A Photographer's Guide to Section 2257 - Stephen Haynes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Photographer’s Guide to Section 2257
Minneapolis, MN, March 12, 2009. Stephen Haynes, photographer and retired attorney, is
pleased to announce publication of his book A Photographer’s Guide to Section 2257, subtitled “How to
Photograph Nudes and Stay Out of Federal Prison.”
The so-called “Section 2257 law” dates from 1995, but until recently commentators have thought
it applied only to pornographic materials. In recent months, however, the general photographic
community has realized that it applies also to photographers of the nude, to fashion photographers, to
glamour photographers, and to others whose work may touch explicit nudity or subjects of eroticism or
sexuality. Effective March 18, 2009, Section 2257 will be expanded via a new statute, §2257A, to
encompass several classes of simulated activity and an entirely new class of depiction (whether by film,
video or digital photography) designated “lascivious exhibition of genitals or the pubic area.” Since nude,
fashion and glamour photography not infrequently includes depiction of models’ pubic area, clothed or
nude, this expansion of §2257’s coverage has raised considerable concern among photographers.
A Photographer’s Guide to Section 2257 provides “blow-by-blow” analysis of §2257, its
associated statutory sections, and the regulations that implement it. Topics covered include:
• What photographic subjects are covered and why
• What the law requires
• What records must be kept, and how
• What labels must be placed on photographs, how and when
• How photographers may expect to be inspected by federal authorities
• What the “Safe Harbor” certification is and how it may be acquired.
The Guide is written especially for photographers, although models and others associated with
photography will also find it valuable. Although a topic such as this must include legalistic commentary,
the book presents as clear and straightforward explanation of the topic as is possible. Much of the book is
presented as Socratic Q&A, helping to make points clearly. The Guide also includes an Appendix
containing the full set of regulations implementing §2257 effective March 18.
A Photographer’s Guide to Section 2257 may be found and ordered at
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback_book/a_photographers_guide_to_section_2257/6324223.
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Stephen Haynes is a photographer and resident of Minneapolis, MN. One of his subjects is the
artistic female nude. He holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and is now
retired from legal practice.

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