POST 5: Rights as a street photographer

http://www.bjp-online.com

Watching television programs were the only resort to a hard day's work. When the internet was slowly getting popular, episodes of random videos were produced. It was either by amateurs or soon to be movie makers. Nonetheless, they were inspired, they had the motivation and skill to work. But some of them had issues, some were told to acquire permits before filming or taking photographs. But the smart ones stroke back and presented their rights.

(c) Oliver Laurent

In the past few years, street photographers have been encountering problems with the public. One of the known events was the protest of the campaign group in London called 'I', a photographer, Not a terrorist!'. Olivier Laurent wrote the article about the protest of the said campaign group.

"Increasingly, amateur and professional photographers are being prevented by privately employed security guards from taking pictures in public places and semi-public places." .

This was probably one of the most common problems encountered by street photographers. There is another article related to this dilemma. It was also written by Olivier Laurent, entitled : Security guards have no right to prevent street photography," says Home Office .

"More than a year after Home Secretary Theresa May launched a review of the UK's counter-terrorims and security powers, a new set of guidelines have been published for security guards, who, in an increasing number of cases, have been accused of preventing professional photographers from working in public places."

It may be after this launching of the new guidelines for security guards did the number of reports against street photographers increase. If a photographer has to adapt to these new guidelines, he would hide himself from the people and others would suspect this as perversion or voyeurism.
To see these guidelines, Click here [PDF]


One may still experience problems due to the public concerns. But one must know his or her rights. here are some that will help a photographer work in public without any problems with the people.

• When in public spaces where you are lawfully present you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view. This includes any government property, the police or any federal agencies. Not to mention other persons as well.
• Police officers may not generally confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant. They are not allowed to view the photographs or whatever a device may contain unless it has evidence related to a crime .
• Police may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances.

www.csmonitor.com

To view more of these , visit http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers

If any problem occurs and a security guard confiscates or attempts to confiscate any device, these rights are useful . Because of these rights , photographers are now more comfortable when out in the public

In conclusion, There will always be issues regarding privacy. If the person photographed doesn't like to be the subject of the composition, then he or she has the rights to say so. These laws, guidelines and rights wouldn't really matter if the photographer doesn't have any respect to the public. Respecting one's personal space is the key to a peaceful photograph.