Congratulations goes to Lauren Hunt for shooting this year’s winning image. The voting was close but, as you can see, it is well worth the win. Nice job Lauren! Check out the updated 2009 Contestant Gallery to see the revealed names and check out the rest of her shots. I’ll be posting the official vote tally later this evening or tomorrow morning. Check back as you’ll want to see how people voted for your shots.

Until then, leave some comments and congratulate our new winner. If she’s up for it, I can send her a questionnaire to post here so we can learn more about the shot that won.

Kevin Sisemore

Alistair Tutton

For the first time in Urban Photo Safari history, 2008 ended with a tie! Congratulations to both Kevin Sisemore and Alistair Tutton. Both images are stunning and worthy of the Urban prize. Speaking of which, do they have to split the massive bounty of $25 at Amazon.com? After much thought, I’ve decided to award two gift certificates in the full amount. I mean, they did break history after all.

As I’ve said before, there were alot of great images this year. Some clear winners and some just plain interesting. The main point as always is to have fun and learn a little more about taking photos. I hope you’ve had as much fun as I did and hope you’ll return next year.

I’ll post the full contest vote tally sometime tomorrow. The image names will change as well from “Contestant 01″ to the real contestant names. Until then, post some comments about your Urban experience. I’ve already heard one or two interesting stories. I’d love to hear more. Remember, next year’s newbies will be reading this. We want to get them inspired to get out and have as much fun as you did.

Oh, but yes you can. One question (or, comment) I get a lot of is what can and can’t you take a picture of. Can you take a picture of people standing in the street? Can you take a picture of kids? Can you take a picture of federal buildings? All great questions. Now, I’ll first point out that I’m not a lawyer. But, I will point you to some great resources on the subject. Photojojo.com has a great post. The post ultimetly points to Bert Krages website. He’s compiled a list of the most common questions related to photography and the law. He’s even created a handy .pdf file you can download and carry with you. Check out the link, print yourself a copy and bring it with you to Urban. You’ll be one step ahead of everyone else.

You can take a photo of all of the things listed above. With a couple caveats… Expectation of privacy and private property. If for example you take a picture of someone on the sidewalk walking the dog, fine. If you take a picture of someone balancing a checkbook inside a bank, bad. They had an expectation of privacy and the bank is private property.

In a nutshell, keep those two things in mind while you are shooting. 1) Expectation of privacy and 2) Private property. Now, after reading the links above you may feel a little like a lawyer yourself armed with the facts of what you can and can’t shoot. The public be damned. If the little old lady doesn’t want her photo taken, heck with her… I have a copy of “The Photographer’s Rights” right here and it says I can take her photo. Well, okay, fine and dandy. But, do we really want to make a federal case out of it? Or, would it be easier to move on and take a picture of another old lady who doesn’t care? I’d opt for the latter and would hope all of the Urban participant’s would as well. You have rights yes, but, there is a time to be respectful. Read your rights and know them. Be comfortable shooting what you legally have the right to shoot but be respectful. Someone once told me you get more flies with honey. Have any input? Any run ins? Leave a comment. Love to hear what you have to say on the subject.