Over two thousand photographers gathered in Trafalgar Square yesterday. They were ‘fighting’ for their right to take photos in public – without being asked questions.
I’ve recently returned from London, and I must admit it remains the most photographer-friendly city I visit. I was only ever stopped once, in front of Ealing Townhall, and it wasn’t an unpleasant experience. The policeman looked at the photos on my camera, I showed him my ID and everyone moved on. It took less than five minutes.
On the other hand, I suppose the photographer-friendliness of London is in fact due to the high awareness of the British public/photographers. This is where it gets difficult for me to choose sides. I fully understand the security concerns, but I’ve seen examples of other countries where my camera is an unwelcome sight at airport arrivals! Difficult…
For more information, this is a link to the BBC news article about the protest; and for the organisers’ website click here.
Image above was shot in summer 2008. It’s of my father’s old camera from the Seventies.
13 Comments
I think its a fine balance between the felt sense of security and your rights. I think governments often take advantage of public fears to gain more control.
Responsible governments should find a way to protect their citizen without restricting rights.
Perfect summary, my friend.
Thanks.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been stopped and searched for taking photographs. Were you wearing a disdasha when this happened?
I’ve been stopped, too, particularly in malls in Kuwait and Qatar, where I am careful to shoot photos that do not include faces of people. I’ve also been stopped in France!
In malls it’s more people’s faces than security… so you’re right!
Many public buildings and areas are prohibited for photographers in the Gulf.
France?! I didn’t think they cared!
I was stopped once at Beijing Airport Customs…
Yup. I had the same at the airports of Beijing, Mumbai, Karachi, Tehran – but it was not security related! They wanted to ensure that it’s my personal camera and for my use.
This is clearly for Customs!
I think the media has created enormous impact on people’s mind in the west. When I mentioned about our move to Kuwait, one of my friends (if I still call the person friend – thanks to God there is only one) says several times, “Oh, you’ve decided to go to a terrorists’ country.” I can feel my blood was rushing to my face, offended but controlled my tong. Next time I will say something that is not that nice!
I’ve been stopped by security officers once in the avenues .. and once at Westfield mall in London
oh and once i was taking photographs of a police car that was infront of me in a traffic light .. the police man came out .. asked me “are you taking pictures?” i told him no .. he said “akeeed?” i said yeah .. he left
You should see what happens to places which are unfriendly to cameras. I tend to be hard headed and take them head on!
i love this camera !! do they sell it in kuwait?