Hello all! I just joined the Photography Life community and figured I would use my first post to ask a (difficult?) question.
For context. I was in Punta Cana a few weeks ago and we went on a tour bus. Now, this tour bus picked up other tourists from other places. So on the way, I was sitting and taking photos of the landscape, but I look and there was a woman sitting across the aisle to me. She was sitting alone looking out the window, and with the colors of the trees we were passing I figured it would be a great photo.
The photo turned out amazing. I'm really proud of how it came out, and with some slight editing, it became one of the best photos I have ever taken.
I was going to ask her if she minded that I took the photo because I hate making people uncomfortable. But before I could ask her, the bus stopped at her resort and she got off and I wasn't able to ask her. I haven't shared the photo because I don't know if that would be considered acceptable since she didn't know I took her photo.
My question is: is that something I should be worried about? Did I make a mistake taking a photo of someone without their consent? Do you have to always ask someone for permission to take a photo of them?
I'm asking because I was always interested in people photography and I want to start, but I want to know what's considered right and wrong. Thanks and sorry about the wall of text!
Hi there, and welcome!
You ask a good question. There are a few factors. First, not everywhere in the world has the same laws or cultural norms. There are places (like the United States), where there is no assumption of privacy when in public, meaning that you can take photos of people without their concent (with a few exceptions).
This is strictly not allowed in some countries, and in others, there are strong cultural restrictions. When traveling, the best advice I can give you is to research in advance what the rules and norms are in the place you are going. Something like a google search of "what are the street photography rules in ......".
I don't believe you made a mistake or should be worried. Hope this helps!