Re: terrorist/tourist photography

MC wrote:
> "Chris H" <chris@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
> news:uTV9CoJa1T2HFAyQ@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
>>
Http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Labour_MP_Austin_Mitchell_launc
>> hes_photography_petition_in_Parliament_news_197555.html
>>
>>  Labour MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of
>> Commons condemning police action against lawful photography in
>> public places. Austin Mitchell MP (pictured) is canvassing the sup****t
of 
>> fellow
>> politicians following growing re****ts of police stopping innocent
>> photography enthusiasts taking pictures in public areas.
>>
>> The move comes just weeks after police launched a new nationwide
>> anti-terrorism publicity campaign, alerting the public to people with
>> cameras behaving suspiciously.
>>
>>
>>
>
> On a very serious note,  if you are approached please you have no
> legal (UK) obligation to delete your images or hand over your data
> card. Always refuse to do so. They can only threaten arrest if they
> have reasonable grounds to suspect inapropriate behaviour with your
> camera.  It is not illegal to take any photographs in a public place,
> even if they have people in them. However, the images should not
> identify any individual if you are to use the image for commercial or
> similar purposes.  The police have very little powers to do anything
> in these cir***stances and they normally only get their own way
> through intimidation. If you are a legitimate photographer you must
> stand your ground on these matters.
> MC

I've been stopped a few times by police while out taking photos.
I've always found the situation diffused itself very quickly is I'm
friendly 
and chatty with them.
I generally offer to show them the shots I've taken. Sometimes they take a

look, sometimes they don't. But I've never been asked to delete photos or 
hand over memory cards or film.
The situation normally descends into discussion about cameras and
equipment 
and their various merits.

I always carry a few business cards in my camera bag, and give one out to 
anyone who questions me.
It also helps to carry a few model release and property release forms in 
your bag too, as it indicates to the police that you take other peoples 
right to privacy seriously.

As with most things in life, you can catch more flies with honey than with

vinegar.