made a prat of myself

happygolucky

happygolucky

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,101
Name
Andrew
Edit My Images
No
popped into town for some night shots tonight when a security guard threatened to smash my camera up for taking pics of the town. I rang the police who turned up pronto and told me had to ask permission from people i was togging. Now i know my rights as a togger, so said "go on then arrest me". they obviously never, but ti makes my blood boil. I'm NOT a terrorist ffs.

only shot i got:

IMG_0003-6 by "only me", on Flickr
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The police woman said "I know your not allowed to take pictures of people without their permission", so i told her,all the time i'm on a public highway and not causing an obstruction i can photograph who i like, she wasn't having it.
phoning my solicitor in the morning, got their names and numbers, not happy, grr
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Pointblank said:
The police woman said "I know your not allowed to take pictures of people without their permission", so i told her,all the time i'm on a public highway and not causing an obstruction i can photograph who i like, she wasn't having it.
phoning my solicitor in the morning, got their names and numbers, not happy, grr
Click to expand...



So they left you alone? In Australia just threatening to call the police on you for taking images or to use the threat to coerce you into showing them images or deleting them is an offence.

We have had cases such as a photographer took a picture of a police officer on a public train. The cop confronted them and threatened to arrest if they didn't delete the images. The photographer won damages over 20k if I recall correctly. There's been a few of these, that's what you guys need to have happen.
 
its the bully syndrome - i've got a badge that says i'm a police office thus you have to do as i say as i'm judge dredd and i am the law.

then when someone challenges that notion they cant come up with one brain cell.

good luck with your solicitor tomorrow - if nothing else at least fire off a complaint.
 
Pointblank said:
i'm on a public highway and not causing an obstruction
Click to expand...

Potentially, they could have nicked you for obstruction if you persisted as you're fairly obviously using a tripod from the pic you posted.

What they actually said twaddle, though.
 
Musicman said:
Potentially, they could have nicked you for obstruction if you persisted as you're fairly obviously using a tripod from the pic you posted.

What they actually said twaddle, though.
Click to expand...

**** em, good night.
 
I refuse to be bullied by the police, i know my rights, just cos they wear a uniform, doesn't mean they know the law, not a fan of them. sorry to offend any police, but get your facts straight before the lecture.
 
Musicman said:
Potentially, they could have nicked you for obstruction if you persisted as you're fairly obviously using a tripod from the pic you posted.

What they actually said twaddle, though.
Click to expand...

do i care? my tripod was not obstructing anyone :shrug:
 
Pointblank said:
do i care? my tripod was not obstructing anyone :shrug:
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but if your attitude in this thread is anything like how you were tonight when dealing with these police officers then all I can say is thanks for putting the cause of police/photographer relations back a few notches :shrug: :bang: :shrug:

I spend a lot of time out at night using my tripod and quite regularly get questioned by the police, after telling them and often showing them what I am doing they are more interested in the results and I have never had a problem with them

Matt
MWHCVT
 
**** the police they wanna try and catch criminals instead of bothering with us photographers ****es me off too
 
Just Dave said:
Sounds like a rant to me, :bang:

Carp shot BTW :( nowts in focus,
Click to expand...
didn't ask for c+c, are you a police man? ok toggers have no rights then? btw my pic i posted is nothing to do with fish? :annoyed:
 
MWHCVT said:
I'm sorry but if your attitude in this thread is anything like how you were tonight when dealing with these police officers then all I can say is thanks for putting the cause of police/photographer relations back a few notches :shrug: :bang: :shrug:

I spend a lot of time out at night using my tripod and quite regularly get questioned by the police, after telling them and often showing them what I am doing they are more interested in the results and I have never had a problem with them

Matt
MWHCVT
Click to expand...

lucky you, how would you have dealt with being threatened at having your camera smashed up then?
 
Pointblank said:
**** em, good night.
Click to expand...

Look, I'm not one to cut the police any favours. I've had my own encounters with them in the past which haven't exactly endeared me to them as a photographer.

However, I was just pointing out that they would have a legal power to arrest you for wilful obstruction of the highway under s137 of the Highways Act 1980 if they asked you move on and you refused.

Technically, it's possible to be causing an obstruction by just standing still - and it's used in just that way to remove people engaging in protests on the pavement outside buildings.

It's one of those convenient pieces of legislation like Section 5 of the Public Order Act (causing "harassment, alarm or distress") which can easily be wheeled out in all sorts of situations.

That's the reality of the situation. Especially if you're out using a tripod, it's worth being mindful of it.

You're fortunate they didn't bring it up and instead chose a completely inane tack to follow, and, yes, that is worthy of complaint along with their apparent failure to register the threat to your property by the security guard. I imagine that did cause you alarm and distress.

Pointblank said:
i might have very steady hands?
Click to expand...

If you can hand hold that well for 25 seconds, you, sir, have earned my sincerest respect.
 
incidently - what was the security guards issue?? why did he want to smash your camera?
 
MWHCVT said:
I'm sorry but if your attitude in this thread is anything like how you were tonight when dealing with these police officers then all I can say is thanks for putting the cause of police/photographer relations back a few notches :shrug: :bang: :shrug:
Matt
MWHCVT
Click to expand...

Matt makes a very good, valid point, Pointblank. It looks like there was a lack of understanding of the law on both sides.

The security guards behaved very badly - no question of that but that's one of the risks of night photography - not everyone wants their photograph taken when they are in a public place - and alcohol plays a big part in that as well.

Sometimes it's more professional to not press the shutter button - even though you may have a right to do so.
 
rhody said:
Matt makes a very good, valid point, Pointblank. It looks like there was a lack of understanding of the law on both sides.

The security guards behaved very badly - no question of that but that's one of the risks of night photography - not everyone wants their photograph taken when they are in a public place - and alcohol plays a big part in that as well.

Sometimes it's more professional to not press the shutter button - even though you may have a right to do so.
Click to expand...

understood, and lesson learnt :thumbs: I'm not out to offend anyone, ever.
 
mani said:
incidently - what was the security guards issue?? why did he want to smash your camera?
Click to expand...

his words were, "if you take a photo, I'll smash your camera on the floor", that's when i called the law, think he was just on his friday night power trip..
 
rhody said:
Matt makes a very good, valid point, Pointblank. It looks like there was a lack of understanding of the law on both sides.

The security guards behaved very badly - no question of that but that's one of the risks of night photography - not everyone wants their photograph taken when they are in a public place - and alcohol plays a big part in that as well.

Sometimes it's more professional to not press the shutter button - even though you may have a right to do so.
Click to expand...

sorry to double post, but i wasn't aiming at anyone, as you can see from the only pic i took. Next time i go out at night, it'll be in the middle of nowhere.
 
Not necessary but I'd suggest a Friday night in town isn't the best time to go out for photography. There's usually lots of drunk people around, or just lots of people.

"Take my photo mate", "That's a nice camera, mind if I have it", "Can I take a picture " etc etc.

How you handle situations like this will define what sort of a night you have. It's obviously got you wound up as you've had around 5 hours sleep, yet there are times when you just have to calm situations rather than inflame them. Sometimes it's better to move on and set up elsewhere.

I've been in similar situations, the secret is to remain calm and polite and the other person usually responds similarly (eventually). Remember a bouncer/security guard on a friday night is dealing with 'troublemakers' so will have a mentality that way to start with, similar with the coppers.

To be honest, with the security guard, I'd have told him I was breaking no laws, but as he was aggressive and threatening I'd move on to keep him happy (but I'd try and get a picture of him). For the coppers, again I'd be polite and point out the rules about photography in a public place. If they suggested I move on because of possible trouble issues then again it's probably best to heed their advice. Lets face it, they've probably had a report of an aggressive photographer, upsetting people by taking photos of them and armed with a deadly tripod weapon. If you're not happy with their actions then take down their shoulder badge numbers, all officers are required to wear them (unless taped up whilst policing a demo in London ;) ) and let them know why you're unhappy with their actions.

As for the photo, I'd up the depth of field, pick a focus point that allows for more of the shot to be in focus and set the white balance to tungsten.

Don't forget for night shots you can layer for light trails so take shorter exposures. Then you get less chance of movement blur
 
assuming there were people around to be obstructed lol

Musicman said:
Potentially, they could have nicked you for obstruction if you persisted as you're fairly obviously using a tripod from the pic you posted.

What they actually said twaddle, though.
Click to expand...
 
Byker28i said:
Not necessary but I'd suggest a Friday night in town isn't the best time to go out for photography. There's usually lots of drunk people around, or just lots of people.

"Take my photo mate", "That's a nice camera, mind if I have it", "Can I take a picture " etc etc.

How you handle situations like this will define what sort of a night you have. It's obviously got you wound up as you've had around 5 hours sleep, yet there are times when you just have to calm situations rather than inflame them. Sometimes it's better to move on and set up elsewhere.

I've been in similar situations, the secret is to remain calm and polite and the other person usually responds similarly (eventually). Remember a bouncer/security guard on a friday night is dealing with 'troublemakers' so will have a mentality that way to start with, similar with the coppers.

To be honest, with the security guard, I'd have told him I was breaking no laws, but as he was aggressive and threatening I'd move on to keep him happy (but I'd try and get a picture of him). For the coppers, again I'd be polite and point out the rules about photography in a public place. If they suggested I move on because of possible trouble issues then again it's probably best to heed their advice. Lets face it, they've probably had a report of an aggressive photographer, upsetting people by taking photos of them and armed with a deadly tripod weapon. If you're not happy with their actions then take down their shoulder badge numbers, all officers are required to wear them (unless taped up whilst policing a demo in London ;) ) and let them know why you're unhappy with their actions.

As for the photo, I'd up the depth of field, pick a focus point that allows for more of the shot to be in focus and set the white balance to tungsten.

Don't forget for night shots you can layer for light trails so take shorter exposures. Then you get less chance of movement blur
Click to expand...


what a quality reply :thumbs::thumbs:
 
you were not nearly arrested but you were quite rude to the police for no reason :cuckoo:

Pointblank said:
popped into town for some night shots tonight when a security guard threatened to smash my camera up for taking pics of the town. I rang the police who turned up pronto and told me had to ask permission from people i was togging. Now i know my rights as a togger, so said "go on then arrest me". they obviously never, but ti makes my blood boil. I'm NOT a terrorist ffs.
Click to expand...
 
Pointblank said:
not a fan of them.
Click to expand...


Andrew, it's probably best not to include statements like this when complaining about police behaviour mate.
It only makes you look like you are using the situation to do a bit of police bashing. I'm sure you're not, but that's how it looks.
It's easy to complain about our police force when they inconvenience us, but on the whole they do a cracking job and they in my opinion do a thankless job.
We are happy to call for their help when we need it. I'm not a police officer mate, but maybe just a little older and wiser.
Not slating you for what you have said, but maybe worth taking a deep breathe sometimes and counting to 10. ;)


Kev.
 
POAH said:
assuming there were people around to be obstructed lol
Click to expand...

Actually, while it certainly strengthens the case and would appear to be common sense, it's not strictly necessary

The Liberty Guide to Human Rights

Liberty said:
The offence is obstructing the highway, not other highway users. So it is not necessary to prove that any other person was actually obstructed - the 'obstruction' can be made out if you simply occupy a section of highway.
Click to expand...

Besides, there was a security guard and at probably least two police officers present at the scene in the OP.

There's also the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 to consider

1847 Act said:
Every person who in any street, to the obstruction, annoyance, or danger of the residents or passengers, commits any of the following offences, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding [F15 level 3 on the standard scale] for each offence, or, in the discretion of the justice before whom he is convicted, may be committed to prison, there to remain for a period not exceeding fourteen days, . . . F16; (that is to say,)

...

Every person who places or leaves any furniture, goods, wares, or merchandize, or any cask, tub, basket, pail, or bucket, or places or uses any standing-place, stool, bench, stall, or showboard on any footway, or who places any blind, shade, covering, awning, or other projection over or along any such footway, unless such blind, shade, covering, awning, or other projection is eight feet in height at least in every part thereof from the ground:
Click to expand...

[emphasis added]

Tripods are clearly goods and from the OP it was to the annoyance of the security guard.
 
Last edited:
kevshore said:
Andrew, it's probably best not to include statements like this when complaining about police behaviour mate.
It only makes you look like you are using the situation to do a bit of police bashing. I'm sure you're not, but that's how it looks.
It's easy to complain about our police force when they inconvenience us, but on the whole they do a cracking job and they in my opinion do a thankless job.
We are happy to call for their help when we need it. I'm not a police officer mate, but maybe just a little older and wiser.
Not slating you for what you have said, but maybe worth taking a deep breathe sometimes and counting to 10. ;)


Kev.
Click to expand...

:plusone:

Your problem was with the security guard and quite rightly so. The police officers were just trying to diffuse the situation in my mind. Although I understand when your mad as hell the red mist comes down for everyone.
 
I would have just moved on. The shot really wasn't worth the argument, leave the law to their already busy Friday nights

There is nothing in the shot that wouldn't have been around the corner :(
 
Last edited:
Nearly arrested? Is that like a little bit pregnant?
 
Metal God said:
You're "...phoning my solicitor in the morning".

Why exactly? What loss/damage have you incurred and do you have money to burn in legal fees? Personally I would get over it and move on.
Click to expand...



Don't you just love our compensation culture? Bet its a "No Win no Fee" solicitor. Or did the OP nearly call his brief?
 
Last edited:
kevshore said:
Andrew, it's probably best not to include statements like this when complaining about police behaviour mate.
It only makes you look like you are using the situation to do a bit of police bashing. I'm sure you're not, but that's how it looks.
It's easy to complain about our police force when they inconvenience us, but on the whole they do a cracking job and they in my opinion do a thankless job.
We are happy to call for their help when we need it. I'm not a police officer mate, but maybe just a little older and wiser.
Not slating you for what you have said, but maybe worth taking a deep breathe sometimes and counting to 10. ;)


Kev.
Click to expand...

:clap:
Well said Kev!
 
Byker28i said:
Not necessary but I'd suggest a Friday night in town isn't the best time to go out for photography. There's usually lots of drunk people around, or just lots of people.

"Take my photo mate", "That's a nice camera, mind if I have it", "Can I take a picture " etc etc.

How you handle situations like this will define what sort of a night you have. It's obviously got you wound up as you've had around 5 hours sleep, yet there are times when you just have to calm situations rather than inflame them. Sometimes it's better to move on and set up elsewhere.

I've been in similar situations, the secret is to remain calm and polite and the other person usually responds similarly (eventually). Remember a bouncer/security guard on a friday night is dealing with 'troublemakers' so will have a mentality that way to start with, similar with the coppers.

To be honest, with the security guard, I'd have told him I was breaking no laws, but as he was aggressive and threatening I'd move on to keep him happy (but I'd try and get a picture of him). For the coppers, again I'd be polite and point out the rules about photography in a public place. If they suggested I move on because of possible trouble issues then again it's probably best to heed their advice. Lets face it, they've probably had a report of an aggressive photographer, upsetting people by taking photos of them and armed with a deadly tripod weapon. If you're not happy with their actions then take down their shoulder badge numbers, all officers are required to wear them (unless taped up whilst policing a demo in London ;) ) and let them know why you're unhappy with their actions.

As for the photo, I'd up the depth of field, pick a focus point that allows for more of the shot to be in focus and set the white balance to tungsten.

Don't forget for night shots you can layer for light trails so take shorter exposures. Then you get less chance of movement blur
Click to expand...
Thank you ever so much to take the time to explain how and what i should and shouldn't have done, much appreciated :thumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top