Cate at Canary Wharf
Discussion
Went over to Canary Wharf yesterday to meet a model and take some photos, I didn't realise just how much of a police state it is over there. I was taking photos quite happily on my own without being questioned but as soon as the model was in tow it was another story. As soon as I set up my tripod a security guard comes rushing over:
"You need a press permit to take photos here"
"What about that guy and that guy and that guy (all tourists) they're all taking photos?"
"But they're not doing a commercial shoot"
"Nor am I"
"But you're got a tripod"
"If I put the tripod away will that be alright then?"
"Erm.......I suppose so"
So I put the tripod away and he leaves us alone, I'm wishing I hadn't lugged it accross London. Move to next spot and new security guard arrives:
"What are these pictures for"
"Personal use"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"OK then"
We carry on. Then move to next spot. Two security guards in a boat are despatched to intercept us!
"You need a press permit to take photos here"
"Yeah, Yeah, I know"
By this point I thought I had at least one decent shot so decide to give up. So watch out if you're going up there. Apparently the permit office is not open at the weekend either so you can't get a permit then. I'll sort out some more later but here's a shot to be going on with...
"You need a press permit to take photos here"
"What about that guy and that guy and that guy (all tourists) they're all taking photos?"
"But they're not doing a commercial shoot"
"Nor am I"
"But you're got a tripod"
"If I put the tripod away will that be alright then?"
"Erm.......I suppose so"
So I put the tripod away and he leaves us alone, I'm wishing I hadn't lugged it accross London. Move to next spot and new security guard arrives:
"What are these pictures for"
"Personal use"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"OK then"
We carry on. Then move to next spot. Two security guards in a boat are despatched to intercept us!
"You need a press permit to take photos here"
"Yeah, Yeah, I know"
By this point I thought I had at least one decent shot so decide to give up. So watch out if you're going up there. Apparently the permit office is not open at the weekend either so you can't get a permit then. I'll sort out some more later but here's a shot to be going on with...
We were at the Tate modern last weekend, and you are allowed to take pictures in the Turbine Hall, there's the 'slides' installation in there at the moment, I was fine until a security guard came over once I got my tripod out, when he told me I wasn't allowed to use a tripod. Why? Are tripods the new terrorist threat? Anyway used a concrete wall to get some reasonable pics on long exposure.
I can only think the other reason is to stop amateurs taking pics that threaten some of the commercial Tate photographers?? (not that my personal pics would be a threat)
I can only think the other reason is to stop amateurs taking pics that threaten some of the commercial Tate photographers?? (not that my personal pics would be a threat)
Showing people your camera club membership card or a college student card can help prove that you're an amateur rather than a professional (that may wind up poah again, I know 
). Showing the security men a copy of Classic American won't do much for your personal/amateur claims though Nick !
There's a practical reason for not using tripods in museums and public places where people wander about and aren't necessarily paying attention - sooner or later someone will trip over one of the legs as they are (quite rightly) looking at the exhibits or whatever instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Not unreasonable to be honest.
). Showing the security men a copy of Classic American won't do much for your personal/amateur claims though Nick ! There's a practical reason for not using tripods in museums and public places where people wander about and aren't necessarily paying attention - sooner or later someone will trip over one of the legs as they are (quite rightly) looking at the exhibits or whatever instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Not unreasonable to be honest.
te51cle said:
Showing the security men a copy of Classic American won't do much for your personal/amateur claims though Nick !
He He
I didn't get the tripod out again after the first guard, the others were just because of the big camera and model.
Edited by badbeachbuggy on Sunday 19th November 15:09
te51cle said:
There's a practical reason for not using tripods in museums and public places where people wander about and aren't necessarily paying attention - sooner or later someone will trip over one of the legs as they are (quite rightly) looking at the exhibits or whatever instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Not unreasonable to be honest.
Surely the same should apply to any furniture in the same room then.
It's just jumped up security guards having (yet another) power trip.
agent006 said:
te51cle said:
There's a practical reason for not using tripods in museums and public places where people wander about and aren't necessarily paying attention - sooner or later someone will trip over one of the legs as they are (quite rightly) looking at the exhibits or whatever instead of concentrating on what they are doing. Not unreasonable to be honest.
Surely the same should apply to any furniture in the same room then.
It's just jumped up security guards having (yet another) power trip.
The other furniture belongs to them and they have PL cover in case someone trips over it.
It's not uncommon for owners of private land to get sniffy about snappers with or without tripods turning up on their land. Better to ask for consent and do it properly.
If you've been to the Tate, the area I'm talking about is a huge open area and there's hardly anyone around (the end we were at), but I guess perhaps if applying a rule on the blanket theory then I can understand the trip hazard philosophy.
Sadly,though, the result is just the same, we have less freedom to do things now than we ever did.
Sadly,though, the result is just the same, we have less freedom to do things now than we ever did.
badbeachbuggy said:
I'm working on this now but I'm not quite happy with it...
...any tips
...any tips
Although you've put her shadow on the tower block to the left, I'm not sue it would be there given the fact her leg is behind the lower building next to it? Alternatively the small building shudl be in the shadow of her right leg?
I like the idea thought.
The entire Wharf is a private estate, believe it or not - and they're technically well within their rights to prevent any form of photography, without prior written permission. I've worked here for 7 years now - and haven't been able to do the simple thing of stepping outside at lunchtime to take shots for my gallery. As I hope/try to sell these shots - my conscience is even less clear about just ignoring the rules, or 'getting away with it' when not spotted.
They don't however - have any rights over shots OF the estate, taken from off of it - which leads to quite a few cool possibilities, bringing the DLR into the equation, for example.
They don't however - have any rights over shots OF the estate, taken from off of it - which leads to quite a few cool possibilities, bringing the DLR into the equation, for example.
Same as the tube. It's private and they can charge you for taking pictures on their property. I knew someone who did a photoshoot for a new laptop there and was shocked at the price they paid (which for them was expected).
Anyway - tripods... friend of mine has a funny story about these. Worth a read... click
Anyway - tripods... friend of mine has a funny story about these. Worth a read... click
pikey said:
Anyway - tripods... friend of mine has a funny story about these. Worth a read... click
Nicely written
But sadly prevalent of the utter bollox we (as in general public) have to put up with these days. Myself and 5 mates decided to do a "wander round London with the SLRs" day and everything was hunky dory with the sole exception of Broadgate (I think - photo of one corner below). A real jobsworth of a security guard stopped us. I have no problem with people having rules and needing enforcement etc, but it's all about attitude. And this guy had a serious one. Utter dickhead. Managed to get one surreptitious one shot though
I like the more autumnal clothing shots. I don't know if it's just because I KNOW it's winter, but she seems chilly in the dress. Might be the stronger, more golden sunlight giving the time of year away. Having said that though, she doesn't seem that relaxed in any of them. Is she relatively new at it?
Edited by graham@reading on Tuesday 21st November 00:05
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff