tube spotting

As a member of station staff, I am able to tell you that you CAN take photos, provided flash is not used and tripods are not used, [definite no-no on the platforms] elsewhere is at the discretion of the station supervisor. Welcome to the forum matey.

This question has been asked many times and is in lots of places on the forum.

Why hello there!

Welcome to the forum. Indeed, the subject matter of photography has been brought up a numerous amount of times. In concurrence with Tubeboy, you are permitted to take photographs in accordance to the general guidelines and supervisor's discretion.

In all other cases, including photography that has you hanging around in a station for more than just a matter of minutes, it may be advisable to contact LUL's Film Office for a Filming and Photography Permit. Though not compulsory (as of yet, anyway), the permit is free, providing all equipment is handheld and adheres to the guidelines (no flash, &c.), and also ensures you get less hassle from those BTP folks (though, even they have disregard for the say of the Film Office...)

A permit can be applied for here and the Film Office's FAQ can be found here.

I hope this is all of some assistance! And don't forget to show us the photos you take!

Once again, welcome.

(A lot of the 'resident' forum photographers, including myself, usually post up the fruits of our waiting labour here.)

Yes. Anybody wanting to film or take pictures must seek prior permission from the London Underground Film Office.[/quote]
Inadeqately stated (believe it or not), this rule applies specifically to those carrying out filming, and any filming and photography that is strictly commercial.
You have the right with non-commerical photography, as stated in the (pre-July 2006) Conditions of Carriage, to take photographs freely on public grounds of LUL property, providing flash and a tripod is not used. It doesn't even say anything about asking a member of staff to take photographs, though, that seems to be the done thing nowadays to avoid any negative confrontation.

In Section 4, Part 5 of the July 2006 onwards Conditions of Carriage, it states that for safety reasons you must not:

Having gone through this revised copy of the Conditions of Carriage, there is nothing there that states that those specifically wanting to take photographs need apply for a permit to take photographs (whilst in the pre-2006 editions, it simply stated that you could if the photographs were for personal use.)

Having said that, it's worth getting a free permit anyway. Keeps the BTP on their toes, especially when they're about to acuse you of 'suspicious behaviour'. [/s]

Edit: As for now, I have just realised (and to my horror) that the Film Office have changed the rules and regulations regarding permits (though the free permit I applied for just under a month ago is yet to expire). The stated Student permit on the FAQ page used to be the aforementioned 'free' permit (it was specifically for individuals, and crews of 5 or less), but now it comes with a charge! I am now drafting some correspondence to the Film Office, to ask whether there is still a free permit for individuals available and whether we all have to fork out some cash, and will let you all know the information (in a new thread, because I've unfortunately hi-jacked this one) as soon as I get a response!

(Blast!)