BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photography Careers and Making Money

Laura Swiger		Do I need to obtain permission? I have been asked to come up with a photo package featuring a local town. I found myself taking pictures of a local cafe. None of the photographs feature the name of the business. This building is considered a landmark of that town. However the establishment that inhabits this building is privatly owned. Do I need to obtain permission from the owner to photograph a privatly owned public space? Any help that anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. To love this question, log in above April 01, 2004

Jason A. Zwiker		Hi Laura, My feeling is that yes, you should obtain a property release. I've usually found that most owners are agreeable if you engage them in a conversation and are open about your intentions for the photography. Show the upside for them: published pictures of the business, if portrayed in a positive way, are great publicity for them. Good luck with your project! - J To love this comment, log in above April 12, 2004

Laura Swiger		Hi- Thank you for your help, as you can see I do little work that requires release. Can you please recommend a good example of where I can find a property release. The place that has contracted me does not have any such forms. Thanks Again!! To love this comment, log in above April 14, 2004

Curtis K. Haig		Email me at khaig1@yahoo.com and I can provide you with a property release form. ty- keith To love this comment, log in above April 27, 2004

- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery		you don't need releases just to photograph a place. To love this comment, log in above April 28, 2004

Peter K. Burian		Laura: This is a complex topic, but in a nutshell, you do not need a Property Release IF: * The photos are not for advertising * You do not trespass to take the photos You don't need permission to take photos in a public place (from the sidewalk for example) but you might still want to tell the owner what you are doing and why - so he does not think you're "casing the joint." If the photos will be used for some kind of advertising, you will need a Property Release to allow the photos to be published. Cheers! Peter Burian To love this comment, log in above April 28, 2004

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