Permission required if I took the photos?

I would think they would have to sign a release?

Yes, you are required to have a signed model release. You own the rights to your photos, but not the rights to their likeness...so you need to have something signed that says "yes, I authorize the use of this photo of me".

I have a generic version if you need it...PM me with your e-mail address.

I agree, you need a model release for any person who could be recognised from the photo.

Also, the "context" of how the photo will be used.

In other words, if it was a vacation trip to Disney and you caption, "This is Uncle Ned" and so forth, just getting their permission should be fine.

But if it's all about your abusive childhood and the relative who made your life miserable (!), you should probably give them some of idea of how/where their image will be used in your project.

"This is Uncle Ned..." now takes on a new meaning! (LOL!)

I just went through this on a book about a cult, but they all agreed to the photo usage and knew the context.

Good luck!

how do newspapers do it?

For newspapers, if you're on public property--like at a parade--then no permission is required.

If you're one of three people screaming at a protest, they don't need your permission -- it's a public event. But they may ask so they can write, "John Smith and two friends protested Wednesday at...."

And of course, if they interview you: "So, what do you think of the protesters?" and they quote you and take your picture, you're clearly indicating you want to be in the article and your picture might be used, so no permission is needed.

It's (usually) when someone says, "Hey, I'm writing a book about protesters and you look awesome screaming like a psycho! Can I take your picture and will you sign this form, indicating I have the right to use your image, without cost, and that I take no responsibility for your mental state when you find yourself on the cover of my book?"

Sorta like that!

Do you still need permission if photos do not have people in them? I take my own photos but of things and places not people.

Decor Girl said:

Do you still need permission if photos do not have people in them? I take my own photos but of things and places not people.

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... so long as what you're viewing can be seen from the street or a public place you don't need permission from the property owner. If you've taken it while standing on private property then you do need permission from the owner, as far as I know. There are a few structures that you also need to get permission to photo even if they can be photographed from a public area. The Eiffel tower is one. The buiding is trademarked or something of the sort. Speaking of trademarks, if you're taking a photo of a building and it has some ad on it, like one for Pepsi, try to avoid photographing the sign as you won't be able to include the trademarked logo.