Confronted on the street for a photo
Guys, here we go…
¡La Fotografía Callejera No Es un Crimen!
En México, la fotografía en espacios públicos es una actividad común y, en general, legal. Sin embargo, es crucial entender los derechos y limitaciones que rigen esta práctica para proteger tanto a los fotógrafos como a los individuos fotografiados.
Derechos de los Fotógrafos en Espacios Públicos
En áreas públicas, como calles, parques y plazas, los fotógrafos tienen la libertad de capturar imágenes de personas sin necesidad de obtener su consentimiento previo. Esto se debe a que, al estar en un lugar público, las personas no tienen una expectativa razonable de privacidad. No obstante, aunque la toma de fotografías es permitida, la publicación o uso comercial de estas imágenes puede requerir el consentimiento de las personas retratadas, especialmente si la imagen afecta su reputación o privacidad.
Protección de la Imagen Personal
La Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor en México establece que toda persona tiene el derecho de oponerse al uso de su imagen sin su consentimiento, particularmente en contextos comerciales o que puedan afectar su dignidad. Por lo tanto, aunque es legal tomar fotografías en espacios públicos, es recomendable obtener permiso antes de publicar o comercializar imágenes donde individuos sean identificables.
Interacción con las Autoridades y el Público
Desafortunadamente, no todas las personas, incluyendo algunos oficiales de policía, están plenamente informadas sobre las leyes relacionadas con la fotografía en espacios públicos. Esto puede llevar a malentendidos y confrontaciones. Es fundamental que los fotógrafos conozcan sus derechos y estén preparados para explicarlos de manera calmada y respetuosa cuando sea necesario. Además, cualquier acto de agresión física, como ser sujetado por el hombro de manera amenazante, constituye un delito y debe ser reportado a las autoridades competentes.
Conclusión
La fotografía de calle es una forma valiosa de expresión artística y documental que captura la esencia de la vida cotidiana. Mientras se respeten los derechos individuales y se actúe de acuerdo con la ley, esta práctica no debería ser criminalizada ni obstaculizada. Es esencial promover la educación y la comprensión tanto entre el público como entre las fuerzas del orden sobre los derechos y responsabilidades relacionados con la fotografía en espacios públicos.
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT A CRIME!
What happened to me yesterday is a clear example of the ignorance surrounding the rights of photographers, not only among the public but also within law enforcement.
While shooting on the street, I took a photo that included a man in the frame. He reacted aggressively, grabbing me by the shoulder in a threatening way. We both approached nearby police officers to explain the situation. Shockingly, the officers showed a clear lack of understanding about the legal rights to take photographs in public spaces in Mexico. Despite me explaining that I had every right to take the photo, the officers seemed more inclined to justify the man’s aggressive behavior rather than address the fact that he was the one committing a crime by physically grabbing me.
Out of my own choice (and because the photo wasn’t great anyway), I deleted it, but I made it clear that it was my decision. I pointed out how absurd it would be if I were shooting film: no one could force me to cut the roll to remove an image. Only after the man left did the officers change their tone, becoming more understanding and respectful of my rights. But that shift felt strange, almost like they were only being polite once the threat of confrontation was gone.
This entire incident highlights a much bigger issue: ignorance about the laws that protect photographers in public spaces: even among the police. Street photography is not a crime. Yet, photographers are often treated as if they’re doing something wrong just by documenting life in public spaces.
What Are Your Rights as a Photographer in Mexico?
In Mexico, public spaces:like streets, parks, and squares are considered free for photography. People in public spaces don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy, meaning photographers can legally take pictures without needing consent. This applies even if individuals are recognizable in the frame.
However, the Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor (Federal Copyright Law) protects individuals when it comes to publishing or commercializing images. If a photo is used commercially or in a way that could harm someone’s reputation or dignity, the subject’s consent is needed.
But taking the photo itself in public? Totally legal.
What’s illegal is what happened to me: being grabbed and threatened for simply doing my job as a photographer.
The police woman arguing that Mexico is different because the culture is different is not a real argument, from the legal point of view.
The Real Problem: Ignorance and Aggression
This incident left me wondering: Why is a photographer seen as the problem in situations like this? People take countless photos on their phones every day, yet no one bats an eye. But as soon as someone sees a camera, they become suspicious or hostile.
The real crime wasn’t me taking a photo. It was someone physically confronting me and the police not immediately recognizing that fact. It’s unacceptable that even law enforcement lacks knowledge of basic rights regarding photography.
The guy who grabbed me from behind by the shoulder committed a clear crime.
Final Thoughts
Street photography is a form of artistic expression and documentary storytelling. It’s a way to capture the essence of life as it happens, unfiltered and raw. Aggression towards photographers, especially when backed by ignorance from law enforcement, creates an unsafe environment for those practicing their craft legally and respectfully.
It’s time we educate both the public and the police: Photography in public spaces is not a crime. Aggression towards photographers is.
I am available to give a free conference or a workshop to police here in Mexico in order to clarify that street photography is perfectly in the legal and who is not legal is a stranger putting his hands on people.
Stay safe out there, and keep shooting.
