Is photo release needed for this?

KvPhoto

I am going to walk around town and take photos of the local holiday decorations and such. If I happen to get any people in them do I have to ask them to sign a release? The local paper has offered to publish some of my pics in next weeks edition if I get enough for a photo essay.
Thanks
Kristina

Khaos

That would be considered editorial when published in the paper, so a release would not be needed. However, if the person can be easily recognized in the photo and you wish to later sell it for say stock, yes, you would need a release then.