What is allowed?

I know that similar topics have come up, but I'm not sure this was covered. Today I had the opportunity to take pictures at a rodeo. It is a community event and is open for all spectators. It was a "ranch" rodeo which has different events from the normal rodeos (no bucking broncs or bulls, etc.) Anyway my question is this. Is it alright to use photos of the contestants for posting online, or submitting to magazines for contests, etc? Some of the contestants were kids say 5-9 years old and some were up to 77 years old (if that makes any difference). Most of them I don't know and probably would never be able to ever find out who they are.

I did not see any signs or posters restricting any photography. Many cameras were around. I even saw a D800. Ha!

TIA

I think that depends what law is in your area. Here in Thailand, I can take photos from famous music groups, box events, etc., when their is no sign saying "NO PHOTOS "and I can post the photos no problems at all. Even I sent them to a local magazine.

It is always better to beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission.

Fortune favors the bold.

I would think this falls under the " If the press was there taking shots. Their images would be in the paper and online with all kinds of people in them". Do they get permission?

FastGlass said:

I would think this falls under the " If the press was there taking shots. Their images would be in the paper and online with all kinds of people in them". Do they get permission?

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Ummm, yes they do, and it's printed on that pass they wear around their neck.

As for the original question, if they permit cameras into the venue, if there is nothing printed on the ticket and there is no signage at the venue stating what can and cannot be done with regard to recording the event in any way then yes, you should be absolutely fine doing anything with the photos. Regardless, if they permit the camera then you can certainly post and share the photos online provided there is no potential personal gain involved. Anything that would include licensing, contests and commercial sales would run the risk of legal action, so if there's an organization sponsoring the event I would check their website for information regarding event photography. There's nothing on an MLB ticket that says I can't take photos, but they own everything that goes on inside that stadium, so if I go commercial with it without prior authorization there's likely some level of hell to pay.

Thanks to all who have responded. This event was part of the Centennial Celebration of the town. I'm not sure if it was the Chamber of Commerce or the City Government that put it on, but in this laid back place, I can guarantee that photos were allowed at the event. Admission was free, unless you wanted a box seat. It was a public event, open to all. Knowing that, I would assume online postings are probably OK and I am not too worried about that. It was the additional possibilities for the photos that I considered might be questionable. The problem is how would a release be obtained. There wasn't an easy way to contact any of the people in the events to obtain a release. It was sort of like seeing a bunch of people participating in a protest at ground level and you are on the 4th floor of the hotel taking pictures. It's wasn't a place where you could walk up to someone and ask them (get a release) if it would be OK to take their picture and post it in a contest or in a magazine.

I guess I will look at the photos and if I decide any are good enough for submission, I will post a facial shot on FB and ask if anyone recognizes them and ask them to contact me. Ha! FB finds everyone. LOL

Thanks again for giving me some info to think about.

Just give attribution to the event and you should be covered under those circumstances. If anyone reaches out to you regarding them being in an image offer them a print or something, or offer to allow them to license an image at no cost provided they provide proper attribution. I've been on Bill Kirchen leaflets all over the place because of that. It's gotten me a couple gigs shooting in the area, and I was just shooting for fun when I got 'em, so it's all good.

Jake, thanks for your feedback and that idea. It sounds like a good solution.