Photography in public places.

Remember a couple of months ago when there was a rumour that photography in public places would be banned?
And we all said that it could never happen!
It seems there is some truth in it, after all.
I was in St John's Gardens today, and there was a lot going on.
Bill and Ben, Beatles on stilts, various stalls, giant dragons, adults in costumes, etc.
So, I started snapping and security came up and said I couldn't take photos of children (which I wasn't, and could prove it).
Apparently, it comes under the Child Protection Act, and even parents can't take photos of their own children in public. (Yes, I was actually told that!).
With the 800th birthday upon us and COC 2008 coming up, we'll all have to think twice before we go out to snap public events, and make sure there are no children in shot!
Or stay at home.

[snappel]

Yes, that's right! Start using a camera and you must be dodgy! Political correctness gone mad, or just plain hysteria? Yes, apparently you need the permission of the child's parents. This kind of thing is just counter productive, and creates more problems than it solves.

[taffy]

Originally Posted by PhilipG

Remember a couple of months ago when there was a rumour that photography in public places would be banned?
And we all said that it could never happen!
It seems there is some truth in it, after all.
I was in St John's Gardens today, and there was a lot going on.
Bill and Ben, Beatles on stilts, various stalls, giant dragons, adults in costumes, etc.
So, I started snapping and security came up and said I couldn't take photos of children (which I wasn't, and could prove it).
Apparently, it comes under the Child Protection Act, and even parents can't take photos of their own children in public. (Yes, I was actually told that!).
With the 800th birthday upon us and COC 2008 coming up, we'll all have to think twice before we go out to snap public events, and make sure there are no children in shot!
Or stay at home.

Thanks for the tip Philip. I'm always wary about pointing my camera anywhere near children but it's difficult to avoid in public street scenes etc.

[Kev]

Phil,

I'm not sure about taking pics in pubic places that happen to have children in BUT in schools mate, parents can't take pics of their own kids unless every parent has given written coonsent beforehand.

I went to see my liittle lad in his nursery nativity and was promptly told that I could'nt take a pic of him (my own son) yet there were plenty of women snapping away on their mobiles, weird.

Liverpool City Council may have a similar policy for public places.

i didnt have any problems yesterday, I think the ruling was to do with schools and nativity plays like Kev said. I took several pictures yesterday when the childrens things were on for the festival, (around st Georges hall) you can see some in my mathew street fun post. No body stopped or asked me any questions at all!
kat

[phredd]

Kat2
Not to sound sexist nor anything.
Do you think it may have been because of your sex?

I no longer take pics of children in public places because of the "Dirty Old Man" tag. Was asked what I was doing when taking a photo of my grandson. My answer was > Go and bring a policeman and I will tell you.

Thanks HMG

Phredd

Nooo, I wasnt having any! *sheesh* mEn
kat *grins*! u asked for that!

[Max]

I just try to avoid pics with people In all together unless I can;t take a building shot without people going past.

Maybe I should wear a towel on my head and take pics.