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| Category: | Industry News |
Growing problems with citizen photography - A new report out today brings the problems photographers face back into the spotlight.
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"There is no overarching ban on photography, but there has been a creeping restriction of everyday photography," a report out today says.The report highlights there are 'no-go' areas and 'touchy subjects' that are restricting citizen photographers.
The report says: "As a result, many children are growing up with gaps in the family photo album – no sports day or first swim photos - and as a society we have big gaps in our archives."
The study was compiled and written by Pauline Hadaway, director of Belfast Exposed gallery, and published by the Manifesto Club who 'campaigns against the hyperregulation of everyday life'.
The report highlights the 'terrorist threat' hysteria that currently surrounds photography and the growing concerns about photographing children. The reasons given for these photography restrictions are rather vague and according to the group, legally questionable.
The report said how several citizens were told they must have written permission to film in an airport or train station, a member of the public was told that he needed a 'licence' for his camera and parents were told that photos of their children's nativity play could end-up on a child pornography website.
After several more examples, the author finishes the report by saying: "Much of the contemporary paranoia around photography appears to be driven more by vague suspicion than by any real and present danger...it is time to stand up for citizen photography against the antidemocratic impulse to police the public gaze."
Visit the Manifesto Club for more information.
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Comments
I've gone into town to try and see if I get questioned to see it from a police officer's point of view but they're pretty relaxed in Sheffield. My eldest's karate club are always encouraging us to take photos as they value family strength.
The parents told that pics of their kids might end up on a paedophile site should ask how the school know this. Do they have evidence? Why haven't they acted? Some common sense can be applied to counteract an argument. But then common sense needsto be applied all over, especially in law.
It's "the fear of" syndrome that is all pervasive. Fear of crime, fear of accidents, fear of terrorism, fear of violence... I'm afraid it's all whipped up by the media as well, so I guess there is a fear of the truth too.
Damn society as it is! Bring back common sense and get shut of this regulatory culture... rant over!
I've just read the report and think it is excellent. I haven't been asked to stop taking photographs by anyone yet but if it happens this article has given me the self assurance to tell them to 'take a hike'. John
I have been stopped several times, and promptly remind the police I know all about Anti Terrorism act, and my rites as a photographer, and that it is perfectly legal for me to photograph on the street, yes there are touchy areas..love to see how they police the houses of parliament, with all the tourists.
Hey I was in a park last week & the police stopped me to search my CD card as they said "you must understand there are children in this park" too which I duly gave them access to view my images but as they walked away I said so I can go & take pictures of children now you are leaving me?....The collective brains of the police force sometimes do amaze me!
The paranoia sweeping this country was brought home to me on a family holiday in Bulgaria last year. we, as a family went to a local water theme park (you know the type of thing). I had my DSLR in the car but assumed I wouldn`t be allowed to take it into the park, would have it confiscated or would be branded as a paedophile if I did manage to sneak it in and start snapping. I was genuinely surprised when I saw that just about every adult in there was using a camera of some sort; DSLRs, Compacts and camcorders and they weren`t getting beaten up or arrested. Indeed, when I took my DSLR in eventually, I was involved in several photography discussions with the park pro (who had the same camera as me), who also didn`t try to prevent me taking photos, as some in the UK might do. I think it`s only the UK and to a lesser extent the US that suffers this dreadful photo paranoia...
and...maybe photographers who want to take photos in public places may have to invest in an EP-1 or GF-1 micro 4/3rds camera. They might be perceived as less threatening than and SLR. As if any aspiring terrorist is going to walk around with a bloody great big slr kit anyway. Surely they`d use a camera phone or something unobtrusive.
i reckon they need to be alot kinda do photographers because without us there would be no proof or evidence what happens around us, i mean say if some one was kindnapped for instance wheres a photo, you wouldnt have one because your not allowed.
geese come on, im only 15 turning 16 i love photography im gonna make it my living but this is seriously stupid.
please look at my pf and vote comment cheers guys.
James
anyone says anything to me about photos where i want and they are told to get lost and mind there own we are to soft in this country stand up for self s and say NO WE WONT STOP
being fairly new to photography i foind the biggest chalange was getting a name for myself.
i decided after photographing my sons school fundraising event to take up more charity work, at one event i was challanged and advised to get an enhanced police check (AS THE SAFEGUARD SERVICE IS NOT UP AND RUNNING YET) i went to my local police station, filled out a couple of forms, paid a small admin fee,two weeks later i got my covering letter and record. now when if i am challanged i have the nessesery paperwork.
i am registered with the police as a freelance photographer (self employed)
I was recently parked in a lay-by and happily taking photographs, when a Police car pulled in behind me and I was questioned by two officers on what I was doing and if I realised that photography was now covered by anti-terrorist legislation.
What was I photographing?
Buachaille Etive Mor, the mountain at the entrance to Glen Coe. OK officers, it's a fair cop, I dunnit!
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