Terrorism is turning into a photographers nightmare

The new anti-terrorism campaign launched by the Metropolitan Police could cause series problems for photographers.

The poster campaign, which was launched last month is asking the public to report any unusual activities, which includes someone using a camera suspiciously to the Anti-Terrorist hot line.

Many professional photographers are worried that this campaign could seriously affect their work and feel that it is nothing more than a problematic, scaremongering crusade.

One ePHOTOzine forum member said: "The potential risk of having the police descend on you for taking photos of a CCTV camera, or perhaps just for being one of ‘those suspicious people' with a camera, is enough to make any innocent person feel at least self-conscious if not downright fearful. The danger is that this could whip up a climate of fear and paranoia, making everyone feel less secure."

"Only a few weeks ago I was photographing a CCTV camera for use in a picture. Can anyone now be in any doubt that this was part of a well thought out plan for a paranoid, and therefore, compliant, society?"

The police are adamant that this campaign is not aimed at photographers, professional or amateur. The posters are there as part of the anti-terrorism campaign and to ensure the public are safe.

But with the ever-increasing number of reports about photographers and police conflicting over where and when pictures can be taken, many photographers are finding the statement hard to believe.

Only this month, the Bureau of Freelance Photographers (BFP) have reported that growing numbers of their members have sought help after facing what they can only regard as harassment by the police.

"Photographers can photograph anything they wish when in a public place, and the police have no power to stop them," said Stewart Gibson from the Bureau of Freelance Photographers.

"We ourselves have begun a campaign in defense of photographers rights, and there is now a great deal of publicity being generated about this issue," said Stewart.