Stopped from taking pictures by police

[Deleted User]

Seem like the police are getting a little edgy on this side of the pond, read the story here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7351252.stm

Tim

schmoo

I was told that I was ok to photograph so long as I didn't use a tripod (because using one meant I was a professional).

Now it's illegal to be a professional photographer?!

Richard

schmoo wrote:

Now it's illegal to be a professional photographer?!

And immoral!

thebigsky

Things are getting out of hand in the UK, as usual the culprit is ignorance. Fortunately for now the law remains on our side, even if the PCSO's and Police aren't.

I recommend that you download the PDF from this address, print it and carry it with you at all times, if challenged be firm but polite:-

http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php/2004/11/19/uk_photographers_rights_guide

Charlie

claudermilk

It's getting out of hand everywhere. I haven't had any run-ins myself thankfully, but I see a constant stream of reports of idiotic, uninformed, paranoid interference. You would think common sense would tell these dummies a terrorist would not be setting up a tripod & great big camera, then fiddle around for a while to take the shot. They'll use a cellphone while walking by, or whatever it takes to not be noticed at all. But then, I've come to the realization common sense isn't very common at all.

Richard

claudermilk wrote:

But then, I've come to the realization common sense isn't very common at all.

Ain't that the truth?

IPClark

I was reading this myself as well. I actually have 2 copies of the Guide to Photographers rights in the UK (as mentioned above) in my camera bag. I haven't been stopped at this point but if I were to be stopped I would pull a copy out and show them. The benefit of having two is that if they "confiscate" it or ask if they can keep it, I at least have another one spare in my bag until I get home to print more off.

Hopefully, I'll never have to pull a copy out to show them.

zacker

we're all law breakers!!:D

[Deleted User]

Yet the ironic thing is the police were asking local plane spotters to report anything they notice or photograph which seem out of place at our local airport (small regional) while plane spotting.

Taking pictures or video at the beach or at your kids local school event has been a no no for a while over here. Yet we are surrounded by CCTV cameras that record our every move

Tim

ChatKat

Paddington Station
Our friends were told to stop taking photos - of their stuffed dog - while we were travelling. They were in Paddington Station (in London) - literally - taking photos of a stuffed animal - a Pink Poodle. Sheeh - that was not terrorism.