Mass Photo Gathering

[chris-p]

Just in case people haven't seen or heard, the I'm a Photographer, not a Terrorist organisation are planning a mass gathering in Trafalgar Square from noon on Saturday to protest at the number of "stop and search" and "detentions" performed the police on innocent photographers under section 44 of the terrorism act.

From their website

Mass Gathering in defence of street photography

I’m a Photographer, Not a Terrorist! invite all Photographers to a mass photo gathering in defence of street photography.
Following a series of high profile detentions under s44 of the terrorism act including 7 armed police detaining an award winning architectural photographer in the City of London, the arrest of a press photographer covering campaigning santas at City Airport and the stop and search of a BBC photographer at St Pauls Cathedral and many others. PHNAT feels now is the time for a mass turnout of Photographers, professional and amateur to defend our rights and stop the abuse of the terror laws.

[Gil Ritchie]

A venue I will definitely NOT be attending. Not because I am not a photographer - although many would disagree with such an observation - as I only take snapshots - apparently - but because such a venue will undoubtedly attract every weirdo and anti - establishment element under the sun - and dare I say - it may even attract "real terrorists"- as such cover could prove ideal for them and their insidious activities - God forbid.

Although I have certain sympathies for any photographer caught up in the current "stop and search" climate - what is perceived to be by many as somewhat over attentative actions by the police - their job is hard enough detecting and dealing with the REAL TERRORIST without having their resources yet again stretched to police such gatherings.

So I for one will be "well out in the country somewhere" - somewhere where it will be safe from such a potentially "maddening crowd".

[KeithT]

We could miss out on some good candid stuff, Gil. I won't be there either. Never did like mass gatherings. They seem to cause more problems than is necessary in my opinion. The police are now to use airborne cctv cameras to keep an eye on us all as we go about our daily business, so be careful where you take a leak when trekking around the countryside.

[Amy Davies]

Did anyone go to the photo gathering on Saturday?

Check out our video of the event to hear some of the views of the photographers there:

http://www.photoradar.com/news/video...3-january-2010

It's great to see so many photographers gathered together to support a cause they feel passionate about!

Amy

[chris-p]

I went with a couple of friends. Was a very good turn out, if a rather surreal experience! It was well organised and entirely peaceful - there were even a couple of PCSOs taking photos on their mobiles!

A few of my shots from the day:

[jinky]

Nice shots Chris. Like the dog one - although it`s Ok protesting but I think he looks a bit shifty myself

Would have liked to have been nearer and gone. As I`ve said elsewhere I am heading a Leeds Flickr revolt against implementation of new rules that seems to be blocking anyone with a DSLR taking photos on our main public square which is closed off and licensed for events paid for by our taxes. Evidently because one or two might complain about being in shots the Council have decided to restrict photography on there and make people with "professional looking cameras" stay away or apply for a permit where they have to sign a form stating they will get consents for all persons in a picture - parental consents for under 18s
A few of us have decided a phase of civil disobedience is called for as it does allow photography if "with family and friends for personal use". But if you put up a tripod or use a 70-200 lens security will stop you. Enforcement during our german market was hit and miss but our Ice Cube event promises to be different. Only here would a council put on what is seen as a major tourist event and try to stop you from taking photos!!!!

What`s it all coming to

[PaulMontgomery]

Nice pictures of the demo - shame there wasn't more about it on the news.

Good luck with the protest Jinky.

[BryanSheehan3]

I usually visit two or three countries in Europe each year including the UK. After reading about this rather terrifying situation I feel that it will be prudent to stay away from the UK especially London.

Bryan

[chris-p]

We did get some coverage thanks to the BBC but not a lot. Then again, it doesn't affect most people, even if they take photos on the street in central London as most will use their mobiles or compacts so would never get stopped and searched!

[jinky]

Yes Chris the Police and Security jobsworth approach seems to mean that all terrorits / paedophiles etc are drawing attention to themselves using DSLR, often with long lenses and tripods. I don`t know why they don`t jus log onto Google earth and save themselves the expenditure on expensive grea. Could spend the savings on more fertiliser then.