I was stopped by 'security' taking photos of the London eye and in Trafalger Square. The claim 1. That I am profesinal ( I am not) and 2. that it is a security problem. How is it then that when an insident occors the police make a request for any photos taken in the area as this could help. The police are not a problem it is these 'jobswoth security' people. What to do about them?
2006-08-01 20:46:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
I recently encountered a security issue when it came to a person taking photos in a public place and I got my explanation from the security firm we were working with.
I was working at an outdoor gig and they were stopping photographers with a "professional" kit (zoom lenses are a give away) Apparently the quality is too good and it can be used professionally and sold for profit. So this guy was taking photographs of the singers and that was a big no no it seems.
They have no issue with crappy little digital cameras and disposables.
Seems a bit weird to me to be honest, just cos you've a few attachments to your camera doesn't mean your photographs will be any better than someone with a pocket digital camera.
But maybe that can shed some light on it
2006-08-01 21:05:33 · answer #1 · answered by lickle ole me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are aking photos of a private property or secure location they have no legal right to prevent you taking photos in a public place - whether you are professional or not (idiotic comment by them!!!). If you capture people on film and there is any possibility that you might display the picture publicly or sell it, then you need to get the people to sign a model release form! As you say, the security people in this country can be pompous, arrogant jobsworths sometimes!!! All you an do is make a note of their employer and make a formal written complaint about them.
2006-08-02 03:56:25 · answer #2 · answered by pyronaught2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be careful when taking photos of people because of the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act, but the London Eye is a structure in a public place, so I can't see why you can't take photos of it.
Next time a "jobsworth security person" tries to stop you from doing something, ask them which law you're braking, if they can't give you an answer (and they won't be able to) - tell them to call the police or bugger off!!
2006-08-02 03:58:07 · answer #3 · answered by Ronin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Security
2006-08-02 03:51:14 · answer #4 · answered by SIm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was at both places a month ago and took pictures at both places without any problem. In US, a friend of mine was stopped to take picture of public buildings (library, etc.) for security reasons by a cop, but for London Eye and Trafalgar Square, both are tourist attractions so people definitely will take pictures.
2006-08-02 07:11:28 · answer #5 · answered by atanc_2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's ridiculous- I've never had that happen to me in London.
It should be noted though that the London Eye, being privately owned, has the right to stop you taking photos. Of course this doesn't apply to Traf square.
Mind you London is on super-high terror alert at the moment so it's probably something to do with that.
2006-08-02 03:53:34 · answer #6 · answered by Oli 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who are these mysterious "security" people in Trafalgar Square? Since a huge number of people take photographs in these locations I can only conclude that it's something about you in particular which is causing the problem.
2006-08-02 03:53:24 · answer #7 · answered by Graham I 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a similar problem in the states still. any one seen taking pictures or video of bridges, tall buildings, the underground, etc. still often get reported by security or even citizens. it's left over paranoia from 9/11. people need to grow up and stop being scared of 'monsters in the closet' and just live their lives.
2006-08-02 12:00:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont listen to the security staff. don't fall into the trap of thinking they are some kind of old bill, thier not. security staff have absolutly no power over you all they can do is ask for you to leave an area after that they have to call the old bill who 9 time out of 10 dont really care
2006-08-02 04:03:02 · answer #9 · answered by scud 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who are these security people? Are they the police? If not, tell them to stuff off - you have every right to take pictures of wherever you like! The cheek of it! As long as you're not taking pics of 'sensitive' places (like nuclear power stations etc) snap away! Can't believe they stopped you! I'm flabbergasted! Are they going to arrest all the Japanese tourists with their many cameras? Unbelievable!
2006-08-02 03:54:15 · answer #10 · answered by Roxy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋