior, it won't be long before someone challenges you. That principle holds whether you are holding a camera or not.

 

When in doubt, avoid shooting children unless they are doing something noteworthy (not just standing around). People are very sensitive

about their kids. You wouldn't walk up to a bear cub and start taking close ups. The mother would maul you. Use the same sense when

shooting human subjects.

 

Personally, I try to gauge the subject's stress level before shooting them. I avoid people who look to be cross, agitated (for any reason),

or extremely pressed for time.

 

Exercise prudence when on private or government property - any government building, museums, palaces, shopping centers, etc.

Different rules may apply there. Many churches in Europe forbid photography inside. It is always best to ask the staff before pulling your

camera out of a bag. Always respect worshippers and the sanctity of any holy place.

 

That's my two cents. Enjoy your trip. I look forward to visiting your beautiful country one day.

Matthew Brennan,

Colin Carron, and

Andrew Gardiner

 

Thank you so much for your fine replies ,for your time ,and for your HELP.

 

 

Andrew Gardiner : My country,Iraq is not a place to visit ,at least five years from now ,may be you could visit it with a private bodyguard company,keep in mind please ,I am ready anytime you come to my country to escort you to any place you want with my great pleasure too.

 

 

 

Saad Salem.

<p>Very kind Saad, but I think you're confusing me with someone else's post.</p>

Dan South

 

Thank you so much ,that is a real kind of help ,and I need it too.

Please note that my country,Iraq is not a place to visit ,at least five years from now ,may be you could visit it with a private bodyguard company,keep in mind please ,I am ready anytime you come to my country to escort you to any place you want with my great pleasure too.

 

stay well and fine .

 

Saad Salem.

<p>Sorry, Saad. I thought I read that you were from Turkey. I hope that your country will become safe again for everyone one day soon.</p>

<p>Hi Saad, I am from the EU, more specifically from The Netherlands. As pointed out before, the different countries in the EU have their own laws, regulations, but more importantly their own etiquette on what or who to photograph or not. </p>

<p>First and foremost: come to the EU, bring your camera and take your pictures. Most people that see an Arab, do not identify them as terrorists. </p>

<p>The Netherlands used to be quite a tolerant country, but I have to conclude that, we are losing that virtue as the economic crisis continues. Especially people of Northern African descent, muslims as a generalization, are not welcomed aloud everywhere. On the other had, that should not be a reason for you not the visit The Netherlands, because a loss of tolerance does not mean outward aggression or hatred. If you treat people with respect, you will be welcomed around our country and taking pictures over here is usually not a problem.</p>

<p>Some orthodox religious regions, yes we have them too, are not too keen on people taking pictures of their inhabitants, yet as a tourist, a welcoming smile or a sign of asking permission usually will do wonders.</p>

<p>General advise, the more south you travel, the more you should be aware of taking pictures of armed forces, military objects etc. I am sad to conclude that you being Iraqi does not help. Stay away of taking pictures of objects that might be seen as a target. That is a rule I put on myself when taking pictures abroad. If in doubt, ask permission. I know in Holland, any policeman will be more than willing to answer your questions, and not start thinking terrorist.</p>

<p>If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line!</p>

<p>I just took a look at your portfolio. If that is the kind of photography you are after, then just be polite and bring plenty of memory cards. You are going to have a ball!</p>