Photographers Beware

[RubyRen]

I came across and article in the paper that I thought everyone should read. If you already know about it its well worth looking into it more because the topic is being brought into parliament very soon.
Im talking of corse about the “taboo” issue of taking photos outdoors in public and how we are all soon to be seen as criminals. I have a few interesting websites that may help to understand what is going on.
The first it and article I came across in The Independent.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion...d-1857777.html

this sparked off a search for me to find out more. I then came across a facebook group called im a photographer not a terrorist

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-a-P...4046017?v=wall

I’m quite concerned about the whole thing and would really like some feedback on your thoughts, I never want to be stopped by the police or have my camera seized. I worry that because of the way our country is overcompensating on many things this will be the next thing and there will be photographers being arrested all over the UK and we will be forced to limit out art.
I did find some things from the metropolitan police website that can help but its not looking promising at the moment.

http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm
http://tvca.ox4.org/downloads/bust_card.pdf

im looking forward to your replies on this subject

[graham harcombe]

Hi RubyRen, you are identifying a subject that is very worrying to many of us. We have had many assurances from authorities that the laws were never meant to impede the hobbyist photographer, but somehow the official line never seems to trickle down to the officer on the street and that is where most of the complaints emanate.

A few threads have run their course on this subject, you may not have picked up on them so here are links. Also the last link is of a very good blog written by a well informed professional photogrpaher. He tries to state the ground rules, just so you know.

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...ead.php?t=5389

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...ead.php?t=3869

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...ead.php?t=4135

http://www.sirimo.co.uk/2009/05/14/u...ers-rights-v2/

Graham

[andy153]

Hi Lauren, I speak as a retired police officer, and I have to admit I am very embarrassed by the actions of some of my colleagues these days, who seem to lack even the most basic common sense required for the job. But do not worry, follow these basic rules if you fall foul of an idiot PC or PSO: Never loose your temper, be polite but firm and ask for the reason you have been stopped. Make notes if possible there and then or as soon as possible after - if they object - you tell them that you think they are behaving unlawfully and you will be making a formal complaint to the IPCC and suing them for false arrest/detention as soon as they have finished because they are acting in a manner contrary to the ACPO guidelines on Police and Photographers in public places. Make sure you see the officers warrant cards and record their collar numbers. If in plain clothes they must show you a warrant card. If there are people passing by try and ask one of them to be a witness to what is happening but never raise your voice, never get agitated or get excited - this will only give them an excuse to switch to disorderly behaviour or something else. If they want your name and address, they have no right to demand it but I would give it anyway, saying you do so under protest. They cannot seize your camera or delete photographs without a court order or warrant. However if you are in front of Thames House where MI5 hang out, expect to be shot on sight or scragged by the SAS - your relatives will be told they thought you were called De Menez or Bin Laden Joking aside, suing the Police after such an event is the only thing that will stop this stupid behaviour on their part - it will also enable you to buy some excellent photographic gear if you are a) unlucky enough to have it happen and b) if you persevere afterwards.

[Alex1994]

The fact of the matter remains that we are legally entitled to photograph any public building or landmark. Even the most officious cop can't deny that. We are also legally entitled to hold on to any equipment: camera, memory card, lenses, film, whatever.

[Arthur53]

This may have been posted befor have not checked.
You can petition number 10 the P.M.
One petition on Photography and the law.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/filming/

Good post Andy very helpfull.

[RubyRen]

thanks all for your input especially andy153 its nice to be clued up on the situation as im not very good at confrontation or sticking up for myself. i had realised that others had discussed this topic after i had posted it my self but more discussions on it cant hurt can it xxx

[miketoll]

You might find this interesting, the thing is will the local police take any notice? http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10...vstatement.asp

[Craftysnapper]

Originally Posted by andy153

Never loose your temper, be polite but firm and ask for the reason you have been stopped. Make notes if possible there and then or as soon as possible after - if they object - you tell them that you think they are behaving unlawfully .

Better still carry a small digital voice recorder with you at all times and record the whole event, one it will make sure you remain polite and calm and better still, make them think twice what rubbish they are saying.

[bramleyman]

Hello Folks, As you will see from my avatar, I am into Railways. I have worked on Main Line and a few Heritage Lines, as well as a Model Railway Club I had the pleasure of starting 5 years ago.

I too have been asked to stop using my camera on a couple of stations, even After showing my Railway ID AND getting permission, but was asked to refrain from taking photographs over the station PA System, rather than the same member of staff come and ask me personally and as he claimed: "In the Interests & Prevention of Terrorism." I had shown my Railway ID for goodness sake, so when I asked to speak to the person who made the same pathetic announcement, I got the answer, "He is very busy at this moment in time." More like too much of a coward to face me.

I was until earlier this year, a Volunteer with a group and just because a Member of the Royal Family were visiting as Patron, we were (Nearly) all Ordered to have NO cameras, or mobile phones with us. Mind you, I hadn't been informed, because I was absent the week before when they were then 'Instructed' to leave cameras and phones IN OUR CARS and for anybody to nick?

As I turned my mobile off, the Instructor SNAPPED my head off "NO cameras or mobile phones was the Instruction given last week." Following an Extremely Heated exchange, I simply walked out and will Not be returning, no matter How desperate they are for volunteers.

Rest assured, there is NO law in this country that prevents us from carrying and using a camera, unless in a Restricted Area, which I fully understand.