We have the latest update for photographers, the UK Photographers Rights Guide v2 is an overview of the legal standing for photographers, it has a 2 page layout for easy printing.

It has been at least 4 years since the last update, and while it only gives a short guide to what a photograper can and can't do from a legal perspective, it is invaluable guide to carry with you. Some laws have changed and the document reflects the new changes, the most important being that police have new powers. Under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 they have the power to stop and seize for articles which could be used in connection with terrorism, not only that they can seize articles as well. Even PSCO's can use the new powers if allowed in your area with a constable in attendance.

Download the UK Photographers Rights Guide v2 for more information and guidance.

A series of Free Photography Lessons from Jim Bacsi

I gladly offer this basic, 5-part series of photography lessons FOR FREE! Our world has become increasingly visual in the way we communicate. We not only take more pictures, we show them, send them and display them to more eyes than ever before. Wouldn't it be nice to capture and show better pictures?

1. How to tell a story with our photographs by understanding the 4 dimensions associated with the art.

Photography is not near as enjoyable as it used to be, there is always someone who will cause a fuss. I can't believe some of the incidents I read about, like a parent who takes photos of his own children in a park and gets locked up for the night in a prison cell (what were the police thinking). What about people who take photos in public places and are harassed by a minority of policemen who start claiming national security or terrorism. It has gone beyond a joke and the police really need to get a grip and stop treating ordinary people like criminals. The law is clear in most instances about people taking photos in public, this is backed by goverment ministers and the Prime Minister, so why do some police forces take a different stance.

Members of the public over react when they see someone with a camera, generally citing laws that don't exist and causing such uproar that it is taken seriously by policemen, to the point of them being taken away and treated like a criminal. And I might point out they will, in nearly all cases be released without charge depending on the circumstances, how humiliating is that for the person.