Sometimes you just need to stand your ground...

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Waiting for a bus at Exeter I quite liked the light and took a shot. Because I wanted the foreground empty I waited and then took this. I've been working on a set of bus station shots for a while and this was just one more. Or not.

That bloke in the centre of the frame (yes, the guy in the far distance) came up to me and opened with "did you just take my picture?" to which I replied (quite honestly) "I've no idea". Inevitably this led to demands that the picture be erased and the usual threats and posturing. I finally told him to remove himself (though not in quite those words) and turned my back on him. Last I noticed he was writing quite a lot. I've no idea what he wrote but I could make a guess. Anyway he got on the same bus and I thought he might be a nuisance but he seemed to have calmed down during the journey and when I passed him on my way off he ignored me.

Just another day in the life...

Panasonic GH2 8GB 10 P1320098.JPG
 
I note he is wearing a lanyard & ID badge, for what that may be worth or not in regard to the altercation and/or his presence on the same bus........did he get on before or after you???

But the other thing is that surely a bus station is private property. I know not but in some circumstances can that make a difference with street photography???
 
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But the other thing is that surely a bus station is private property. I know not but in some circumstances can that make a difference with street photography???
Yes. If a member of staff told me to stop I would. The fact is I've taken dozens of pictures there and there has never been an issue. I think this chap worked for a gas company or something like that, according to a logo on his jacket.
 
If i said what I'd actually do in this situation I'd get 12 notifications from other jobsworths ranting about how little I know about life
 
Not sure that this was the most sensible option.
It's only the second time it's happened to me in 50 years so I probably need more practice... :naughty:
 
I think the first question that needs to be addressed is; is the bus station public property or private property?

Indeed. One would assume that it is private property. But if so, then surely it would be the owner of the property who gets to decide who may, or may not, take pictures on the premises, not the people who happen to be there?
 
At the end of the day if someone is not happy to be in your photograph I think the best approach is to offer to delete it and move on there's plenty of other subjects out there or another approach I have used often is to approach the subject and say hey I have just got some great shots that you are in, is that OK with you as I will not publish them without your permission, I then ask for an email address and ask if they would like a copy sent to them? every time I have done this people have been agreeable and I have come away with their email.
 
My answer would be

" I have just taken a photograph of the station architecture "
 
I would have told him, yes I did take your picture, but I'll be removing you with content aware fill as it will improve the image :p
 
The bus station is more than likely privately owned so by rights, if you take the shot on the property, you should really seek permission first from the owners. Same applies to any private property, shopping centres etc……..
 
The bus station is more than likely privately owned so by rights, if you take the shot on the property, you should really seek permission first from the owners. Same applies to any private property, shopping centres etc……..
Any authorised person can ask you to leave private land or premises. They do not have to explain why. They may use minimum force to "escort" you from their premises if you refuse to obey an instruction to leave. However that's the extent of their powers. While you're on their premises you can still take pictures and should they use excessive force against you or attempt to take anything from you they have committed an offense. I got this from a barrister aquaintance who's been involved in similar cases.

"On the other hand" as he said with a grin "when you're lying in bed with a bandage round your bonce you may be less interested in your rights than your headache". :naughty:
 
At the end of the day if someone is not happy to be in your photograph I think the best approach is to offer to delete it and move on there's plenty of other subjects out there
I don't quite agree with this one. Some people really love to make trouble out of every single little thing they can, and you really should stand your ground. I do however think, it depends on the kind of photograph. If the person in the frame is large, a prominent subject, then I would opt to delete it as well. I might be in my right to take that picture on a public street, but I don't think it is decent in terms of privacy. However, if the subject is small (like in OPs example) I would not delete it either. He is not the subject of the picture, and neither is he a major component of the frame.

or another approach I have used often is to approach the subject and say hey I have just got some great shots that you are in, is that OK with you as I will not publish them without your permission, I then ask for an email address and ask if they would like a copy sent to them? every time I have done this people have been agreeable and I have come away with their email.
This is great advise though. If he asks 'did you just take my picture' reply along the lines of 'oh I am not sure, I was photographing the building, let me have a look'... Then look it up and when you find it just say 'ah yeah here you are, would you like me to send it to you?'. If he still wants you to delete it, just say 'sorry man, I can't do that'.
I think 9 out of 10 times staying friendly and positive is the key here though. When you explain why you take the pictures in a calm manner most people are quite understanding, even if they've had a s***ty day :LOL:
 
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