Your views on this news story.

[steve*f]

An interesting read here http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/apr/16/02-olympic-venues-row-security-photography

Although this is a tourist landmark, with the the up comming Olympic Games in the City I thought could the police or nearby security stop you taking a photo of a ship when you were on public land?

Just interested in peoples opinions.

Regards
Steve

[John Jones]

Hi Steve,

I don't think they 'could' legitimately stop you but am pretty sure that they will try to anyway. Might be an interesting year for ship photography on the Thames, especially in the upper reaches close to the Olympics and H.M. the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

I'm going to 'keep calm and carry on'. After all, I've been photographing ships on this river for the last thirty or so years and have been paying taxes all that time which will go towards funding these events so will take a picture or two for the album if I like ;-)

Best Regards
John J.

[Clydee]

Hi Steve

It is a world wide problem!  Some people use the word "Security"  to attempt to demonstrate assumed power and importance.

Sometimes I am told it is OK to photograph ships but not "Port facilities".  I try and keep cool and point out that far more detail than I could photograph can be found on Google Earth.  Then some of them just smile and say they are only doing what their boss told them to do.  And we each keep on doing what we were doing.

Sometimes  a diplomatic retreat is the best option.  But if anyone tried to take my camera I would threaten to have them charged with assault and/or attempted theft.  Perhaps that may cause them to think about the validity of the law they quote.  I have not yet been put to the test on this plan

Best regards
Clyde