Tourist Photo Requests

I feel that the paranoia which surrounds street photography in the UK these days is very inhibiting. Even if one's subject is agreeable, there are always 'jobsworths' hovering around such as PCSOs, Security Guards, and the ever-present CCTV surveillance, which might result in one being questioned. In fact many shopping areas (if privately owned) now explicitly forbid photography. There seems to be an automatic suspicion of the motives of anyone photographing in the street  - the assumption seems to be that the photographer is either a paedophile or a terrorist, or possibly both. I admire the works of Cartier-Bresson and others of a similar generation, but I suspect even they would find the current paranoia difficult to cope with. Sadly, this is why I now restrict my outdoor snapping mainly to landscapes and buildings, with the occasional street view when I feel it is not intrusive.

More good points Edward. In May I found myself in a city centre shopping precinct. I was struck by the glass roof and pointed my camera upwards, well above anyone and was soon challenged by a security guard, who told me that it was strictly forbidden to take pictures there. I offered to delete the offending pictures but he said just not to take anymore. I got the distinct impression that the guard felt a little embarrassed at having to challenge me and was very pleasant and so I just put my camera away and left. Now, this might seem petty on my part, but do not feel inclined to enter the place other than to use it as a short cut.  

I still enjoy street photography, and intend to carry on, but maybe not in undercover shopping areas! We are supposed to be living in enlightened times, but Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus, and Martin Parr et al had far more freedom in past decades. Once it was fine to take pictures in, for example fun fairs, capturing great candid shots including innocent ones of children. I would not dare so to do now. I’m a grumpy old man, but fear that political correctness is taking away more than it gives back in so many different areas, including the street and places of work. Seems to me that much of the fun is leaving us and turning us all into screen peering “wired for sound” introverts. Overstating? Well maybe, but I hope you who read this get my drift.

Yes, I can relate to all you say, Rod. The problem is that shopping centres, and even the surrounding areas of some buildings are on privately owned land. As such, the owners or their agents are within their rights to ban photography, although this often seems oppressive. As for public land, I think it is still legally permissible to take pictures freely, but the feeling of paranoia persists.

The innocent pictures of yesteryear showing street children at play could not be taken today without there being a swift follow-up visit from the Police. I read a story somewhere about an amateur photographer being arrested in Trafalgar Square. He was taking pictures of the fountains, but the Officer noticed that there were children playing in the water, therefore he must be a paedophile !  

 Ho-Hum, isn't life grand ?