Can high school students take pictures of other people, including teachers, without their permission?

Question

My class was recently at a field trip in an amusement park. My teacher asked a student not to take a picture of him while in the water ride. The teacher didn't realize it but the student took the picture anyways and is passing it around making fun of him and posting it on the web.

Answer 1

If the teacher asked them not to take the picture - they could get into trouble.  The student should not have placed it on the internet either.  The teacher may not want others to know where he/she teaches or any other reason.

Answer 2

The problem is not taking the picture - the problem is intent.

Anyone can take a picture - but school districts have the right to restrict cameras at school events.  Obviously, taking photos for the yearbook, or pictures at a football game are examples of perfectly acceptable picture taking.

However, taking a picture in the girl's locker room would be a violation of local laws.  Bringing an unauthorized camera ontol school grounds without permission of the principal or headmaster might be a form of trespassing.  And... yes, using a picture to defame a teacher may very well be in violation of school policies and result in discipline of the offending student.

A lawsuit will usually occur when a picture is published, especially in a professional manner - such as in a magazine.  Most junior high and high school campuses in my state have a release on the 2nd page of the emergency contact cards.  If the parents do not give authorization, a student's picture cannot be used by the campus.  In such a case, not only could someone be in violation of campus policy, but face a civil lawsuit for breach of privacy as well.

Hopefully, you will warn your fellow student of his folly.  If you don't like him, just make sure the internet link is anonymously mailed to the principal or headmaster's email account, along with a little plainly written letter explaining who posted the photo on the internet.

Answer 3

2 points of views

Requesting permission kills the photography, because people's attitude change when they know they are being observed. Anyway I feel uncomfortable taking a photo to people who are not exposing themselves in a public event (march, protest and so on), but they are doing their daily life.

you absolutely need people's permission to photograph them cause if they can get back to you, they sure will bring you to court. A few years ago, it was a premiere in Canada, a young woman made the front page of a local Montréal paper. Photographs didn't ask her permission as it has ever been done. When she saw her face on the front page, she sued arguing shw "owned" the right to her image. And voilà. Since that moment, you better not get caught aiming at someone with your cam. At least here in Québec. I never ever take the photo of someone in the street. I think "ambiance' photos with people going about their business is a thing of the past.

Answer 4

I dont think your allowed to at a school related event. I could be completely wrong. What IS wrong for sure is your friend.

What if your teacher is in the witness protection program?

Answer 5

you do have to have permission to take a photo of someone. ESPECIALLY if you put it on the internet. you can get into trouble for that. its illigal. but im guessing the photo was pretty funny, so WHO CARES! just dont let the teacher find out. haha

Answer 6

Publishing the picture on a website COULD get the student in trouble because the teacher didn't give permission for the picture to be used.

However, the student can't get in trouble for taking the picture, but it was very inconsiderate, rude and disrespectful of the teacher's feelings.

Answer 7

There is no law to stop taking photos in a public place, except court rooms, changing rooms, swimming baths if they have a notice for example.

But the teacher did ask the student, so the student is in the wrong, putting it on the web is definitely wrong and student could get into trouble if this is discovered.

We have become a sureveillance society and people do have a right to privacy on occasions.

Answer 8

Obviously that student is a low-life jerk who needs a major attitude adjustment.  Since this occurred at a school function, the school would have every right to take disciplinary action.

Answer 9

your hanging around the wrong kinda kids

Answer 10

no it's not legal

don't get involved!!

Answer 11

I think this is a question of model release... In the UK model release is not required for editorial purposes, however must be acquired from each individual if the image is to be used for commercial, advertising or promotional purposes.

I believe this is the case in many other countries, including Canada, but am no sure about the US.