Told to stop taking photos !

  • Thread starter Thread starter paul cull-pearce
  • Start date Start date
ok...I'm too nosey to go...lol

What is it that the parents are objecting to? Why has the UK gone so crazy about photographers taking photos. Cameras have been around for years with no trouble so why now? What is it that they are so scared of? No one can answer that question properly, I have never got a decent answer. Do these paedophiles get off on fully clothed children? I just dont get it....
 
snappy said:
Who dreams up these stupid rules. Honestly.

Supposing the child(ren) in question were on a beach and happened to be in shot. The parents have no legal right to get stroppy then?

This is precisely why children should be outlawed. They're a damn nuisance :lol:
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LOL. Tend to agree with the last point... until they're old enough to buy you a pint anyway.

Yep on the beach or in the street, there's nothing to stop you photographing kids. But realistically if a parent really had misgivings to that extent and you couldn't allay them, surely you'd respect their wishes and hit the delete button.
 
CT said:
Just remember though it's not always that straightforward. Take your average school sports day as an example which is a private event. Before the head will give you permission you need to to have the written consent of the parents of any child who might appear in your photos. In practice that means all of 'em.
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Unless ..... it's held on a public sports field :shrug: - it's an absolute farce!

Wouldn't it be far easier and convey a whole lot more common sense if photography was permitted, taken as acceptable. If little Johny's parents didn't want photographs taken of said sweet angel then he should not be participating in the event! There is always only a VERY small minority (usually of 1) who objects and ruins it for everybody else!

It never used to be a problem so what's happened?

If Bert Hardy were alive now, what would be doing? Probably getting locked up. What's to become our grandchilds' historical record? What about that shot of the female police officer (park official?) circa 1930 who chased those two naked urchins out of a London park with a big whippy stick? It's a classic shot - but you couldn't take it now!

Grrr - this has got me going now.... we'll never get to bed..... :(
 
Marianne said:
ok...I'm too nosey to go...lol

What is it that the parents are objecting to? Why has the UK gone so crazy about photographers taking photos. Cameras have been around for years with no trouble so why now? What is it that they are so scared of? No one can answer that question properly, I have never got a decent answer. Do these paedophiles get off on fully clothed children? I just dont get it....
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Marianne I can't for the life of me see what's remotely sexually provocative or attractive about little kids, but an alarming number of ****ed up individuals do.

There's no answer to your question though, it's all part of the PC lunacy which has taken over the world. I read somewhere the other day that someone is trying to bring in legislation to stop you referring to your other half as your husband or your wife because it discriminates against people who aren't married.

Seems we should all be saying " Our partner" :thinking:
 
I know...I know....but it's total lunacy and over hyped panic!!

I really must go to bed and drag 'my partner' with me......no inuendos ok..goodnight!
 
CT said:
Marianne I can't for the life of me see what's remotely sexually provocative or attractive about little kids, but an alarming number of ****ed up individuals do.
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But fully clothed? I'm with Marianne on this..... how do you stop that? Is photography the point of failure? Absolutely not! Maybe the parents in being overly protective, perhaps. Most certainly the perverts! It's them that are the problem and the PC brigade!

I can understand some of the rationale but, and it's a rather large BUT.... I've never seen it reported as being a problem in any other European country :shrug:

When we were at a Festival in Como a couple of years ago it took us a while to realise that nobody minded us taking photographs of their children.... can't really say much more.... just wish I knew how to turn it all on it's (ugly) head. :(
 
CT said:
But realistically if a parent really had misgivings to that extent and you couldn't allay them, surely you'd respect their wishes and hit the delete button.
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I take on board your point, but I'm a big fan of knowing what is your legal right to do, so that when some little hilter starts throwing their weight around you can put them firmly in their place, before deleting the photo and explaining that their offspring being an "ugly little bas...tion" has ruined the shot anyway :D

Moi? Bitter and twisted? nah :coat: :)
 
sometimes though, little johnnies parents are actually his carers, who may be fearful that any images appearing in publications, sports centres, websites etc could alert parents who have been abusive etc to the whereabouts of thier child who has been taken from them by the authorities...this I have had explained to me by the staff at 2 sports centres where I have taken pictures for my daughters gymnastics club, so its not just about peadophiles, kids can be in danger fully clothed.
 
My 2p worth. I spent a year arguing with my sons football club about taking pictures, to the point where i told them that i would remove him from the club and place him somewhere else.

I have now managed to convince them that photography is a great publicity for the club. What they do now is inform every parent in the club that photography will be taking place, and to come forward if you don't want your son/daughter pictured. This is the way it should always be.

The reason it isn't is people cannot be bothered to organise it, don't want the hassle. I went around gathering info such as the Photographers Rights which was posted earlier in the thread and went and saw the club and reached the final agreement.

Now i am the official photographer for the club, as well as the welfare officer.

We just had Chelsea Old Boys down for a charity match last weekend and managed to get 4 photos printed in the paper.
 
Sensitive subject. I fully agree with you though. But the thing that winds me up is that the P&S'ers snap away without a problem. It is only when you pull out your DSLR and 70-200 f/2.8 you get stereotyped as a possible perve.

When I was younger my parents couldnt afford a camera so there are a lmited number of photographs of me floating around for their memories. When my nipper was born I decided that I wanted to record my nippers growing up so when I am stuck in a wheelchair dribbling I can refer to those happy times. BUT, I am finding this diffcult even owning a camera! Living in Felixstowe, next to the sea I am looking forward to taking photographs of her paddling in the sea a playing in the sand, but as per last years experince of parents complaining and even the local authorities questioning me I am wondering if it is worth all the hassle.

Gets up an walks away before head explodes.

King.
 
paulc said:
sometimes though, little johnnies parents are actually his carers, who may be fearful that any images appearing in publications, sports centres, websites etc could alert parents who have been abusive etc to the whereabouts of thier child who has been taken from them by the authorities...this I have had explained to me by the staff at 2 sports centres where I have taken pictures for my daughters gymnastics club, so its not just about peadophiles, kids can be in danger fully clothed.
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That is a good point! ..... but.... where do you draw the line?

In this instance might not the responsibility rest with the carers and not depend upon the operators of such facilities to enforce their draconian, restrictive measures. It seems to me, people these days are far happier for someone else to take the responsibility for things and not they themselves. All part of a more sinister "blame, I never did anything, culture"....

Do we censure Raleigh and their like to stop the manufacture of bicycles because x kids are killed each year? Do we stop Tesco's from selling bleach because parents (carers) have not put the bottles away correctly? Do we stop the NHS from issuing harmful drugs because they're not being put out of the reach of children?

The list is endless and no amount of caring, thoughtful legislation, be it local or centralised, will protect the determined against every eventuality.

Whilst I can accept the fact children can be at risk through publication etc, - surely the abusive parents should be placed under more scrutiny and observation. Have their freedom and habits restricted, their lives pressured and threatened NOT the childrens' freedom taken away from them. Every body suffers (again) because of the insane minority, never the idiots who should never have been allowed to procreate in the first place!

It's such a shame for us photographers to have all these ridiculous restrictions placed upon us, most of which are borne out of ignorance and hype!

I imagine all of us would behave in a reasonable, responsible manner and generally would respect others' opinions. It just needs a little more thought rather than blanket censure.....

It's a wonder I slept last night :lol:
 
So far I've not been challenged, but i am waiting for the day. I go 'armed' with the togs rights sheet in case over-zealous officials get antsy.

I try to be as inconspicuous as possible. Mind, i do look angry most of the time so p'raps i'm not worth the bother.

Actually, thinking about it, Rob and I caught a few tubes on Saturday last week - with 3 cameras and 2 tripods between us - when i got myself jammed in the automatic barrier a very nice member of LU staff actually helped me through and said i could always use the open barrier when carrying kit........ maybe i was smiling that day......... :D
 
paul cull-pearce said:
Just to let you know, that turning up at an event looking like you know what you're doing with a camera could see you being asked to stop taking photos by officials of the meeting ...who have been ask to have a word in your ear by the "OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER" of the day !
.
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facinating subject even if I do tend to kick the cat between each post grrrrrrrrr.

Back to the original post. I would have introduced the 'official git' to new uses for my monopood. :bat:
 
2blue4u said:
facinating subject even if I do tend to kick the cat between each post grrrrrrrrr.

Back to the original post. I would have introduced the 'official git' to new uses for my monopood. :bat:
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Thus creating a tripod? :lol:
 
I've not been challenged yet, it might be becuase of my age that people wouldn't take me as seriously as other elder photographers with "the right kit" but I am printing out that document now to carry with me all the time just in case...
 
Last year my wife was taking part in a half Ironman triathlon down in Devon and I took my gear with me took take shots of her on the course and some of her club members for their website and club magazine. 3 times I was approached by the organizers and told that I could not take photos unless I was sanctioned by the organizer of the event. The first time I was polite and explained what the shots were for and they went away. The next person came up to me and was a bit more pushey and tried to find out if I was selling the images, after a restrained explaination from me she went away. The next person who came up not only had a reflective jacket but a radio as well. he demanded to see ID, told me to stop taking shot immediately and threatened to call the police. After I read him the riot act and asked him who the **** he was and why he was breaching my rights and then telling him to **** off, I heard no more. Another incident happened when I was the 'Official Photographer' for an event to mark the 250th anniversary of The Kings Royal Rifles at Winchester. The Queen was the guest of honour and even though I had the right badge on and was vetted I was physically restrained by 2 Royal protection officers when HM was planting a tree and got no shots of it at all. I was later allowed to take shots at close range but could feel the breath of the police on the back of my neck......Ian
 
chuckles said:
That is a good point! ..... but.... where do you draw the line?

In this instance might not the responsibility rest with the carers and not depend upon the operators of such facilities to enforce their draconian, restrictive measures. It seems to me, people these days are far happier for someone else to take the responsibility for things and not they themselves. All part of a more sinister "blame, I never did anything, culture"....

Do we censure Raleigh and their like to stop the manufacture of bicycles because x kids are killed each year? Do we stop Tesco's from selling bleach because parents (carers) have not put the bottles away correctly? Do we stop the NHS from issuing harmful drugs because they're not being put out of the reach of children?

The list is endless and no amount of caring, thoughtful legislation, be it local or centralised, will protect the determined against every eventuality.

Whilst I can accept the fact children can be at risk through publication etc, - surely the abusive parents should be placed under more scrutiny and observation. Have their freedom and habits restricted, their lives pressured and threatened NOT the childrens' freedom taken away from them. Every body suffers (again) because of the insane minority, never the idiots who should never have been allowed to procreate in the first place!

It's such a shame for us photographers to have all these ridiculous restrictions placed upon us, most of which are borne out of ignorance and hype!

I imagine all of us would behave in a reasonable, responsible manner and generally would respect others' opinions. It just needs a little more thought rather than blanket censure.....

It's a wonder I slept last night :lol:
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I couldn't agree more and infact when I photographed one gym display for my daughters club, there where 2 kids who couldn't have thier photos taken because they were in care or something similar, however, because they changed thier outfits so often during the display I was getting confused and took photos of them and had this pointed out to me by the instructor...so in the end, the instructor was pointing them out to me whenever they took part in any routine or activity, and ultimately this was drawing more attention to the kids because all of the parents and spectators were all wondering what was going on every time when the instructor would shout "NOT THESE TWO!!"..you would have thought that they were Brooklyn beckham and prince Micheal Jackson, it caused that much interest.

Unfortunately, the club is run by the local authourity and is duty bound to take such kids at the drop of a hat, or if they move into the area and they often turn up adhock..so it is difficult sometimes espescially when the club has trained for weeks and weeks to put on a display for their family etc and some kids roll up and dont have any idea of what is going on but are somehow fitted in, even if they are doing a forward roll, but along with them comes all the restrictions of political correction and often enforced by some overbearing carer.

I understand...but I dont understand at the same time.
 
I think we should organise some sort of revolt.

How about a mass photography flash mob type protest? We could turn up en mass to a specific place at a specific time and everyone, fill yer memory cards.
 
Yeah, great - good idea ..... we'll all photograph each other.... photographers only! :lol: Probably end up being responsible for bringing down an aircraft or summat..... :shrug:
 
I know a teacher, when he has gone into school to take photos for the school newspaper. Some of the kids have came up and called him a Paedafile, because they may have been inshot ! He explained that most people who take photographs of things / people / objects are usually called photographers not paedofiles.

But the other incredible double standard is that the kids have no problems in filming bitch fights, and semi unclothed shots of themselves with their girlfriends/boyfriends. They have their mobile phones crammed with triple x rated porn clips..they don`t class their own photo taking as perverse at all ?

What the hell is going on ?

Paul
 
Marianne said:
you know what?...I think I'd really rather not take any photos at public events for fear of being approached...I would ge to too upset and too angry and my day would be ruined...I'd avoid it. How sad is that?
I still don't get this mass public hysteria over photgraphy in public places! GGrrrrrr
Does that mean I can't take photos at the seaside? Oh for goodness sake.....I'll get on with my knitting now, it's safer or is it? :naughty:
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i agree, its just too much agro, i very rarely shoot in public if its a display or anything, then again i only seem to point my camera at cars and the scenery anyway!
 
I used to be an athlete (middle & long distance runner) and still have a keen interest in athletics. Last winter I photographed at most of the cross country events in the midlands, some venues ask photographers to sign in others don't.
I was never stopped, although I deliberately did not photograph any of the under 16 events.
We have an high profile track & field competition coming up in a few weeks, I contacted the organisers to ask if it was O/K for me to photograph as a paynig member of the public, they replied saying they would give me press accreditation for the event.:thumbs:
So I've probably been lucky up to the moment, but find that being polite and asking gets you there 95% of the time.
 
CT said:
Sheesh. This is happenng more and more these days. If you've a 'serious' looking camera they're down on you like a ton of bricks while people taking shots with little compacts and camera phones are ignored. :cuckoo:
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Yeah I had a funny time at a gig. My 10D was broke so I had a film EOS 50 with Ilford 3200 in it. The security guard had to check I was allowed to take photos. Of course everyone else with their camera phones and digital compacts were fine. Muppets. I haven't checked the images and give that I was using film I bet nothing worked :D
 
Only being a DSLR owner for a few months I've not had the pleasure of being approached by anyone though I've been stared at on and off (dunno why - I wasn't using a large lens). Though the first time I drove to the local park to give the new camera a try-out I had the feeling that the parents in the nearby (well, 20 metres or so) kiddie area were keeping an eye on me, even though I was taking photos of unused fairground rides and trees!

What really p****s me off is, as others have said, the double standards. Chav and Chavella can run riot in the street without the parents giving a monkey's, but if you should do anything to upset Mr and Mrs Chav then woe betide you.

That notwithstanding I usually avoid shots with people in them like the plague just because I don't want some ugly mug spoiling the shot :)

Anyway, the next time it happens to anyone on here, tell them you're the next stage in the government's CCTV plans :D
 
He couldnt of been much of a pro if he "thought" your gear looked expensive.

Man I can tell a model of a Canon/Nikon camera/lens a mile away.
 
fstopeleven said:
He couldnt of been much of a pro if he "thought" your gear looked expensive.

Man I can tell a model of a Canon/Nikon camera/lens a mile away.
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Yeah I would agree with that. I also think that if a 'pro' photographer is worried about somebody carrying sub £1000 kit taking photos at an event then they must be very insecure about their quality of photos and doing the job in general.

As for the whole photographic rights about what to photograph, its all a bit mess at the moment. Why should the photographers be vastly restricted and looked down upon for the very small minority.

I also am very much against the "professional looking" equipment being disallowed compared to amature equipment. You can bet the people trying to enforce this would let somebody with a lecia m8 go freely taking photos yet somebody with a 400d gets lots of hassle.
 
:thumbs: Totally agree with most things that have been said. I DO believe [and this is as a parent myself] that when it comes to events, people should choose to opt out if they are so precious about pictures of little Jonnie/jessica, rather than every other parent that is less paranoid having to suffer and not have those memories recorded for later in life.

Why has it got this bad? Too bloody obvious really, when we hear more news stories about paedophiles that have been found out for having hard drives full of images of children than we do of actual abuse against children. Of course,such paedophilia is considerably easier in these days of the internet, and so is probably more prevalent than actual physical abusers, but they are still a very very tiny minority yet wa all have to feel pressured because of them.

As for actual rights, 2 little tales since I posted last night. An email from my friend in Germany first - she went upto the castle in the town near by last night, armed with tripod and her D50. She got there early as its a popular spot for some good night time photography, set her camera up and then waited for the light to fade. With her was her hubby [sorry, partner :naughty: ] who is a seargent in the British Army, so no wall flower of a chap. He had walked off a little way to look at something when she was approached by a guy with a big load of kit. With no introductions he told her she must move as she had the best spot, and he was there on 'official' business. She asked what his business was - "taking pictures for the local paper" - to which her response was "good, then I am sure as a local you know how popular it is here and should have been here earlier" :clap: He started to rant in german, until the hubby walked back over to see what the fuss was about, at which point he seemed to decide there were other good spots and stomped off! :lol:


This morning I was up with the very noisy birds and went into London to get some shots before the place filled with people. After a few hours I was just lining up for a particular shot when a couple of young boys walked into the frame, so I pulled camera down and waited till they had moved again. Their mum apologised, explaining that they love cameras and having their pics taken. The only answer I could think of was "well, you have come to the right bit of London for them then" - she laughed as we were right by the river and commented that god knows how many pictures there were of them from days out, they are forever jumping in on other peoples pictures. It was quite a refreshing change from the usual frowns etc.... :thumbs:
 
Someone should go in with a Leica M8 to these events with someone else using a 300D. Then go up to the security and ask if its ok to take photos with the 300D, if he says no get the M8 guy to ask with if he can for personal use. If the M8 guy gets away with it take out a copy of a Jessops catalog and then show him the pricing. While he's scratching his head about which is actually "professional" take a photo, kick him in the nuts and walk off. You could also add a Canon G7 into the mix as they're more expensive than a used 300D.
 
petemc said:
Someone should go in with a Leica M8 to these events with someone else using a 300D. Then go up to the security and ask if its ok to take photos with the 300D, if he says no get the M8 guy to ask with if he can for personal use. If the M8 guy gets away with it take out a copy of a Jessops catalog and then show him the pricing. While he's scratching his head about which is actually "professional" take a photo, kick him in the nuts and walk off. You could also add a Canon G7 into the mix as they're more expensive than a used 300D.
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Pete, find someone to buy the M8 for me and I'll give it go! I will, of course, report back to these boards the event. Can't get fairer than that can I? :lol:
 
I actually got an email from an angry parent two weeks ago that I hadn't managed to get a shot of "wee Johnny" at the motocross. :(
 
No answer to that Ladylens!

For me, this is always a bit of a topic.......as I normally either wear a turban or a bandana, you can imagine the looks I get anywhere I go in this country with the DSLR to take pics. :suspect: Still waiting for the secret services to jump out at me having taking some pics near Cranfield airport recently (small local airport).

I've given up going to the States (having been 11 times) as I get treated like a criminal as soon as I walk off the plane, but thankfully there are plenty of places on the planet that treat you like a human being.
 
dod said:
I actually got an email from an angry parent two weeks ago that I hadn't managed to get a shot of "wee Johnny" at the motocross. :(
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Ditto on the horse front at a recent event when I was there to photograph my wife and two other girls from our stable yard.

However, when I first started taking the camera to events to photograph my wife I was asked to put my camera away by one of the marshalls. I declined and the next thing the organiser turned up.... managed to explain myself to her as politely as possible and 7 months later she emailed me asking if I could cover an event! Result.
 
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