What is required for photographing recognizable individuals in public?

• A. No consent is ever required.
• B. Written consent via a signed permission form, such as a model release form.
• C. Only verbal consent.
• D. Consent is required only for minors.

Answer: (B)

Consent and model releases for using photos of identifiable people are what this question focuses on. When you photograph someone who can be recognised and you plan to publish or use that image for purposes such as advertising, a written consent is typically required. A signed model release form provides clear permission for specific uses, protecting both you and the subject and avoiding disputes over who controls the image. Verbal consent can be hard to prove and isn’t as strong legally, while insisting no consent is needed isn’t appropriate for commercial or public-use work. Consent also covers minors, with a parent or guardian providing permission, usually through a release form. So for recognizable individuals in public, a written release is the standard way to secure the rights to their image.