A legal question: Do I need to get releases from people I take pictures of on the street and post on my blog?

As an Attorney. i can tell you that if you post someone's picture picture on your blog without their permission, it is illegal as it affects their privacy and freedom !

these days when there's zero tolerance for everything and everyone is sue happy and also one can lose their credibility so easily and hurt their income, I'd suggest you don't do that.

I know that when professional photographers go out to take pictures of individuals they ask for their permission by their permission on a piece of paper (which also includes a fee or not if there is money made from that picture...sometimes it's too costly to track people down to pay them). You can get into trouble if you have a picture on your website of say someone drunk, someone cheating, or be called in on a case if you take a picture of a criminal or someone missing that someone spots on a picture on your website, or even someone who has changed their name to protect themselves from their abusive spouse...why involve yourself in such matters? What's the purpose of taking pictures like you want to anyway?

It used to be that pictures could be taken of people who attended a concert when their faces were tiny and undistinguishable but today when pictures can be blown up by photo programs things are different.

When group pictures are taken usually it's staged and everyone is paid for the one sitting (with the knowledge and written agreement, that that picture would be published).

If you wish to interview them about what they are wearing or what they are doing then get them to sign a release (of their info and picture, and clearly letting them know they are approving that their picture can be on your website).

I would think if you're asking what they're wearing, and say for instance they said their jacket is from Sears and you post it on your website that they are wearing a jacket from Sears then you are advertising for Sears (do you have their permission to do that?) or say you showed a super expensive gown and someone copied that gown without permission from the idea/picture yon your website. See, things could get sticky regarding trademark, copywright of pattern, etc.

I am no legal expert by any means. But it's better to be safe than sorry. I know when my kids started public school, I had to sign releases to let our kids be on the website and other media if they get a visit from the newspaper or other media.

you dont, but if you make any money on them or the site you can get in to trouble.