Now I am no expert on the law regarding taking photographs in public and there are loads of great articles out there that cover the subject in some detail. I was just curious as to other VR or traditional photographers experiences, so as a starter I thought I would share my two encounters with the “law”.
Encounter One
It was a dark and wet winters evening in Kyle Street in Ayr, outside “Ayr Central”, a shopping precinct. I was out experimenting with my new camera lens trying to capture the Christmas lights with varying degrees of success. OK, one last set I thought – minding my own business and standing on the public footpath with tripod in hand, not a soul in sight.
I became aware of a malevolent presence over my right shoulder, I feared the ghost of Christmas past! but thankfully it was just a security guard in a yellow fluorescent jacket.
A young chap, “What are you doing” he asked. It is at this point I thought, my answer here will dictate how the rest of our conversation goes, so, I replied politely along the lines of “taking photos of the street lights”. I was told I couldn’t. Asking why not, I was told that I needed the precinct manager’s permission as I could be a competitor or something – taking photos of Debenhams store front…Eh? Go Figure…
Now that’s hardly a dramatic example, but I was hindered from going about my business in a public place and all within the law.
PS. Ayr Central now have a virtual tour, it’s sooo bad it’s not true. Why do people do that?
Encounter Two
Braehead shopping centre. Now to be fair I should have gotten prior permission to take photos – I just thought I would get a couple of sample shots to prepare a demo VR tour. Overlooking the ice rink was a good spot to capture the centre’s bustling activity. I had just finished the last shot when I was apprehended by security.
The FIRST question asked was “are you taking photos of your own children on the ice rink?”
!!!WHAT!!! Oh great, I’ve been flagged as a possible pedophile on the premises, the police will be here any minute. I was somewhat shocked.
Fortunately my young son was with me and my wife and daughter were nearby so I was able to explain myself and apologise for not having permission to take photographs inside the shopping centre.
What troubled me though was the first line of questioning – not – do you have permission to take photographs today or what are you doing or who are you etc…, but are you taking pictures of your own children.
Again hardly dramatic but I thought it a bit confrontational at the time. Not that I blame the security guard or centre staff, sadly it seems to be the way the world is today…
Got any encounters to share?
