Tips on Using Your Camera Phone

A cell phone without camera is already considered low-cost, entry-level phone! This is what public says, being generally reflection of the truth.

You probably wouldn't find a single cell phone without camera especially in high developed countries. The possibility to snap medium-quality pictures with a single press of a button attracts more and more. Cell phone camera's importance goes even further -- photos shot with a cell phone are used as evidences in the court.

On the other hand, taking pictures can be illegal if the situation is inappropriate. This is first of all because you can somehow violate the rights of the person you shoot. It can be very irritating. Any celebrity can tell! So here you should always remember the Rousseau's words "One's freedom ends where the freedom of another begins".

To avoid some really unpleasant situations you'd better follow some basic rules of camera phone etiquette. Running into trouble is not the only way to enjoy everything your cell phone is to offer!

Advises

1. Ask for permission before you are going to take someone's picture using your camera phone. A person has the right to sue someone for taking his/her pictures without permission.

2. Be aware of the places you want to shoot. It can be a high security area such as government or other authorities buildings, military bases, etc. In this case you may be asked to shelve your camera phone during your visit.

3. Consider the age of the people you shoot. Some photos of minors can be improperly understood and even taken as abuse or aggression.

4. Follow the rules about photography posted in places such as museums, movies, theaters, exhibitions and other live activities.

5. Being abroad make sure you are acquainted with local customs and traditions. Respect people as well as religious customs no matter how odd they seam to you.

6. Remember that the rules concerning the use of an ordinary still camera also apply to taking pictures on your camera phone.

Prohibitions

1. Don't violate people's privacy using your camera phone in places such as dressing rooms, swimming pools or gym. Respect someone's intimacy if you want to have yours respected.

2. Never download and post photos on the Internet without the subject's consent.

3. Don't check the patience of security in a company's building by taking your camera phone into restricted spaces.

4. Don't use a camera phone while driving. First of all because it is not safe, secondly because the quality of the picture will simply disappoint you.

This actually doesn't mean that you should quit using the photo feature of your cell phone, especially if you have a high end phone camera. On the contrary, by using your camera phone in the frame of the above guidelines, you can help protect the rights of cell phone camera photographers. This will help to avoid banning and restriction of much more places for taking pictures. Just think about it!