Photography in public

[Hugh Spencer]

Are you prepared to allow the Government to bring in a law preventing the public from using their cameras or camcorders in public places? There is a petition you can sign if you deplore this antisocial action. It is:-
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Photography/

[alijangra]

It seems ridiculous however, when I was on holiday some old guy was filming kids in the pool that had nothing to do with him. The parents removed their kids from the pool and made them get dressed. it was a bit strange and I felt quite uneasy about the whole thing it really made me think. I dont think there should be a ban but I do think people should be able to request that cameras and camcorders are not pointed in their direction without their permission especially on the beach etc where people wear less clothing. It is impossible to know how close someone might be zooming in on you!!

[Hugh Spencer]

I quite agree with you. People should be allowed to film but there is a responsibility on them to avoid intrusion. If people are in a public place their behaviour should be suitable for that place. I think in the past there has been an 'over the top' reaction by some parents and people in officious positions which has not been justifiable. I was a teacher of 5 to 11 year olds for 38 years so I think I can claim some experience with regards to dealing with children.

[tigerlily11]

I know some schools do not allow parents to film natvity plays and other school productions which I think is a bit much. Parents just want a record of the things their offspring do. Whats wrong with that.
On the other hand in a public place things cannot be controlled. This makes it hard in holiday parks and other public places. Camera phones are not allowed in swimming pools just because of the chance of perverts using them.
Anyone convicted of having child pornography should also be denied they right to carry phone cameras or any other photographic equipment. It would reduce the risk. Yea I know better still keep them locked up.
We cosidered having cctv up on our house after a problem with local vandals but we were told that we could only have them pointing directly at the road or on the side of the house where no other houses were in shot. A bit pointless really as the trouble makers were launching missiles from their front garden across the street.
It is a bit of an infringment for those who enjoy photography or want to film a scene or special event but we have the perverts to blame mostly for this.
By the way, I think this should apply to the media as well. Papers in particular take note.

[Hugh Spencer]

Further to what I have said already, I am a member of the local camcorder club which has, during the past few years, been filming for documentary and dramatic productions. We have filmed in the streets of the town, inside a library, around a marina, the local airshow and floral displays in a local town competition. We are issued with membership cards and occasionally we have discussed whether we should wear those cards in case of police questioning about our motives. I feel there should be a definite pronouncement so all of us can enjoy freedom in this activity, always realising that there may be a minority, and I do mean a tiny minority, who could spoil it for others.

[jenstar]

There should be a right not to be photographed or filmed, even in public places. Unfortunately, I don't think the proposal would actually help with that.

[Hugh Spencer]

Hi Jenstar,
How would that work?

[anotheoldgit]

Regarding the ban on filming your childs Nativity plays etc. I think you will find that most schools film these events themselves now and then offer the Tape/DVD for parents to buy.

Should they ask each parent in turn for permission to do this?

Will we see the end to those very precious records of your kid's victory in the sack race, and egg and spoon race etc?

That is if they still hold them, due to the very strict Health & Safety legislation that is now in place.

[saxy_jag]

"Regarding the ban on filming your childs Nativity plays etc. I think you will find that most schools film these events themselves now and then offer the Tape/DVD for parents to buy.

Should they ask each parent in turn for permission to do this?"

I think you'll find they already do. Parents are told when such events are being 'officially' filmed and have the option to refuse permission for their child to be included.

I play in a community-based band. When children join, their parents have to fill in a form giving contact details etc. The form also points out that from time to time, photos of the band are included on our website, and that if parents don't want their children included, they should indicate such on the form (and actually, that right extends to adult members too). It would mean that the whole group in a photo would have to be excluded, but if that's the way it is, then so be it.

What we can't stop is people photographing and videoing 'our' children when we're out playing to the public. If that's for legitimate reasons then of course no-one minds. If otherwise, with or without any legislation there'd be very little we could do other than to be even more vigilant than we already are.

Such a law would be tantamount to restricting freedom of the press and as much as I loathe some of their antics, that's only one step away from restricting free speech.

[tigerlily11]

Thats all changed since mine were at school.
I know some people who were stopped from filming some years ago at a school some years ago and were not given any tapes of their childs performance> things must have changed since then.

[Gromit]

A couple of years ago I was taking some photos of the impressive G-Mex building in Manchester. I was approacheed by two burly security men who asked whether I had permission. I explained that as I was in a public place I didn't need permission. They invited me to discuss the matter in their office which I declined. They then asked me to wipe the film which I again refused. They then informed me that my 'activities' had been captured on CCTV. Rather bemused and intimidated I left the scene.

A couple of weeks later, it was announced the the Labour Party Conference would be held in that hall the following year.