Legal considerations for photos?

Question

Just as an example, lets say I own a grocery store that sells organic foods. I decide I want to step up the advertising of my store and want to make them more personal by using photos of the actual store, foods, and employees. I can either do this in-house or I can outsource the job.... By taking the photos in-house what kind of legal considerations do I need to take into account before pursuing the new ads in order to prevent being held liable for anything?? What legal aspects should I consider when outsourcing the job? Are the legal issues the same for both in-house and outsourcing or are there differences?

Answer 1

Get a model release from the employees.

Don't involve anyone who doesn't want to be.

You already have permission from the business owner.

Then go ahead.

Outsourcing will get that sorted for you and give you access to better  equipment and knowledge.

Answer 2

The only potential issue I can see is if you use an image of an employee (or any other person) in a commercial context, then you need to have written and signed consent (of the parent, if the employee is a minor).  

That's all I can think of.  I don't think it's a problem.

Answer 3

If you are taking photos of people, you should probably have their consent in writing.  And specify if there is no copensation just in case someone tries to sue you for the photos.  As to the store itself, conidering it is your store, and no cutomers photos are taken without their permission, I see of no problem.

Whether you do it yourself or outsource, I don't see a difference legally as you need to have permission of people whom you photograph and many people will e happy to do that.  You miht want to limit  your phtos to just your building and not others as well.  If you are likely to catch others on the film, you may need to see an atrorney as to any privacy issues if you are unable to get their written release for the photos.