subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 30 November 2019 53
T
o cut to the chase, there are no laws
to say we can’t take pictures in public
places – so basically we are free to
shoot where and what we want.
There was a time when a lot of people, the
police included, believed that somehow taking
pictures in towns and cities was illegal, and
AP was inundated with letters and calls from
readers who had been stopped in the street
by members of the public and police officers.
Fortunately, after a long campaign by AP
and other photographic movements, all that
has changed and the police now have a much
better understanding of everyone’s right to
take pictures where they like.Public and private spaces
It’s essential, of course, that there are no laws
restricting our ability to take pictures in public
places as we need a free press and personal
rights to record the world as it is. And artists
and commentators need to be able to express
themselves through photography just as they
do through words, art and music.
Although we are free to take pictures where
we like, rules are different for private and
public property, so it pays to appreciate where
you are. In towns and cities there are many
places that appear to be public, and which the
public appears to have free access to, but which
are in fact private property. Shopping centresare an obvious example, but often ‘public’
squares in shopping areas, and even a good
stretch of the bank of the river Thames, are
actually private property. However, even on
private premises we are free to take pictures,
but you can expect to be approached and
asked what you are doing. The owner, or
a representative of that owner – such as a
security guard – has the right to ask us to stop.
You can argue with them, but it will get you
nothing other than fired up. If approached, it’s
much better to be friendly and open about
what you are doing, and to even show some
of the pictures you have taken to demonstrate
you are doing nothing suspicious. Security
guards almost never change their mind once
they’ve asked you to stop, but they might
suggest somewhere else you might go. If they
have only asked what you are doing they
might allow you to carry on. You are onDamien Demolder
Damien Demolder is a street
photographer, journalist and
former editor of AP. He runs
photography workshops and
offers one-to-one tuition on
a wide range of subject
matter. Visit http://www.
damiendemolder.com.ALL PICTURES © DAMIEN DEMOLDER
Froma legalperspective,takingpicturesinthestreet
isn’t as complicated as most photographers assume.
Damien Demolder shares his tips and experience
p hy and the law
But what about the kids?
Display common sense when photographing
children – be open, confident and friendly. If
the parents are nearby, ask permission and
offer to send them a copy of the picture.Model releases
If you plan to use your pictures for editorial or
personal use you don’t need a model release.
However, anything sold for commercial
purposes needs the right permission.Be more Cartier-Bresson
Try to blend in – using a small camera and
dressing discreetly will enable you to observe
and record street scenes without attracting too
much attention.