Chris M
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Post by Chris M on Dec 30, 2012 17:03:48 GMT
(Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I wasn't at all sure)
As part of her thesis, a friend is writing about how attitudes to photography have changed over the years using public transport as an example. It would be really helpful if anyone has copies of old versions of rules, etc. regarding what is an isn't acceptable - especially anything from when photography was officially encouraged.
She doesn't need current rules or ones that have not changed in any significant way, and personal recollections will only be of limited use. The most useful will be documents, etc, that can be academically cited.
Thanks for any help you can be.
Chris
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2013 7:10:51 GMT
Hi Chris,
I think you'll find it hard to gather actual evidence that 'rules' have changed. When I started photographing on the UndergrounD in 1987, no-one was bothered and the only rule was no flash photography. The biggest risk was being mugged for your camera.
The biggest change occurred after 7/7 when for some reason anyone with an slr was assumed to be a terrorist - though I've never understood the connection.
With the increase in the use of il-informed security staff for bus stations, many of these people see photographers as an easy target, and they hide behind false H&S rules.
I also think that the rise of 'street photography' and candid shots are also to blame for the shift in attitudes.
To sum up, I'd say your friend needs to look at changes after 2005.
HTH
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slugabed
Zu lang am schnuller.
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Post by slugabed on Jan 1, 2013 10:24:12 GMT
I'd agree with DavidH
I started photography on the Underground and BR in the late 70s,and staff were generally extremely helpful and accomodating.
The rule were,as I recall: No flash photography,especially in tunnel areas.No tripods,don't get in the way of anyone,move when asked to by a member of staff.
There were prohibited areas (ends of platforms,say) just as there are now,but blind eye was turned as long as you weren't a nuisance in any way,and seemed aware of your own and others' safety.
I don't suppose the written rules have changed,just their application by the paranoid and over-zealous.
In the 70s,there was an article in "Railway World" about railways behind the Iron Curtain,particularly Poland (much steam operation at the time,so a popular choice)
The article went to great pains to warn readers that photography of installations such as depots,bridges,signal boxes,anything military was forbidden,and that western rail buffs had been arrested or hassled by the Polish authorities.
How we laughed at that paranoid attitude and were glad that we lived in such a liberal country as UK,not a totalitarian state....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2013 21:38:48 GMT
Thinking about it, the first ever time I got hassle from an official when taking photographs was in 1991. I was with a friend taking photos at Gateshead on the Tyne and Wear Metro when we were rudely told to stop taking our photographs by two Metro inspectors, who looked more like the famous 'Bottom Inspectors' from Viz. I understand that the Metro is a no-go area for photographers, unless prior permission has been requested. Similarly, the Glasgow Subway has banned all enthusiast photography, although when I visited in October 2010, no-one was bothered at all. When I visited the Subway in 1988, I was even given a cab ride by a friendly driver - he was chatting to me after seeing me taking pictures. |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
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Post by North End on Jan 2, 2013 12:47:38 GMT
Thinking about it, the first ever time I got hassle from an official when taking photographs was in 1991. I was with a friend taking photos at Gateshead on the Tyne and Wear Metro when we were rudely told to stop taking our photographs by two Metro inspectors, who looked more like the famous 'Bottom Inspectors' from Viz. I understand that the Metro is a no-go area for photographers, unless prior permission has been requested. Similarly, the Glasgow Subway has banned all enthusiast photography, although when I visited in October 2010, no-one was bothered at all. When I visited the Subway in 1988, I was even given a cab ride by a friendly driver - he was chatting to me after seeing me taking pictures. I don't think the Glasgow ban ever came in to effect. I spent a week there recently and had no problems at all. |
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Post by grahamhewett on Jan 2, 2013 12:53:04 GMT
There was nothing at all about photography in the Railway Byelaws in the set I signed off in c1987, and I think everyone would have been astonished if the Board had sought to restrict photography at that time. With Railtrack and Network Rail we know better now, of course...
The Victorians had an even more relaxed view - one has only to see the familiar shots of station staff all over the p/way and people stacked on tenders and running plates.
GH
GH
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