If there’s one thing we know for sure when it comes to street photography anywhere in the world, not just in Bali, is that everyone has an opinion on how to enjoy this hobby in the “right way”.
Unfortunately, while we believe everyone should be free to express their philosophy for street photography, we’d also note that much of what’s out there isn’t true.
What Is Bali Street Photography?
Street photography is a technique of photography that resembles the real world. It’s a form of candid photography that is observed mainly on the streets but can be in any public place where there is no posing or scene setting.
It’s a very popular technique which attracts plenty of photographers around the world.
If you want to visit Bali and do street photography, then the good news is that you can.
However, there are certain rules that you should follow to ensure that local expectations are met when you find your shots.
Basic Rules Of Bali Street Photography
Is Street Photography Legal In Bali?
Street photography is entirely legal in Bali and throughout Indonesia.
You do not need anyone’s permission to take photographs in public places in Bali.
Private Places Are Different
While public areas such as beaches and forests, etc. have no rules for photography, this isn’t true of private places in Bali.
If you’re wandering the island and you step into say, FINNS Beach Club, the best beach club in the world, we have rules that prevent people from bringing in cameras and drones without permission from our marketing department.
You can bring your smartphone, however, and take as many photos as you want as long as you don’t interfere with other people’s good time as you do it.
Those are our rules and every private space you visit is entitled to place limits on photography. At FINNS we just ask people to leave their equipment with security while they have a good time and collect it as they leave.
In a Seminyak shopping mall or Kuta nightclub, the rules might be very different. It’s always best to check where you are and whether it’s public or private before taking photos.
Candid Photography Is Fine In Bali
This means that you make candid images of anyone including women and children.
Unlike in the West, you may even find that parents are very proud when their child is considered to be important enough to be in someone’s photograph.
You may also find that at some of the more famous attractions around Indonesia, children ask you to take their photographs.
We’ve found that the biggest challenge in street photography here in Bali is that if people see you taking photos, they will often start posing and smiling. Just enjoy it when it happens, sure it’s not candid photography but it’s still fun.
You Don’t Have To Pay Someone For Street Photography In Bali
There is no expectation that you will give anyone money for Bali street photography, either.
We’ve never encountered a situation in Indonesia or on the island, where someone asks for cash but if they do, you may politely refuse and be on your way.
You Don’t Need A Model Release Except In One Instance
While you don’t need a model release for Bali street photography, we should note that if you want to use someone’s image in commercial photography (literally advertising – you can use an image in your own portfolio or social media without it being considered “commercial”) then you will need a model release as with everywhere else on Earth.
It is also fine to expect money to sign a model release form. How much money is then between you and your subject.
Your Photos Are Your Photos In Bali
Nobody can demand that you delete any shots that you have taken in public places. This includes if the public place is actually a private place.
You can be asked to leave (and should comply) a place where photography is banned for taking photos, but there’s no requirement that you delete any photos that you have already taken and nor can anyone force you to delete your Bali street photography photos either.
However, we would note that if the police become involved or the local banjar (village council) and its volunteer police become involved, it’s probably best to follow their instructions even if they don’t match the letter of the law.
No photograph is worth being arrested or deported from Bali.
Don’t Take Photos In Sensitive Spots In Bali
The people on the island of Bali are super friendly and welcoming but that doesn’t mean there’s no time when your camera should stay in your pocket or remain at home, either.
You can’t take photos outside of military installations or other sensitive sites. This stands to reason, of course, and it’s a good rule for street photography throughout the world, not just in Bali.
Don’t Use Flash Photography In Temples In Bali
The temples here in Bali aren’t monuments to a bygone age, they’re places of worship and thus, when you visit these spaces, your technique has to be sensitive to the fact that people come to pray and meditate.
That means turning off the flash on your camera whenever you’re inside any building. The only time you can use flash is if you have express permission from a priest at the temple to do so. Even then, we’d be very cautious about it.
Don’t Move Things Or Climb On Things For Better Photographs
If you want to carry a ladder with you to change your viewpoint on the island, that would be fine, if slightly inconvenient.
What’s not fine is to move things around at temples or other tourist attractions to make things easier to photograph. It’s also not fine to climb anything other than stairs and other things that people routinely climb on to change your angles either.
Show Consideration For Others In Bali
We see a lot of influencers and photographers at busy tourist sites trying to hog space and get that perfect shot at the expense of other visitors.
While this is not illegal, most street photography resembles an ethical approach to photography. That means showing some consideration for other people in Bali.
You don’t have to apologise for taking photos, but you shouldn’t try to make your photographs the only thing that matters in any given space. Getting on the same page as other people is part of the culture here in Bali, people want Bali street photography to be harmonious, not disruptive.
Defamation Laws And Indonesia
It’s fair to say that the legal situation around defamation is complicated here in Bali. Bali street photography is usually just fine.
However, a photograph that is published and is and results in injury to someone’s reputation or business, even if it depicts a true event, might be held to be defamatory.
A recent court ruling has this interpretation of the law in doubt. However, our philosophy is to express caution and never publish anything during your visit to Bali that might result in legal action.
Even if you win your case regarding your Bali street photography, you might end up caught on the island until such a time as the court decides you can leave.
Take a “live and let live” approach and publish any Bali street photography that you have doubts about, once you get home.
Where Are The Best Places For Bali Street Photography?
You can take street photos anywhere in Bali but the best places are usually the busiest and most popular areas such as:
Canggu
Seminyak
Ubud
Kuta
Uluwatu
However, if you want the most authentic shots you might want to get out to places like the markets of North Bali rather than shooting in the big tourist towns.
Final Thoughts On Bali Street Photography
Bali street photography could be a minefield of laws as it is in some other parts of the word. But for now, things are quite simple.
The general philosophy here is that you can take photos in any public space during your visit to Bali and that you may use them for everything except commercial use without a model release or payment.
The only real constraints on Bali street photography are those of common sense and decency – not interfering with other people on your visit to Bali and respecting people as they worship in the local temple.
