Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/04

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Photographing people in public
From: tedgrant@islandnet.com (Ted Grant)
Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1998 08:16:11 -0800

francesco wrote:

>Now if the lady had said NO, she did not want you shooting her at her
>stall, then what?  How do you go about getting a release after  you just
>gave her a line about shooting some building behind her?>>>>>>

Hi Francesco,

Two things:

If you think this is a shot you will really use for publication, then
depending on her attitude you try to sweet talk her into a posed picture
taking, then get a release signed. This in turn covers the unposed one
also. If there is out and out refusal just drop the idea of using the shot
at all and write it off as one of those things.

Or if you are only using it for "show and tell" a slide presentation for
lecture then you you can walk away. Remember there isn't any point to a
confrontation as there is one more avenue. This only works if you are
shooting in your own home town.

Develop the film, make a nice print and return to the stall the next week
with a nice thank you note and present her with the copy. Obviously, only
if it's a damn good image of her. They usually are more than surprised at
their "what a nice snap of me" and will allow you to shoot a posed
situation which of course you explain first that a _____"situation
release"________ is required.

Please note I said, _____"situation release"_______ do not use the word
"MODEL" under any circumstance!!! This implies monetary gain, there isn't
any!

The key is being pleasant when you return.

If the photo is in another country you can live with the fact that it's
highly unlikely the subject will ever see the picture, unless you have the
stature of HCB and the photo is used internationally. That's a whole new
ball game.

At the time of the image making and you "know without question" this is
going to be great, then you might resort to a purchase of goods from her
stall as a good will gesture or, heaven forbid this is necessary....make an
offer of a monetary contribution. To sign the release. ABSOLUTELY LAST
RESORT!!!!

I emphasize this is an "absolutely last resort action" do not get into a
habit, it can cost you dearly when you've souped the film and the "great
shot" you knew you had, turns out to be an "ho hum" image after all!



Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant