Photography on the Underground

Jelster

Jelster

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Steve
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Can anybody tell me what the rules are, I'm sure that there is NO photography allowed on the platforms, but what about elsewhere ?

I have a project in mind but I will need to shoot in the passenger areas (walkways etc). Is there somebody to contact to ask permission ?

Steve
 
I believe you must have a permit to shoot anywhere on London Underground or they throw you on the tracks! :gag:

No idea how difficult it is to get one, but doubt it is very easy.... or free!
 
I think Chip has it right, but, if you shoot with a compact with the flash off and look like a tourist you'll probaly get away with it, produce an SLR and I suspect you'll get stopped (and chucked on the tracks)
 
Its permitted so long as it is not for commercial reasons if it is for commercial rerasons then you need to apply for a permit.
Obviously no flash to be used on the platforms.

Tripods would be a no no as well.
 
feek said:
I 've heard that there is a pass that cost £35 and allows you to photograph at tubes stations. It lasts a month I think. Here's the link.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/termsandconditions/14696.aspx
Click to expand...

That's magic, thanks. It's £35, the permit is for 1 month and it's for the individual plus up to 4 "crew". T&C's look OK as well. Right, just need to plan it all and send off for the permit. I may also get a reflective waistcoat with "Photographer" on the back, at least it will make it look like I'm taking it seriously.

Steve
 
For non-commercial photography: Link

[Edit] I don't know what's happened to the link but it basically said you're OK to take photographs if you are passing through and not hanging around stations for more than 15 minutes. No flash or tripods on the platforms.
 
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Just to confirm, this is a non-commercial project which I thought of the other day. I'm a bit miffed about not being able to post them on the Internet though :( Maybe I could actually speak to somebody ?

Steve
 
I have recently started taking pictures on the underground now that I have a fast lens with which to do it, never had a problem so far but I don't hang around for more than five minutes at a time so I guess I don't draw attention to myself.
 
Yep I'm with Matt here - did quite a bit last year, didn't get a permit, but moved around all the time, didn't bring too much attention to myself either. Try it and if you get stopped then apply for the permit - you might be able to save yourself £35 - oh and be able to post on the internet !!!
 
I was down in London with the family last November and I snapped away to my hearts content while we travelled around on the underground. I took pics on the platforms, trains and escalators, all without any problem.
Maybe I didn't look too :suspect:
 
I'm a bit miffed about not being able to post them on the Internet though
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Whats the issue - once you leave and post them what are they going to do?
 
I've taken loads of photos on the underground and never had anyone talk to me or been stopped. Maybe I just look like a typical harmless student.
 
OneTen said:
For non-commercial photography: Link

[Edit] I don't know what's happened to the link but it basically said you're OK to take photographs if you are passing through and not hanging around stations for more than 15 minutes. No flash or tripods on the platforms.
Click to expand...

you have to search for photography on the underground

No mention of tripods but I believe its the easiest way to get yourself noticed and thrown out if you don't ask permission (that and using flash).
 
simonw said:
No mention of tripods but I believe its the easiest way to get yourself noticed and thrown out if you don't ask permission (that and using flash).
Click to expand...

Both may be hazardous, so due to health and safety implications that makes sense.

Tripods can be a trip hazard in a busy station. Flash - irritating to passengers, and very bad for the train driver.
 
From almost daily experience ...

As long as you don't use a tripod or a flash then you should be okay. Don't linger too long and if you are stopped just explain what you're doing. If you are going to hang round somewhere for a bit find the station supervisor and explain what you're doing.

And don't worry about posting the images to the interwebs.
 
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