Photoparanoia

So which one of us is claiming to look "odd" I wonder?

Have you seen my avatar :

Have you seen me?!?

Dan

I have now!

So if we all look odd, how will they know who to report?

I think that it would probably be one of those insect characters with multiple limbs, since they can probably hold several cameras at once, pointing in different directions and still have some spare legs to stand on

I admit that would look suspicious. Worth taking a photograph of really.

http://current.com/items/88856223_you_can_t_picture_this

Warning: Not suitable for sufferers of high blood pressure.

Thanks Pete, that was quite an education watching the video, very worrying indeed.

Lilly

I've just picked up this thread. Interesting reading...
My advice would be to carry around in your camera bag a copy of your UK rights and show it to anyone in authority who may care to stop you when you are explaining what you are doing.

With respect most PCSO's and community wardens will have very little knowledge of the law. They do not have the right to seize your camera or memory card. Nor do they have the right to ask you to delete the images. If they persist, insist that they ask a PC to attend. Most bobbies are experianced and pragmatic enough to sort things out properley.

If you get stopped by a bobby, he or she will be doing so because of reasons you may not be aware of or appreciate. More than likely they will be curious. If you satisfy their curiosity they will understand what you are doing. If after speaking to you, they receive further calls, you've already been checked out.

As for the Met poster, do not under estimate the intelligence gathering techniques of anyone who poses a threat to our safety.

All the poster is asking joe bloggs to do is to report photographic activity they believe to be suspicious. If you are subject to this and are spoken to by a bobby they'll soon sus out what you're doing is legit.

I've been stopped by private security guards before taking night time photo's of chemical plants. Did'nt have a problem because i contacted the local Police station and told them I was out and about taking photo's.

I intend to take photo's where I want and when I want. I would just suggest we be pragmatic about it.

A friend of mine is a Police officer. He always applies "The Attitude Test".
If you get bolshy with him, he gets bolshy back. If you stay polite with him, and haven't committed a ( major ) offence, he'll have a chat, then walk on.

Totally agree with that comment Ted and you'd be surprised how many are into photo's as well!
I'm off now to browse the forum for more learning. I've got some questions lined up re a possible lens purchase.

Shooting at court recently, one copper was shooting video, one shooting with a Nikon D2x, taking evidence of protesters. Feel free to use this if you like!

Protesters? Aylesbury? What did I miss this week?

Was last week, Jamie Gray, the 'Horse Killer', Oxford Magistrates. I'll post a pic when I get home!