Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images

by Bert P. Krages II

Beginning with the basic laws that govern photography, this legal manual helps photographers understand the basic matters of access and privacy, covering issues such as shooting images on private property, consent, and the photography of public groups. Subjects addressed include the legalities of photographing currency, stamps, securities, trademarks, seals, and insignia; military and nuclear installations; copyrighted materials; children; and animals. This updated handbook closes with a helpful glossary that decodes complicated legalese.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Law

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Bert P. Krages II is an attorney who concentrates on intellectual property and environmental law. He is recognized nationally as an advocate of the right to take photographs in public places, having appeared in media such as National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, and Wired.

Reviews

[Pearse Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I only had time to read like 40 pages of this, and it is a reference work, but it is clearly the best photography rights handbook or document I have ever seen. Most other civil rights guides on the subject just are referencing this. So I'm glad I had the third edition (2012 release) and I'm glad I took the time to at least read the first few chapters. I really hope I can get the opportunity to come back to it later, since I was about to slip into private property rights.
A bit full of vague legalese, but keep it up Krages!

[Pearse Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuck you Goodreads, I hate your interface. I did not read this four times, I am not currently reading this, I just wrote a review for this book that apparently was scrubbed. It's a good book. Now stop giving me trouble you weird, weird website.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a very specific question in mind: if I took a photo in a public space, and the building owners told me I could not use the photo without paying, can I use it? What if I was standing on their lawn, probably slightly off the public space? This book convinced me that whether it was legal or not, it was not worth the hassle.

[Daisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was okay, pretty interesting. A lot didn't apply to me so I was able to skim over some stuff, but it did teach me a few new things.