British Photo Paranoia
This article was sent to me by a blog reader. It’s a tough time for photographers.
Innocent Photographer or Terrorist
In the meantime, I should be safe. I’m working on a book called A Tale of Two Parks -Photographs of Central Park and Karl Schurz Park - with a lot of writing as well.
Comments
Comment from Craig Nisnewitz
Time: April 18, 2008, 8:49 pm
This article describes a security system out of control. Sure, photos of places that are high security should be restricted, but just being able to pick someone up without any suspicion of something wrong having been done cannot be justified. The problem is that in the US and British legal systems someone will have to be arrested and charged with an illegal offense to challenge the arrest.
Comment from MIke
Time: April 18, 2008, 6:30 pm
I’m in the UK and read this with mixed views. Personally I have never had any problems taking pictures with a DSLR (and sometimes tripod) in such locations. The issue in most cases is that the owner of the property requires permission be sought for commercial photography. The appearance of a DSLR and a tripod will set you aside from the P&S and mobile phone snappers. If I know I will be shooting in an area that is actually a private estate, or where I think there might be an issue, I always contact the estates office in advance. I simply explain that I’m an amatuer photographer and provide contact details. Otherwise I seek out the security staff and ask them up front whether it’s ok to take pictures. No-one has ever said no. Last year I even shot a building where the UK Government were holding a conference the very next weekend. Sometimes having an attitude of “I know my rights” while brandishing a camera doesn’t help matters.