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Article on security paranoia against photographers
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There’s a short article well worth reading by Bruce Schneier today in the Guardian. Some very good points are made.
For the non IT members, Schneier is one of the godfathers of computer security, and probably knows quite a bit about paranoid spooks and how they operate.
John
Simple logical sense…it’s a pity about the real world not following logical steps though!
Interesting article.
Has anyone any experience of being asked to stop photographing anything in a public place in Ireland ?
It’s never happened to me, but I have been (politely) questioned a few times on private property e.g. Shopping Centres
FrankC wrote:
Interesting article.
Has anyone any experience of being asked to stop photographing anything in a public place in Ireland ?
It’s never happened to me, but I have been (politely) questioned a few times on private property e.g. Shopping Centres
Yeah. Was on Grafton Street couple of months back. RTE was filming that Annonymous programme. Everyone could tell a mile off- bloke bright orange in a kilt with cameramen and sound-men “hidden around him”. I thought it was yer man off big brother, but couldnt be sure.
So I took the camera out and was rushed down by two girls with clipboards and large earpieces saying “You’re not authorised to do that”. :?: Yeah, I know… I wasn’t arsed fighting. I was only taking it to show the lads. I knew they were wrong – it was a public street. But it wasnt worth the hassle.Only public place I’ve been asked to stop photographing was in the Jervis Centre..by an eager beaver security goon. At the time I was taking a picture of the top of the dome in the middle of the centre..obviously top secret.
But as most Shopping Centre’s are Privately owned was no point in arguing either. Anyway..I already had the shot (it was crap.. :wink: )
Robbie
8)interesting article, thanks John.
What a about a place likea grave yard or the botanic gardens…are these concidered public places?
I was asked what if I was taking photos for any kind of publication in the Botanic gardens as if I was I needed permission. I wasn’t though.
Is this common?Dee
deeorgan wrote:
interesting article, thanks John.
What a about a place likea grave yard or the botanic gardens…are these concidered public places?
I was asked what if I was taking photos for any kind of publication in the Botanic gardens as if I was I needed permission. I wasn’t though.
Is this common?Dee
The Bots are under the OPW, so you need their permission for any commercial photography, but in my experience, having been asked the same question down at Jerpoint, they’re grand for non-commercial stuff, though if you were to enter a shot and win a few grand in a competition, I’m not sure where you’d stand.
Graveyards, I’m not sure. I’ve never had hassle here or in France, though the big thing would be to respect sensitivities etc.
John
Thanks John
I would normally ask if I thought the place wasn’t public. I never thought of the compitition situation though…
Dee
I think a lot of the paranoia comes from the equipment you use. Anything bigger than a P&S without a viewfinder is considered “dangerous”. I was stopped recently in Shillelagh for photographing a village! Once the would-be civil defender realised I was doing this for no financial gain she was content but I let her know she didn’t have a point first. But if I had a camera held at arms length with a small LCD I’d doubt I’d have seen her.
It’s all down to peoples perception of what you’re doing – the bigger the camera, the greater the likelyhood that you’re up to no good.
Damn pros and paparazzi – they’re giving us amateurs a bad name… :roll:Alan
the bigger the camera, the greater the likelyhood that you’re up to no good
In the UK and USA tripods seem to be the big ‘no-no’
Excellent article full of good common sense… It really shouldnt be seen as such a grey area and there should firstly be education for all police officials and secondly a clear statement in the law in relation to such matters..
The Botanic Gardens are only down the road from me and I go there quite frequently. I normally carry my 1D MkIII, and usually the white 70-200mm lens. I’ve never once been stopped. I’m well aware that you need permission for a commercial shoot in there, and actually permission is easy enough to get.
I think some places are being over sensitive, but it’s up to us to stand up for our rights and not allow ourselves to be bullied by security.
irishwonkafan wrote:
And I believe only “Professionals” are allowed use them in Paris.
I seem to remember hearing something that any photography where a person is identifable for anything but personal use in France requires a release form. And that applies no matter how many people are in the picture.
AFAIK over here the guideline is any group of 3 or less would require image release form, though generally only applicable to public personalities.
Just found out that it’s not legal to take shots on any Network Rail station without informing the stationmaster first and if you want to use the shots for any commercial gain you have to have a license at a cost of £200 or £600 for video. Damn it, didn’t we pay enough all those years when it was in public hands. The world’s gone moneygrubbing mad.
Dave
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