Britain’s magazine for the amateur photographer (aptly named Amateur Photographer) has unveiled a clever and useful resource for the amateur and independent photographer taking pictures out in public. In the last few years, photographers have come under increasing pressure for appearing suspicious when taking pictures of people, buildings and landmarks. In fact, many photographers have been detained and searched by police officers, putting a job for some and a hobby for many in question. However, AP is hoping to bridge this miscommunication by distributing a small patch of microfiber cloth that serves as a lens cloth, and remind the authorities their rights, copied straight out of the Metropolitan Police handbook, with each copy of their July issue.
Among those rights reported by AP:
- “Unless there is a very good reason, people taking photographs should not be stopped.”
- “Officers do not have the power to delete digital images, destroy film or prevent photography in a public space”
This is definitely a great move, and judging by the article, AP has taken a very strong stand as an advocate for amateurs, who often find themselves without a foot to stand on without press credentials, backing from a big publication or a famous name. Obviously the specific language on this camera cloth only applies to the UK, but it’s always important to remember your rights wherever you go. America has slightly more lax rules, and in most places the “if you can see it, you can shoot it” argument usually stands in a court of law. But always be careful, and stand your ground.
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