Digital Sports Photography: Take Winning Shots Every Time

Chapter 13. Legal Issues: Taking, Displaying, and Distributing Sports Photos

© Joy Absalon

We live in a litigious society, like it or not. People want to protect what they have, and on occasion this goes beyond what is prudent or even reasonable. Nonetheless, photographers must work within the confines of legality and must not only protect their work but also protect to the rights of others. Because a photograph is so potentially revealing, it has a special place in the legal world, and in the wrong hands, it can be very damaging.

Sports photographers must be aware of legal issues in their efforts to ensure that they are protecting the rights of others as well as themselves. In addition, especially because their work takes place almost exclusively in the field, they must be prepared for the legal restrictions placed upon them by the organizations and individuals they encounter and with whom they work.

Understanding the Legal Issues in Sports Photography

Some people love having their photos taken, and others — especially in light of how broadly images can bedisseminated on the Web — are highly concerned and suspicious of their images appearing without their permission or knowledge. Every photography situation differs in its legal implications, and this aspect of amateur as well as professional work must be realized and kept in mind.

This said, I'm a photographer and not a lawyer. I do everything ...