Street Photography could become illegal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9R3th3JA1k

I saw this video while checking my YouTube subscriptions, and the title made my heart stop.

I was originally attracted to photography because of Adam Colton and the work he was able to create with his camera. After learning a few things about photography, I then fell in love with the idea of street photography. I felt street photography had the ability to turn everyday happenings into art and images that I could feel myself, as well as capture those rare moments that no one seems to notice. There were some great street shots that I would stare at for long periods of time, getting lost in the photographs. There is a very famous photo of a sailor kissing a woman after World War II ended. This photo would fall into the category of street photography, which is solid proof that street photography, like all types of photography, isn't just an art form, but a way to document history.

I also feel that photography is a way for many to express themselves, which I feel would fall under the right to free speech. Pornography is also considered to be protected under the right to free speech, and if pornography is protected under this right, then there is no reason photography shouldn't be as well.

When I'm walking around and taking street photos, I tend to only take photos of things or people I find doing interesting things. If you don't want your photo to be taken by someone like me, then just go about your business. Chances are you won't end up being the subject of my photograph. If you were to happen to do something interesting, under current laws, there isn't much you can do anyway. I'm almost positive I can take a photo of you if you're out in public and over the age of 18. However, the only way I can profit from this photo is if I have you sign a model release. After I take that photo, under current copyright laws, I own that photo, and I can do whatever I would like with it as long as it is for personal or educational, including news, use.

I really hope that this law doesn't pass. I feel this law is too broad to pass. What if someone is taking a photo of their family member or friend, and a person they don't know happens to stray into the background. Is the person with the camera going to be sent to jail? I also feel this law is taking away not only our right to free speech, but also taking away a valuable and irreplaceable form of recording history.  Think of all of the famous photos you've ever seen in your life, and now think of how many of those people gave permission to the photographer to take their photos. The most powerful images are often the ones that catch people in their element, acting as they normally would without being directed. This is what makes street photography so valuable, and this is why we can't let laws like these pass.