siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

Uk law saws I should in theory be able to stand anywhere in a public place and photograph, but I am always being harassed or asked what I'm doing ( should be obvious ) or asked to stop, now it seems, police are asking us for our details, which is illegal unless under section 44 of the Terrorism act, ( my detail are then however wrongly gained ) are in the system and I am suspect ! when I did nothing wrong !
anyone else having problems ?

Graham
PS a photo I did manage to get without be bothered ! I was stood up the top Of Ashby De La Zouch Castle at the time !!

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hello Graham,
I often take photos in public places and have never been questioned. In fact I recently took a photo of my local police station which I needed to attach to an email. I was complaining about the the overgrown state of the gardens at the front. No body questioned me and a few days later the gardens were smartened up.
Cheers,
John.

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

pleased you have been left alone John and got the gardens sorted,fingers crossed your luck spreads to me here ! Graham

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

I have never been challenged by the police, when I'm photographing demonstrations/protests I often include the police. Obviously, considering the number of street pictures I take I've had the odd person object, but this is extremely infrequent. If a person does object I would comply only out of politeness, not because of any legal reason (there isn't any), anyway I have usually got a few pictures in the bag before they become aware.
The only way the police can become involved is if there has been a breach of the peace caused by the person you are photographing trying physically to stop you. By photographing someone in the street you are committing no crime, if someone uses physical force to stop you they are committing a crime. No one can make you delete a picture from your memory card, not even the police because you have committed no offence. If you are taking pictures on private property all that they can do is ask you to leave, and of course you must comply, they cannot lay a hand on you in any way whatsoever. They cannot ask you to delete any images you already have other than by taking civil proceedings.

Graham

jwt Loc: Texas Hill Country

A lovely shot Graham and a sad commentary on our current state of affairs in the world. Keep smiling they can't take that away yet. :-D :-D

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

So far, I've had no problems in the US. However, I bought a quadcopter last year with an attached camera and was hoping to get some unique photos of the western part of our country, only to find that they are banned in all the national parks. Bummer

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

Graham

I read your comment with interest, I cannot believe it seems to be just me that's getting the pointed end of the stick it seems, I agree that if someone asks that I do not photograph them I do not out of politeness, not legal requirement, I also take care not to take photographs of schools if children are out playing as there are obvious ramifications even if innocently doing so ! However I have been stopped a few times in the street and asked why am I photographing ,once a guy sped to halt ,jumped out of his car and demanded to know why I have photographed him coming down the road !? All I can say is, I try when faced with this attitude to be polite answer calmly and truthfully, hopefully the parties concerned can see they have nothing to fear from my hobby !? Graham

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

they are trying hard though !! (sad face ) Graham

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

I find it helps if you go out shooting without a towel on your head. :shock:

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

well at the risk of being called the dreaded "R" word, here in the UK wearing a towel here might well guarantee being left alone ! Graham

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

For anyone who liked that last photo,here's another ! enjoyed being up there 87 feet on the tower and being left alone to enjoy taking photographs ! what could be better ? Graham

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

one of my favourites from up there !

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Don't feel bad. A few years ago I stopped at my Lexus dealership for a car wash and had my camera with me. It was new, and I did not want to leave it in the car, so I put it around my neck. It had the lens cap on. Some weeks later, the receptionist told me that a lady had complained to the manager because she was afraid that I might take her picture.

siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

crazy !!

Nikonman2014

The U.S. law essentially says that you can take photos in any public place. In reality, we occasionally have problems too.

Check out this story from last summer, about one photographer's problems with the police

http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/why-you-should-not-take-photos-of-the-7-ugliest-buildings-in