Taking pictures of people without permission.

[EvonneDean]

Hello America!

I am a Muslim woman who wears the face veil and a few months ago someone took a picture of me at a toll booth from their phone camera. Is it legal for people to do that? Also what is your opinion of people wearing religious clothes in public?

[Tresbn00]

I think that it is odd that someone took you picture out of the clear blue.  I don't think that there is anything that can be done to stop someone from taking pictures unless they post them publicly without your permission.  I, personally, don't find anything wrong with people wearing whatever they would like as long as it doesn't create trouble.  Wearing a religious outfit at an atheist convention would be creating trouble.  Wearing biker leathers in enemy territory would be another trouble causing situation. Wearing a thong in an Amish community would be looking for trouble.  Using good sense in dress and locational appearances should maintain a balance.

[derrick12480]

I think people should at least ask to take your picture.

[angelmines]

Hello America!

I am a Muslim woman who wears the face veil and a few months ago someone took a picture of me at a toll booth from their phone camera. Is it legal for people to do that? Also what is your opinion of people wearing religious clothes in public?

i like taking pic of ppl wihout them knowing because sometimes you catch them when they doing or saying unexpected things a a majority of the time its funny

[lorettahknox]

I do not wear those types of clothing in public or in private but I support your right to do so. Some people are very ignorant in their dealings with others and what has happened to you was not only inappropriate, it was a violation of your civil rights. Too bad you didn't get that license number you could have sued that person. I think the veil is beautiful and exotic and there is something mystical about women who wear it. I believe no one has the right to take your picture without your permission. I can see why it is sometimes necessary to have that male there to protect you. I guarantee that person would not have tried that if you had a man with you. If anyone tries that again try to turn your head quickly and blur the picture or turn your back if you are on the street.

[melinder]

As a photographer I like taking pictures of people when they don't know because it more of an interesting picture but sometimes you should explain what your doing

[EvonneDean]

A photographer is one thing but this guy was obviously no professional. Thanks for the comments though. As for starting trouble, It is never anyones intention to start trouble when they practice their freedom of religion. However i do agree that I would not want a nudest at my BBQ

[dell9031]

Welcome to America.  Get used to it.  Our pictures are taken everyday with cameras....we get photographed and video-taped an average of 16 times a day........

[EvonneDean]

I am all for security. I am a US Vet. I'd just as soon not have Son of  Sam taking my pic.

[falcon9]

Hello America!

I am a Muslim woman who wears the face veil and a few months ago someone took a picture of me at a toll booth from their phone camera. Is it legal for people to do that? Also what is your opinion of people wearing religious clothes in public?

If you're in America and out in public, there are no laws preventing your picture from being taken in public.  There are, however laws preventing others from imposing any religious beliefs upon public picture-takers.

Welcome to the land of the (partially) free.  This is a place where you are as free to stay as you are to leave.

[raven1114]

There is no law against taking pictures of people out in public. How do you think paparazzi make their money

[smithjcsdfw]

In my hobby of railroads and trains we have been going through something similar as far as taking picutres of locomotives and rolling stock (cars).  And as far as it goes there are no laws against taking pictures of any thing or anybody from a public place.  You cannot however go onto private property and take a picture without permission.  As for the veil, it boils down to that old saying when in Rome do as the Romans do.  What you do in private behind closed doors is the business of the adults behind the closed doors.  But once you step out into public it becomes the business of all the adults that make up the public and as such becomes a social situation more than a religious situation.  But what the heck if your comfortable with it more power to ya.

[falcon9]

A photographer is one thing but this guy was obviously no professional. Thanks for the comments though.

As long as you and he were out in public, it doesn't matter whether he was a professional photographer or not.  And, you're welcome - hopefully these comments helped your perceptions out some.

As for starting trouble, It is never anyones intention to start trouble when they practice their freedom of religion.

I disagree.  There are several instances of evidence to the contrary.  These range from the fundamentalist Westburo Baptist Church members "protesting" at the funerals of U.S. military casualties, (being a U.S. too, you'd probably be unlikely to appreciate that one), to Saudi muslims practicing their "freedom of religion" by killing around 3,000 U.S. civilians not engaged in war.

However i do agree that I would not want a nudest at my BBQ

Depending upon the nudist, I might agree or, disagree with that one.

[Phx0808]

When anyone in public does, say, or wears anything unusual, they are going to get attention. For many people, this is the objective.

It maybe some taking their picture, people feeling the urge to make a comments. It's going happen.
If you don't want attention, don't draw attention to yourself in public.


It is not illegal for people to take pictures of anyone in public without their permission unless they profit from the sale of your "likeness." Places like Walmart are not considered public. Freeways and highways are considered public places. They can take your picture without your permission.

In the U.S.A.,  if they do take your picture w/o permission and make a profit, the police are not going to arrest them. Your only legal recourse is to sue them.

It may suck, but that the way it is in the U.S.A.   

[raven1114]

I do not wear those types of clothing in public or in private but I support your right to do so. Some people are very ignorant in their dealings with others and what has happened to you was not only inappropriate, it was a violation of your civil rights. Too bad you didn't get that license number you could have sued that person. I think the veil is beautiful and exotic and there is something mystical about women who wear it. I believe no one has the right to take your picture without your permission. I can see why it is sometimes necessary to have that male there to protect you. I guarantee that person would not have tried that if you had a man with you. If anyone tries that again try to turn your head quickly and blur the picture or turn your back if you are on the street.

Lmao! It is not a violation of civil rights to take someone's picture in public. The only way you could sue them is if they tried to make a profit off of your picture without your permission or if they use the picture in way to try and cause slander (say they use a picture of you to try and make you lose a job.)