Sta.sh
After hearing many stories about people having problems being able to take photos on the street (in the uk), I'd thought i'd show you this too look at.
"PHOTOGRAPHY IN PUBLIC AREAS
11.03.2008
Mitchell, Austin
That this House is concerned to encourage the spread and enjoyment of photography as the most genuine and accessible people's art; deplores the apparent increase in the number of reported incidents in which the police community support officers (PCSOs) or wardens attempt to stop street photography and order the deletion of photographs or the confiscation of cards, cameras or film on various specious ground such as claims that some public buildings are strategic or sensitive, that children and adults can only be photographed with their written permission, that photographs of police and PCSOs are illegal, or that photographs may be used by terrorists; points out that photography in public places and streets is not only enjoyable but perfectly legal; regrets all such efforts to stop, discourage or inhibit amateur photographers taking pictures in public places, many of which are in any case festooned with closed circuit television cameras; and urges the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers to agree on a photography code for the information of officers on the ground, setting out the public's right to photograph public places thus allowing photographers to enjoy their hobby without officious interference or unjustified suspicion."
Only a few MP's have signed it so far, but its something to keep an eye on. If we all email our own MP's we might be able to put an end to this insane ideal about photography in public places.
Visit [link] to find your local MP
Link to the montion : [link]
"PHOTOGRAPHY IN PUBLIC AREAS
11.03.2008
Mitchell, Austin
That this House is concerned to encourage the spread and enjoyment of photography as the most genuine and accessible people's art; deplores the apparent increase in the number of reported incidents in which the police community support officers (PCSOs) or wardens attempt to stop street photography and order the deletion of photographs or the confiscation of cards, cameras or film on various specious ground such as claims that some public buildings are strategic or sensitive, that children and adults can only be photographed with their written permission, that photographs of police and PCSOs are illegal, or that photographs may be used by terrorists; points out that photography in public places and streets is not only enjoyable but perfectly legal; regrets all such efforts to stop, discourage or inhibit amateur photographers taking pictures in public places, many of which are in any case festooned with closed circuit television cameras; and urges the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers to agree on a photography code for the information of officers on the ground, setting out the public's right to photograph public places thus allowing photographers to enjoy their hobby without officious interference or unjustified suspicion."
Only a few MP's have signed it so far, but its something to keep an eye on. If we all email our own MP's we might be able to put an end to this insane ideal about photography in public places.
Visit [link] to find your local MP
Link to the montion : [link]
it makes me SO angry when i get weird looks for taking photos in public. CCTV is dangerous and noone cares. The ID State is dangerous and noone cares. But a young woman taking photographs?!! - wow i must be dangerous.
I also received a print out of the motion which shows there are currently 62 signatures on it.
This makes me wanna go and purposly shoot in the street to provoke a police response. In fact I work for the youth offending team so I might give all my kids on court orders cameras and send them out and when they get stopped and asked for their cameras tell them to tell the police "fine i'll just go back to drinking taking drugs stealing and kicking the shit out of people"!!!
Pisses me off!!!
*** end of rant***
I read this and laughed so hard I choked on my coffee. Brilliant!
Luckliy i had read into the laws of street photography in the UK. Maybe the Police should do the same thing.
I had faced similar concerns while photographing a government building, which had beautiful architecture.
It's a shame that terrorism is getting the best of art!