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Photographing and filming for the press

The essentials

  • Journalist, freelancer or citizen: statuses differ, the freedom to inform is the same.
  • The Labour Code defines a professional journalist by a main, regular, paid activity that provides most of their income. A volunteer does not meet it.1
  • In 2021 the Council of State struck down the obligation to move away imposed on journalists when a dispersal order is given.2
  • Photographing a public demonstration does not require the consent of people who do not appear there in isolation.3
  • Remove metadata before publishing.4

This guide complements Filming law enforcement, which covers backup, blurring and passing on footage. To talk to a journalist as a protester: Talking to the press at a protest.

Where to start?

Your status

  • Professional journalist: a professional journalist is anyone whose activity in a press company, publication or news agency is main, regular and paid, and who earns most of their income from it. The press card rests on that definition.1
  • Freelancer or independent photographer: the same definition applies: very occasional or unpaid activity does not meet it.1
  • Citizen photographing or filming: you have no card, but the right to information applies to your images, within the limits below.3
  • Keep your documents on you (press card if you have one, an outlet's commission or contract): they help you get recognised.

During a dispersal

  • The Council of State struck down the obligation to move away imposed on journalists when a dispersal order is given, the accreditation requirement for real-time information, and some conditions on wearing protective gear.2
  • That is not a guarantee on the ground. Stay identifiable as press, do not hinder law enforcement, keep your card and papers, and film continuously.
  • If you are arrested, ask to contact a lawyer and an outlet or journalists' union: see Custody.

Photographing people

  • A public demonstration: your consent is not required to publish a photo if the person does not appear there in isolation.3
  • A person isolated and recognisable: ask for their agreement before publishing, or blur.3
  • Avoid minors' faces and people in distress: this is an ethical choice, not a legal obligation this guide can state.
  • Favour wide shots and situations over individuals: a crowd can be shown without exposing anyone.
  • If a person asks for their image to be removed, remove it: Service-Public says the person should first ask the author to take it down.3

Protecting your images and sources

  • Metadata in a photo or video (date, place, device) can reveal sensitive information. If it is not needed, remove it before publishing or sending.4
  • Encrypt your devices and turn on encrypted backup: see Filming law enforcement.4
  • Blur, archive, pass on: see Publish without exposing and Passing on.
  • Do not hand raw images to people you do not know: an urgent request for videos can come from anyone.

Tools for filming and archiving in the directory

In one of these situations? a journalist or press photographer

Sources

Each note points to the source of the information. Laws change: check the date of the source and, if in doubt, ask a lawyer.

  1. Légifrance — Labour Code, article L7111-3 (professional journalist; in French) · AI-sourced on · awaiting human check ↩↩↩

  2. Council of State — annuls several points of the policing doctrine (10 June 2021; in French) · AI-sourced on · awaiting human check ↩↩

  3. Service-Public — Right to one's image and privacy · AI-sourced on · awaiting human check ↩↩↩↩↩

  4. RSF — A digital safety checklist for press photographers · AI-sourced on · awaiting human check ↩↩↩

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