...to be annoyed about photos taken w/o consent or knowledge?

[Dulcimena]

Went to my usual Tuesday night yoga class yesterday - great class, great teacher. It's held at a local leisure centre.

At the end of the class when everyone was lying still in savasana, I heard some movement, opened my eyes and saw the teacher taking photos of the class. She has never mentioned doing this before and I've never noticed it happening. At the end of class I spoke to her to make sure I hadn't been included and she said it was only for her Facebook page and she made sure that no faces were included. She showed me the pictures to make sure I wasn't in them (I wasn't) but people were identifiable.

I don't want to make a fuss unnecessarily but she didn't seem to think that taking photos of people without their consent or even knowledge was a bit off. Given that there are people who are actually asleep during that section (there are audible snores) it feels like a huge breach of trust. I don't think anyone else was even aware that the pictures had been taken. I like the class and I like the teacher but I'm wondering if should mention it to the leisure centre. What would you do?

Pants it depends on how they use the photo.

In fairness I've only been to marketing lectures/events where this has been taught so not sure if it there has ever been a successful case against someone using likenesses for business without consent. But here is part of the DPA:

Personal data means data which relate to a living individual who can be identified –

(a) from those data, or

(b) from those data and other information which is in the possession of, or is likely to come into the possession of, the data controller,

Obviously, you can be identified from your face/likeness which is why I've always been instructed that it is covered by the DPA, and why I've always told clients to get express permission before using photos.

I'm generally ok with having my photo taken (although I hate looking at the after!) but we're not talking about photos for personal use. The yoga teacher is a business and so she has to treat people's information with respect and ask permission.

You can legally take photos. Read this page www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-street-shooting.html

Does that article apply only to public spaces?

Yes, I wouldn't mind if a friend had taken a pic without me knowing - although to be fair they'd make me aware of it if they posted it on social media. Maybe that's unique to us though.

I'm sort of glad that there is a voice of dissent - wouldn't feel like a proper AIBU if it were unanimous

Dodie this was in a studio within a leisure centre. I don't think that's classed as a public space?

Dodie, that page is about street photography: taking photos of people in public places (streets, parks, beaches) where they have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

It's not really relevant to people taking part in a yoga class inside a leisure centre (which is not a public space).

I don't think the legalities are particularly the issue, anyway. I think there are basic courtesies around using other people's images on social media.

Unintentional dripfeed...sorry... I've just been trawling through the terms of membership and found this:
^Any photography or video recording MUST be reported to reception whereby you will be asked to fill out a form and a permit will be issued by the Duty Manager on site.
The centre and third parties may carry out general filming and sound recording. Admission to the centre signifies your consent to them being used in perpetuity and in all media without any rights to payment.^

That means IWBU to say something, right?

I wonder how many members are aware that they've agreed to this?

If you're not comfortable about it, say something.

The centre and third parties may carry out general filming and sound recording. Admission to the centre signifies your consent to them being used in perpetuity and in all media without any rights to payment.
Would this be classed as 'general' filming, though? Has she filled out a permit?