Photographing London 2012

[guybrush]

Hey,

I'm planning on going down to soak up the atmosphere of the Olympics at London 2012 and taking a huge array of images, obviously not shooting inside the stadiums but what with it being the Olympics and all and lots of people being touchy about the media and whose covering the event I'm sure there's lots of things that photographers who aren't contracted to covering it should know.

Does anyone have any idea about restrictions placed on people taking photos without any kind of press passes? I'd like to be able to get as close to the venues as possible, but I just have a horrible feeling that there will be some stupid 1 mile radius around the stadium with loads of signs up saying no photography allowed unless you're part of the media.

Also is there likely to be all sorts of crazy image rights about where I can use these photos if they've got pictures of the 2012 logo in them?

I've had a quick search on google but I've come up short.

 

[DemiLion]

From what I can recall about the Winter Olympics in Canada (reading online that is) the IOC is ferociously protective about their insignia, but that would apply to images that are going to be sold rather then viewed for pleasure. The same principle applies to the lighting display on the Eiffel Tower, for what it's worth.

 

[Willid1]

I'm sure I read that access to the Olympic Park during the games will be for ticket holders only.

So no just wandering round to soak up the atmosphere if you don't have a ticket (or press accreditation I asssume).

I wonder what access will be like after the games as an area that large will be a fantastic "playground" for the local youf once it's all over.

David

 

[guybrush]

I see.

There's really not an awful lot of information out there about what photographers can and can't do, it would be nice to compile some sort of list.

I read somewhere that in Vancouver for the winter olympics they were incredibly relaxed and even let people into the stadiums with DSLRs, I have a feeling that what with it being London and everything it might be a little difficult, but even so - there should be enough shooting opportunities around the stadium?

 

[photogwannabe]

There were all kinds of opportunities to take photos in Vancouver and surrounding towns. The Japanese speed skating team practiced in our town. The rink was packed to watch.


Japanese Olympic Speed Skaters by miatasrus, on Flickr

The Russian ice dancers also practiced here. I didn't bother going to see them.

There were also all kinds of tourists around who liked having their pictures taken...


Norwegians by miatasrus, on Flickr

and you occasionally would see an athlete hanging out and taking in the sights...


Madeleine Dupont by miatasrus, on Flickr

Then, there's always your iteration of the Olympic cauldron...


The Cauldron by miatasrus, on Flickr

No doubt the commercial district will do all kinds of things to the exterior of their buildings...


We were made for this by miatasrus, on Flickr

So, you should have many opportunities to happily click away. Have fun!

 

[hollis_f]

I wouldn't be surprised if the rule inside any of the Olympic venues was 'No Photography'. I also wouldn't be surprised if this was interpreted as "No Photography with big cameras - shoot anything you like with your phone cams".