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Photography in the UK

windhorse
 
Posts: 10

Photography in the UK

Post Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:48 pm


Just wondering if any of you have been stopped by the police for taking photos in the UK.
What were the circumstances when you were stopped & what was the outcome of the encounter.
Do you think this will put tourists off visiting the UK?
Is this a bad reflection on the freedoms of this country (especially as London will host the Olympics in 2012).

All thoughts welcome on this.

Thanks



http://www.pbase.com/windhorse

akumos
 
Posts: 41

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:33 pm


I'm confussed, does the UK have restrictions on taking photographs? I have never been stopped.

windhorse
 
Posts: 10

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:07 pm


It seems the police are stopping street photography under the guise of security (terrorist act)
Just don't set up a camera on a tripod near the "Houses of Parliament"!!

A few links, but there are lots more about.

http://www.photographybay.com/2008/08/20/photographers-face-paranoia-in-uk/
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-protest.html

celtus
 
Posts: 204

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:25 am


I never knew that either... opps.... I mustn't look suspicous!
There are restrictions in some buildings, you might have to buy a photo permit first. Often that is in historical places.

stuegan
 
Posts: 184

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:49 am


Most of the time the police are fine in London and elsewhere in the UK - it's just a few incidents get highlighted in the media where the police (and security guards) have overstepped the mark and try to stop people from taking photos. From what I have read this generally seems to happen because the authority in question is ignorant of the law and what they can and can't ask ordinary people to do.

Common sense will usually see you through - for example if you're taking photographs in a protest march you have to expect that it might attract the attention of the authorities - whether that's right or wrong is a separate issue. These are the times we live in, I guess. But if you consider how many people visit the major tourist sights, such as Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament, it's probably futile for the police present to try and stop that amount of people from taking photographs even if they could, so often in those areas you find yourself simply blending into the crowd.

I carry around a list of photographer's rights in my camera bag in case I ever get stopped when I am on a public street; as far as I am aware the law is different if you are on private property in the UK. Even if you do not wish to argue with a policeman it may make you feel more confident to carry a printout of your rights with you. It may sound obvious but just make sure any list of rights you are carrying is relevant (ie the law applies to the UK, not another country, and is current). The following sites might be of help:

http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php
http://www.photographersrights.org.uk/index.html

Chances are you're unlikely to get stopped for taking a photo if you're aware of what's going on around you and you use your common sense, but that's not to say it won't happen!

On the underground tube system you're not allowed to use flash photography and there are regular reminders on the tannoy.

In relation to the last question by Windhorse I don't think it will stop people visiting the UK, but the fact this is even being discussed is definitely a bad reflection on freedom. Our government seems to have lost sight of the fact that cameras and photographs don't blow buildings up. I've been moved on by security guards in the past (never police) and have accepted what they have told me to do, but now I am more aware of my rights, depending on the situation, I might argue my point in the future a little more forcefully.

Enjoy your trip, and don't worry too much.

windhorse
 
Posts: 10

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:30 pm


Great reply & much appreciated. I wasn't aware of the no flash photography on the underground. So is it OK to take photos without flash? I have kept my camera in the bag to save myself any problems in the past.
The only time I dared to take a photo was in the station at Canary wharf, http://www.pbase.com/windhorse/image/101018114 I just couldn't resist the chance to photograph this sight.
It would be interesting if there was anyone out there who has had a problem.

stuegan
 
Posts: 184

Re: Photography in the UK

Post Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:10 pm


Hi - yes that's right - it's fine to take photos on the underground without a flash.


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