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?
Thanks to all those who repsonded either directly or indirectly! We are happy to announce that we will be working with the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) to produce virtual tours of the facilities they offer.
