London No go areas in terms of Photography/Filming

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JamesM100

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James
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Hey guys,

Hope you're all doing fine. I am new to photography and filming and wanted a bit of advice about the kind of no go areas of London in terms of where you are and aren't allowed to film/take photos. I know you need to have permission from Royal Parks.

I'm only doing this as a hobby with a YouTube channel, could you give me some advice please?

Thanks all!

James
 
JamesM100 said:
I know you need to have permission from Royal Parks.
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No you don't. you need permission for professional photography in the park. Contrary to the popular belief London is very easy for the amateur photographer. Only really need specific permission for the tube, railway stations and some exhibits
 
boyfalldown said:
No you don't. you need permission for professional photography in the park. Contrary to the popular belief London is very easy for the amateur photographer. Only really need specific permission for the tube, railway stations and some exhibits
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Oh, thank you for that information. What do they count as professional photography though? I've had a look and can't actually seem to find an answer.
 
There are limits on professional photography in some areas, such as Royal Parks and private spaces. Note that some privates spaces are open to the public (but still private as far as photography is concerned)and some public spaces have special rules for professional photography, e.g. Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.

There are common sense limits on the use of tripods on station/underground platforms and concourses, as well as restrictions on the use of flash on platforms.

The "don't be a dick with a camera" rule applies everywhere.
 
boyfalldown said:
Photography you're making money from
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I understand, so I take it that also means monetizing your videos on YouTube. I see so many videos of Trafalgar Square, Royal Parks etc with adverts on. Thank you for the information though.

Alastair said:
There are limits on professional photography in some areas, such as Royal Parks and private spaces. Note that some privates spaces are open to the public (but still private as far as photography is concerned)and some public spaces have special rules for professional photography, e.g. Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.

There are common sense limits on the use of tripods on station/underground platforms and concourses, as well as restrictions on the use of flash on platforms.

The "don't be a dick with a camera" rule applies everywhere.
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Great! I understand. I'll be making sure to follow these rules.
 
I've never had any problems around London, they are supposed to be tricky around the London eye, but last time I was there about a million people there taking pictures and nobody seemed to be getting any hassle. Trafalgar square is also supposed to be a bit iffy but again I've been there in daytime and nighttime shooting with no issues (actually fairly quiet at night)
They say the gherkin is a no go for photographers but I've even spoken to security there and they were not bothered at all (although the building itself is a pain to get a decent shot of from the ground), Canary wharf has a bit of a reputation but last time I was there I had no problem.
 
Its tripods that attract the attention of security in/around London rather that cameras. A lot of 'public' places in London is actually private land so security can and will move you on if you are causing an obstruction. And this will generally be if you are using a tripod. That being said if you plan your shot, you can generally get a tripod shot before security notice you - and they will just tell you that tripods arent allowed and ask you to move on. Note they cant force you to delete any photos you have taken. Shooting early morning or late at night when it is quiet and you will generally not have any problems at all. Have photographed all over London and not really had a problem - but then I stick to quieter times (as quiet as London ever gets).
 
Agree with the common sense approach

I have had no problems in tube stations early on weekend mornings but would be dumb to try when it is busy. There are parts of a Canary Wharf and the South Bank (i.e. around the London Eye which is private land I believe) where they don't like tripods too (even early on Sunday morning) but basically if you are sensible you should be fine
 
Canary Wharf - you will be approached by Canary Wharf Security - tell them you are not photographing building entrances or security cameras and they are fine with that even when using tripods. The one no-go area as far as tripods are concerned is the Broadgate development area behind Liverpool St station - there the security guards will escort you off the development land. Another hassle-prone zone is just outside Tower 42 - there the security guards even believe that you are not allowed to photograph the tower from the public pavement, but standing in the road next to said pavement is OK ...! More London near City Hall can be variable - sometimes I've been questioned but mostly there hasn't been a problem.
 
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