10 Jun 2005

Do's and Don'ts of Using Your Camera Phone

Camera phones are everywhere. Pretty much everywhere you'd find a cell phone. And just like ordinary cell phones, use of camera phones is not always welcome.

Whereas talking on your cell phone in inappropriate places is mostly irritating to those around you, using your camera function to take pictures in inappropriate situations could very well be illegal.

By following some basic rules of camera phone etiquette, you can help ensure that you enjoy everything your phone has to offer without running into trouble.

Camera Phone Do's

Do ask for permission before you snap someone's picture with your camera phone.

Do be very careful about taking photos of minors.

Do be aware that if you're visiting a high security area or a government building, you may be asked to relinquish your camera phone during the length of your visit.

Do follow the posted rules about use of photography and flash photography in museums, at movies, during theater productions or other live performances.

Do respect local customs when traveling and use discretion when taking pictures on your camera phone, just as you would an ordinary camera.

Camera Phone Don'ts

Don't take, download and post photos on the Internet without the subject's consent.

Don't use your camera phone where people have an expectation of privacy, such as clothing store changing rooms, swimming pools or the gym.

Don't take your camera phone into restricted spaces where you may be violating a company's security policies.

Don't use your camera phone to take and distribute content that could be deemed objectionable. You may run afoul of obscenity laws.

Don't use a camera phone while driving. When you're behind the wheel, your priority should always be on your safety and the safety of those around you.

Common Sense and Common Courtesy

These tips are not meant to keep you from using the photo features on your cell phone. (Read also: Intro to Camera Phones for tips on using your camera phone) On the contrary, by using your camera phone responsibly, you help protect the rights of shutter bugs everywhere. Abuse the public good will, however, and you can expect that use of camera phones will be banned or restricted in many more places.

Back to Cell Phone Articles Archive