Photographing people in public in France?

[StewartR]

One of the people at my local camera club this week asked whether anybody knew what the law was about photographing people in public in France. Nobody did, so I'd like to invite the TP members to educate us...

I know there's a pretty strict privacy law in France. What I don't know, however, is whether it applies to commercial use of images, non-comercial publication of images, or what. Is it legal to take candid photos in public places in France? If so, what can you and can't you do with the photos?

 

[pxl8]

This might help:

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/privacy.asp

 

[Steep]

From a quick scan of that I'd say it's pretty much the same as here, there don't seem to be any problems about photographing people in public. Use your common sense thjough, if someone looks annoyed about being poked with a camera, leave them alone.

 

[SimonTALM]

Personally I'd shoot anyone in a public place in France, their likely to be French :razz:.

Seriously, I think you should be OK, take a look at the Diana incidenct in Paris; the Paparazzi weren't arrested for taking photos they were arrested for failing to help an injured person.

As Steep says I would approach it in the same way as here if you are both in a public place shoot away. Remembering that for commercial use of photos of people you'll need a model release form most of the time anyway.

 

[Dino f]

I think what Stewart is refering to is the fact that the copyright belongs to the subject rather than the photographer. (i think)
Dean

 

[WildWalker]

You'll grow a beard trying to photograph anyone doing some work in France

 

[Phil T]

Just be advised that the French are generally very sensitive about being photographed in public. Although I don't believe there are specific laws preventing it, there was a huge outcry a few years ago because images of politicians in public with their mistresses were starting to appear on the internet. It caused all sorts of problems for ameteurs as well as journalists, who have always deliberately avoided that kind of shot. I'd say just be prepared for a blast of Gallic outrage & put the camera away a bit lively.