A recent book entitled Photography and the Law – Rights and Restrictions probes the legality of photography in a public place.

The book, written by freelance photographer Michael O’Flanagan and published by Routledge, examines the legal rights of photographers in the context of the right to privacy and the right to expression, and the subsequent use of images by publications.

Photographers have a right to take photographs and a right to freedom of expression. Members of the public have a right not to be harassed however, and the State has an interest in maintaining public security.

Doctoral research

Michael O’Flanagan, who was awarded a Ph.D in Law by National University of Ireland, Galway for his doctoral research on the topic Taking and Publishing Photographs: The Legal Rights and Restrictions, analyses legal restrictions and prohibitions which may affect these rights.

O’Flanagan is also a member of the Irish Professional Photographers’ and Videographers’ Association (IPPVA) and a freelance photographer member of the National Union of Journalists. 

Rebalancing of relationships

His book examines the need for a rebalancing of the relationship between the personal rights of individuals, the State’s duties, and the protection of photographers and publishers’ rights.

More details can be found here.