Comments on: Photographers. Not Terrorists. But…

By: Matt T

Matt T — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:56:25 +0000

As a journalist and photographer I often have to wander the streets of London looking for something interesting to photograph. I have to say I’ve never been stopped, but as the majority of the comments seem to be edging towards my reaction would be very much based on the approach of the copper. I know my rights et al, but I’ll keep them firmly in my back pocket till I’m challenged. Most of the coppers seem to be reluctant to be overly hands-on, as I think most are just doing as told, but with the perfect outlet in the mag and online to out one that does take it a step too far I’m not too worried if they want to start charging in and waving arms about. On the odd occasions a steward or security guard has done similar I’m normally good at diplomatically arguing the toss with them, but I can see the annoyance involved with photographers being challenged all the time. Hopefully the march will show that a friendly question will always be responded to far more civilly than a hand over the lens…

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:42:33 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by howardlucas: Good point, any thoughts? RT @gtvone OK – I’m not going to “I’m a photographer not a terrorist” anymore, and here’s why http://bit.ly/8cdIVc...

By: Daf

Daf — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:45:44 +0000

I agree with Jules above : If I get asked politely etc what I’m doing then I will answer politely. But if they are over-bearing making requests that they have no right to – then I will probably go on the defensive.
As it happens – I’ve not been stopped as yet.

I think the biggest problem is ill informed Police Officers, PSCO’s and security guards. If it’s a public place (and not on the banned list) then we’re allowed to take a photo here.

I wasn’t going to go (just because I’m not keen on mass shoots) – but I know one of the photographers from a high profile case recently – so I’m going to show my support there. If it gets messy I’ll wander off.

By: marcus

marcus — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:33:44 +0000

You make some excellent points. I have to agree that responding like this is only likely to make matters worse. The BBQ and Portraits idea would actually do much more to easing tensions than any sort of protest. Maybe we should organize an international mutual respect party bringing cops and photographers together.

By: Junshien

Junshien — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:26:51 +0000

I don’t have the most positive view of cops–at least not the ones here in the States. But the part about doing a portrait session and BBQ cracked me up. I think you’re definitely going in the right direction here. Increasing the antagonism usually isn’t particularly helpful when we’re trying to make the other side more friendly and open towards us.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:17:23 +0000

Thanks for the post. Your thoughts made a lot of sense to me. I’ve found in life it always works out for the better if you reply to someone in a friendly manner, this is no different. I’ve done a bit of street photography around Sydney. Generally things are semi relaxed here. But that doesn’t mean over the years I’ve never been observed by a people or police before. I haven’t had a problem though or even been questioned apart from when I took photos at the airport.

As a a guy who loves portrait photography it makes sense for me to pay close attention to body language. If someone looks like they’d be upset with having their picture taken (or is watching me already) then I wouldn’t attempt to take their photo. It’s just not polite or worth it. If I’ve taken a photo and been noticed, a smile can work wonders.

By: @jrbechthold

@jrbechthold — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:47:37 +0000

Last year when I was in London I was staying at the Sheraton at Hyde park and my first night there, after taking a ton of photos of the Palace, I was walking back through the park at about 1:00am – I stopped to take a long exposure and had my camera and gorilla pod on a little traffic barrier (short little dome cement things they put up in places) a cop/security guard yelled at me – I turned back and said, I am taking pictures and just kept on going – he didn’t hear what I was saying, evidently and came over to where I was and started asking questions… When I told him what I was doing, and showed him the pictures, he replied – oh I thought you were a drunk taking a piss… we then had a good chat about this and that and he didn’t get mad until he found out I liked Liverpool (I think he was from Everton) anyway –

I agree with you wholeheartedly – we can go along way to promote photography and photographers in general just by being nice – and cooperative.

By: Ben Jamieson

Ben Jamieson — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:42:38 +0000

I have to agree with you on this one, Sime. As humans, we instinctively respond in set ways to what we are presented with.

If we’re presented with kindness, we respond with kindness, if we are presented with calm, we remain calm.

If, however, we are presented with indignation, protest or aggression, we will always attempt to defend ourselves, which only sets the stage for escalation from both sides – its just how we’re wired.

Both sides need to act with common courtesy and reason – there would be far less stories from angry photographers who got in situations where both sides were pushed too hard and pushed back too hard.

I’m with you on the BBQ, but I’ll leave you to get the necessary permits, if that’s OK?

Ben

By: Jools

Jools — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:42:32 +0000

Your point of view is based on the ideal of “can’t we all just get along”, which is admirable and right.

I have been stopped on several occasions, no probably more than just a few. The ones where ‘johnny plod’ wombled over and started chatting then asked if he could see my photos, met with a ‘sure, here’.

However the ones where ‘johnny obnoxious plod’, strides at me with arm raised shouting ‘stop that, stop taking photos. I need you name and address!’ This is when I go all rule book and state what is ‘needed’ Swap ‘johnny obnoxious’ for ‘johnny obnoxious cpso plod’ and it all gets heated.

I don’t think any photographer would hold back showing images to someone, anyone that asks. But if someone, anyone demands anything from you, they need a good reason and above all the authority to do so.

Too many recent cases have fallen into the no good reason or no authority, if this type of action isn’t protested against, it grows.

That’s why you should go. Besides, it’s Saturday and the only other thing you have to do is take some pictures in the bath with some new camera phone!