[Leica] Street shooting in London

[gerry.walden at me.com (Gerry Walden)]

Leland

The situation seems to have i,proved a lot and there should be no major 
problems now in London. If you go to the Metropolitan Police web site 
(http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm) you should find a copy of 
their instructions to officers making it clear that the public in general 
are allowed to take photographs in public place, and all security guards 
should now have been rebriefed regarding the law. Photographing in or from a 
public place is NOT illegal in the UK, and photographing people without 
their permission is NOT illegal provided YOU are in a public place.

There are (as always) a couple of exceptions to the rule:

1. The use of tripods etc. and the posing of people for commercial purposes 
can be stopped in places like Trafalgar Square;

2. A public place is not the same as a place open to the public, so 
photographing for commercial purposes in National Trust properties etc. is 
not generally allowed for commercial purposes. similarly shopping malls are 
not a 'public place'; and

3. Places of national security are not allowed to be photographed, although 
all the major tourist spots are exempt on a basis of common sense.

I have photographed a lot in London and have never had a problem. Believe it 
or not the law is on your side, and our police are not armed (generally) so 
you are not likely to be shot  ;>)

I hope this helps, and feel free to call me if I can help further.

Gerry


Gerry Walden
+44 (0)23 8046 3076 or
+44 (0)797 287 7932
www.gwpics.com

On 17 Dec 2012, at 00:09, Leland Deane <lmdmd at att.net> wrote:

> I need to poll the collective wisdom of the LUG. The last time I was in 
> London, I was stopped for taking photos at a train station ('you need a 
> permit for photos in a public place', they said).
> Any tips on street shooting there and how to avoid this sort of nonsense? 
> I'll be in London on Wednesday.
> Many thanks,
> Leland Deane
> 
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