Moved to London - Asking for Tips

[taffy]

Hi

I'd like to ask some tips around the area of street photography etiquette in London. I've recently moved to the UK and would like to ask those who shoot a lot in the UK for useful advice from a cultural, even legal, standpoint.

Some areas of concern:
- frontal shooting people
- asking permission
- legal stuff I want to avoid such as places you cannot shoot / photographing in public places
- posting street photos - are model releases required?
- where to buy cheap film & chemicals 🙂

Thanks in advance!

 

[sleepyhead]

I lived in the UK from 1995-2000, and go back to visit friends periodically. In general, street photography in London is pretty straightforward as it is a very touristed place so people with cameras are not unusual.

I would avoid taking pictures of children. There is a lot of focus on paedophilia in Britain, and taking photos of children you don't know personally may get you into trouble.

 

[Sparrow]

... there is no expectation of privacy in public, even children (although the parents may object it isn't against the law) there are some rules around Parliament and Whitehall just act like a tourist and no one will bother you.

Just be courteous moan about the weather, London transport and say sorry first if someone bumps into you ... don't try to start a conversation with a southerner and stand to the left on escalators, thankfully I don't have to visit now I'm retired 🙂

 

[DaveTheWalker]

..Stand to the *right* on escalators... walk on the left 🙂

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I work in London and have done so for the past 16 years (though originally from just outside Manchester). London is an international and culturally diverse city and most people will neither see you nor acknowledge your existence if they do. It can be very impersonal.

Despite most places bein open to the public, places such as railway stations and shopping centres are private places and you may well be challenged if you start taking photos. I've been quizzed by Police and site security staff around Liverpool Street station and Broadgate.

There is a degree of paranoia lurking below the surface of many people's psyche as London has been the target for various terrorist atrocities from the IRA to the current radical fundamentalists. So long as you're in a public place, you shouldn't have any problems. If anyone wants to see your photos (or delete them / confiscate film), they will need to get a court order to do so.

My advice is to also see a lot of the rest of the UK as well. London's okay - but it can be tacky and damned expensive.

 

[Brian Atherton]

All of the above information is useful and pertinent – especially keeping to the right-hand side on escalators! 😉

Also be aware that many ‘public’ spaces are nothing of the sort; they are private property owned managed by companies that allow the public access at their discretion.

Some are ‘policed’ by private security, that sometimes are heavy-handed and, in some cases break the law, when dealing with photographers.

This said, I have never had problems taking photos around London.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0348467576/streetphotog

http://londonist.com/2014/08/heavy-handed-security-prompt-photography-appeal.php

http://londonist.com/2011/07/security-and-the-city-shooting-in-london.php

 

[Sparrow]

.... spoil-sports

 

[taffy]

Thanks for your advice, folks. Sorry for the late reply. Trying to settle in. Cheers!

 

[DaveTheWalker]

Sorry for spoiling your fun, Sparrow 😉