A Photographers' Guide to Section 2257

American photographers need to be aware that this week the new Section 2257 statute comes into effect. I'm grateful that as a Canadian I'm not subject to these rules, (as long as I don't want to publish or exhibit work in the United States... Doh!) because they look frightening and hard to comprehend. Luckily for my friends south of the border, photographer, longtime Art Nudes reader, and self professed "recovering lawyer", Stephen Haynes has written a book that promises to help. I don't want any of my fellow photographers ending up in the slammer, so perhaps if you live in the United States, you should consider purchasing this.

From the description:

Effective March 18, 2009, Section 2257 expands via a new statute, §2257A, to encompass simulated activity and the entirely new “lascivious exhibition of genitals or the pubic area.” A Photographer’s Guide to Section 2257 provides analysis of §2257, its statutes, and the regulations. Topics covered include: 1. What photographic subjects are covered and why; 2. What the law requires; 3. What records must be kept, and how; 4. What labels must be placed on photographs, how and when; 5. How photographers may expect to be inspected by federal authorities; 6. What the “Safe Harbor” certification is and how it may be acquired.

A Photographers' Guide to Section 2257 by Stephen Haynes