[Woodcarver] Re: Copyright and photos

[Victor Hamburger]

> "Barney Elking" wrote:

> I take a lot of photographs of people in various activities 

> - street celebrations, farmer's markets, outdoor craft shows, etc. and 

> would like to be able to use them as a basis for the figures that I do.  

> Since I haven't a clue as to the identity of most of the subjects and 

> their appearance is fleeting, can I use these photos as carving 

> references without concerning myself that I am violating somebody's rights?


Barney,

This has been discussed in photography forums several times.  There is, in most 
states in the USA (Other countries may vary) a law that says you can take 
pictures while on public property of anything within view, whether it is people 
or private property, etc.  I doubt you could take a closeup of someone elses 
artwork at a public craft fair without permission, but a photo of the larger 
area, with the artwork in view should not be a problem.  You still don't have 
permission to use that image in any way for your own gain though.

I have taken a number of photos at one time of many antique houses in my town, 
and as long as I stood on the street or sidewalk, I had a right to take them. 
(They were for the historical commission, to document the houses in their 
research).  I was only questioned once by a homeowner, as I always knocked on 
the door anyway and explained what I was trying to do.  Several times I was 
invited in to see the interior of some wonderful colonial homes that I might 
never have seen if I hadn't asked permission.

	Hope this helps,  Vic H