“Free Online Legal Advice for Photographers” by Geoff Fox of AppScout sums up a few things photographers should know about their rights regarding taking and publishing pictures.

If you’re a photographer sooner or later someone’s going to ask you to stop taking pictures. It’s happened to me more than once–a few days ago in a local state park! In this post-9/11 world you might think it’s warranted. In fact a few years ago New York was considering banning photography in the subway. They relented.

Geoff’s post covers what you can photograph, who you can photograph, and what you must consider before publishing that image. In short, you may photograph most of what you can see from a public area and people in public spaces should not usually have an expectation of privacy. Subjects do have more rights when it comes to publication, which falls under either the “commercial” or “editorial” umbrella.

The post also refers to the excellent Photographers Rights pamphlet by Bert Krages. Many photographers have printed out this document and carry it around with their camera gear.

By the way — I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice. Get professional help.

Link via “Great Blog Entries on Photographers’ Legal Rights” by Photo Attorney. Photo “Ley” by Daquella manera.