Event Photography: Respecting Privacy While Capturing the Moment
Event photography plays a vital role in documenting special moments, capturing the atmosphere, and creating a lasting record for both organisers and attendees.
From conferences and exhibitions to private celebrations and community events, photographs help tell the story of the day and provide invaluable content for marketing, communications, and memories.
However, it’s important to clarify how photography works at events, especially when it comes to privacy, consent, and what to do if an attendee does not wish to be photographed.
Why You Shouldn’t Ask the Photographer Directly
During an event, the photographer’s role is to fulfil their duty to the organisers.
This means they are tasked with capturing the essence of the event: speakers, guests, networking moments, candid smiles, and everything in between.
For this reason, it’s not practical (or fair) to ask the photographer to avoid photographing ourself or certain individuals during the event.
Doing so can disrupt their work, reduce coverage, and create confusion.
The photographer cannot keep track of personal requests while managing their wider responsibilities.
The Correct Process if You Don’t Want Your Photo Used
If you prefer not to have your image shared publicly, the right step is to speak with the event organisers. They are the ones who control how the photos are used afterwards.
Organisers can:
Withhold or remove specific images before they are published.
Maintain a list of attendees who have requested not to appear in public-facing photography.
Put systems in place, such as stickers, wristbands, or lanyards, to discreetly identify those who wish to opt out.
It is also good practice for organisers to ask in advance, either during registration or on the day of the event, whether attendees are comfortable being photographed.
A Note on the Photographer’s Role
Photographers working at events will not use the images for personal purposes.
All photographs are created for and delivered to the organisers, who then decide how the images will be shared or published.
This ensures that privacy requests are respected and that attendees have a clear point of contact (the organisers) rather than placing responsibility on the photographer.
Photography and the Law: What You Need to Know
Public spaces: In most countries, there is no expectation of privacy in public places. Photographers can generally take and use photos without asking for consent, provided the images are not used in a defamatory or exploitative way.
Private or ticketed events: Organisers typically set the terms of entry, and photography is usually permitted. By attending, you often consent to being photographed, unless otherwise stated.
Data protection (UK/EU GDPR): If an image can identify you (e.g., used in marketing materials or social media posts), you may have the right to request that it is not used. Organisers are responsible for handling these requests.
(This is general information and not legal advice. Always check local laws and regulations.)
In Summary
✅ The photographer is there to capture the event for the organisers — please don’t ask them not to photograph you.
✅ If you don’t want your photo used, speak to the organisers, who can manage this appropriately.
✅ Organisers should proactively ask attendees about photography preferences before and during the event.
⚖️ Privacy rights and laws vary, but in most cases, organisers — not photographers — are the ones responsible for ensuring that preferences are respected.
