View Full Version : Shooting homeless folks


Jeff Cook
January 25th, 2017, 04:26 PM
I am recording a short doc on the homeless. For b roll I plan on shooting areas where the homeless live. From a legal stand point, do I need to blur their faces, or am I okay shooting them withouth having to conceal their identity? When I shot news you could pretty much shoot whatever, however now It may be a different story. Thanks for you input in advance.

Pete Cofrancesco
January 25th, 2017, 05:31 PM
I'm familiar with street photography where anything in the public domain is fair game. Here are some video guidelines https://www.rocketlawyer.com/blog/ask-a-lawyer-filming-in-a-public-space-97747

If you ever watch the news segment on over weight people they usually blur or don't film the faces of people walking down the street because falls into the derogatory area. I think the real call should be made by whos producing it.

The real issue you'll find is you might not get the best shots or have the access you'd like if you are seen as an outsider.

People who do this type of work often build a relationship with the people they're shooting. Imagine you're walking down the street and some stranger starts following you around filming you? Maybe giving them a small amount of money to sign a release form might be a good way to build trust.

Jeff Cook
January 25th, 2017, 05:48 PM
Thanks for the info. I was going to film from a car. I may just keep the shot wide.

Jeff Pulera
January 26th, 2017, 09:44 AM
Title of the post is perhaps not the best choice of words, but it got my attention ;-)

Thanks

Jeff

Pete Cofrancesco
January 26th, 2017, 05:18 PM
Title of the post is perhaps not the best choice of words, but it got my attention ;-)

Thanks

Jeff
lol I was thinking the same thing.