Street photography in Hungary
It is very interesting how street photography rules and habits change from country to country, even inside Europe, not to mention if you go to the USA or Asia. Please be aware of the fact that I'm not a lawyer, I only share my knowledge and experiences in different places. Let's start with my home country: Hungary.
Legal stuff
A few years ago this was very clear in Hungary, everybody could easily understand the rules. But of course, new laws have been introduced so now the poor photographer might need some legal education to understand what's allowed, and prohibited. Ok, I'm exaggerating, the situation is not that bad, but in Hungary, street photography is somewhere in a gray zone. Originally, in public spaces, you could take pictures, even if someone is clearly recognizable on those pictures. If they see you're photographing and they're not objecting, you're ok. Well, in theory. But this is how almost everyone understood the law. Today, it's much harder. If we take a look at the current legal state, if you photograph someone in public, the person owns the copyright, not you, the photographer. In theory, you cannot publish it without written consent. This, of course, would make street photography almost impossible unless you only shoot silhouettes or scenes where no one is recognizable. To this date, I haven't heard of any legal action that targeted a street photographer though.
The experience
Street photography is what I feel very hard in Hungary. This is an Eastern European nation and generally, I think 99% of the population hates when they get photographed. And with this, I don't mean the usual stuff: "Oh, I don't like to be photographed, I always look terrible in photographs."
I mean they really hate it and whenever they can, they avoid it. So, if you're out on the streets with a camera, no matter how small, you're basically a suspicious person. Get used to the fact that for a few minutes in a new place, every eye will be watching you, trying to find out what you want to do with your camera. Honestly, sometimes I feel that having a camera with you is equal to carrying a gun in public here. This is true even if you have the lens cap on and the camera switched off.
You have to try to be "invisible" and stealth to be able to get close to people. It always helps if you don't have any bad intentions, act naturally, smile, and try to not notice them directly, just act like this was your natural thing to walk around with a camera and use it. I always spend a few minutes walking around in a new place, starting to take some photos of the place without getting too close so everyone can get used to the fact that a guy walking around with a camera. This usually works, I think many think that I am on an assignment. There will be many who never trust you because of the camera, but after a few minutes they probably just go back to minding their own business.
Be wise
Generally speaking, Hungary is a very safe country. It is highly unlikely that you'll encounter any difficulties, being robbed or beaten. With that said there are a few things you should consider while you're here enjoying street photography.
1. If someone spots you that you take a photo of them and asks you to delete it, delete it, it is their right.
2. Law enforcement can stop you, they can check you and you have to answer their questions. However, they cannot force you to delete your photos or give them your SD card unless you committed something illegal.
3. At touristy places watch your bag, as in any other country, there can be pickpockets around. The good news is they hardly ever get violent because they fear attention and the police.
4. If you see a gang of people that seems suspicious to you, don't take their pictures, trust your gut feeling, they might be aggressive towards you. (this never happened to me, but I avoid these situations)
5. If someone is shouting at you or seems to be aggressive, stay calm and polite, that surely settles the matter in seconds. Remember, usually they just hate being photographed, nothing more.
Generally, Hungarians are friendly, so you shouldn't be afraid of doing street photography here. You might get some angry looks or even some might shout at you but this is rare and it seldom ends up in physical aggression, I've never heard anyone get hurt here. Use your common sense, if someone seems agitated or weird, avoid the person. Otherwise, enjoy street photography in Hungary, there's a nice mixture of post-socialist vibe and modern West mixed up here with some great architecture.