Photography and the Law

Much has been written in newspapers and magazines in recent times about privacy versus photographers rights to take photographs in public places. With the obvious worries in respect to security, personal privacy and safety, particularly where children may be concerned, both professional and amateur photographers are increasingly finding themselves in circumstances where their ability to exercise their right to take pictures is challenged, sometimes forcibly!

Taking Photo's in Public Places

Taking Photo's in Public Places


The law regarding photography in public places can sometimes be a) misinterpreted and b) misunderstood, not least by those intent on enforcing it.

If you should find yourself confronted by a tricky situation when out taking photographs, common sense is obviously the order of the day - if you are asked or told to stop taking pictures, we would suggest you comply with the request, pack up your gear and move on somewhere else. Nobody wishes to spend hours in a Police Station trying to explain that you have every right to take a photograph in a public street, even if you are well within your rights to do so!

We thought that it might be helpful to outline the current legal position in respect to photography in public places. We have found an article by Linda Macpherson that is particularly useful in this regard. You can download the article below.

You can also find more up-to-date information at this website: Photographers Rights and the Law - Click the link for more information.

Please remember that laws have a habit of changing as time goes on and it is always wise to check the latest information with a solicitor or your legal representative should you find yourself in a tight spot!

View 'Photographers Rights in the UK' (PDF)