Doing model work in public places

karmagarda

karmagarda

Good between the sheets
Messages
2,821
Name
Conor
Edit My Images
Yes
Quick question in regards to model type work... if doing on location shoots, let's say urban style shots on a street, or public carpark type place, do you technically need a permit? Even if you're not actually making money from the shoot... I suppose you're swapping a service for a service, so wondering how this works...
 
No. Photography in a public place is perfectly legal and it's up to you what you shoot. The fact that there happens to be a model there is irrelevant.

It's only on private property there may be an issue and some car parks are private property so worth checking that little board you see that says "XXXXX are not resposible for thieving scumbags nicking your wheels" There is usually one at the entrance to every car park.
 
AliB said:
No. Photography in a public place is perfectly legal and it's up to you what you shoot. The fact that there happens to be a model there is irrelevant.
Click to expand...

Primarily, I believe it depends on whether you're likely to be judged to be causing an obstruction of the highway (which can be any place of passage for vehicles or pedestrians).

Start using a tripod and/or lights without a permit and the chances increase.
 
AliB said:
No. Photography in a public place is perfectly legal and it's up to you what you shoot. The fact that there happens to be a model there is irrelevant.

It's only on private property there may be an issue and some car parks are private property so worth checking that little board you see that says "XXXXX are not resposible for thieving scumbags nicking your wheels" There is usually one at the entrance to every car park.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. It's what I thought too. Just wasn't 100%

Musicman said:
Primarily, I believe it depends on whether you're likely to be judged to be causing an obstruction of the highway (which can be any place of passage for vehicles or pedestrians).

Start using a tripod and/or lights without a permit and the chances increase.
Click to expand...

I think the chances of getting questioned might be higher alright. But more than likely from over zealous security guards rather than police.
 
karmagarda said:
I think the chances of getting questioned might be higher alright. But more than likely from over zealous security guards rather than police.
Click to expand...
No, if you are setting up light stands and softboxes n' whatnot in the middle of the pavement or road, you are causing an obstruction, and the police will generally come over and have a chat to make sure you've got your permits.

Assistant holding a light + softbox on the end of a boom though, different story. :)

The permits are generally easy enough to get hold of though, just ring the local council.
 
Last edited:
I have never worried about this before but out of interest if you ring the council what permit is it they give you exactly?
 
Kaouthia said:
No, if you are setting up light stands and softboxes n' whatnot in the middle of the pavement or road, you are causing an obstruction, and the police will generally come over and have a chat to make sure you've got your permits.

Assistant holding a light + softbox on the end of a boom though, different story. :)

The permits are generally easy enough to get hold of though, just ring the local council.
Click to expand...

Good point actually. Although I will probably try to avoid using any tripods/stands/softboxes etc if possible. Just use a VAL or maybe a VAR instead....

Might look into this permit stuff, better be safe than sorry. It's better to have a permit and not be asked for it than not have one and get asked.
 
I don't know what it's like where you are, but Lancashire County Council have had permits as low as £20-25 when I've enquired in the past.

Of course, if your shoot requires streets to be closed off and traffic rerouted, it can start to get mighty expensive. :)
 
I could be doing the shoot around Paddington, London. Have to recieve all the details yet. Any of you know where I go to get a permit for that area?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top