Simon Taylor, photographer and webmaster, has started an online petition on the UK government's 10 Downing Street website against possible future restrictions on street and other documentary photography.

The issues surrounding this petition are based on identity cards which are being proposed, and are already in use by some, photography bodies and organisations. Taylor states that these cards "will serve to create an 'uber class' of photographer, and restrict the use of cameras by normal citizens."

Taylor was prompted to start the petition after two members of his local camera club were asked to leave a (public) rugby match that they decided to take some pictures of. They had a legal right to be there as it was taking place in a public park and they were legally allowed to take pictures of the match.

They were intimidated by the game's organisers on the grounds that they were violating child protection guidelines and infringing on the children's privacy. Nobody in the United Kingdom has the right to privacy in a public place and, as such, there are no restrictions on photographing either adults or children.

It later transpired, after the two photographers had been visited by the police, that there was a club photographer at the event who was concerned that they were affecting his income. There is an obvious concern that some photographers may be photographing children in public for more sinister purposes and the Criminal Records Bureau operates a scheme to prevent this. However, photographers who happen to be approved by this scheme don't have any more right to photograph such public events as regular photographers.

After the incident, a number of photographic organisations proposed a joint scheme that would require members to carry an ID card. The following is a sample of such a proposed card from Taylors web site, as drawn-up by the organisations concerned:

"**** ****, BA, LRPS is a member of The PHOTOGRAPHIC ALLIANCE OF GREAT BRITAIN and THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, Council SOUTHERN PHOTOGRAPHIC FEDERATION, Past President of ****** CAMERA CLUB"

[with photograph]

Back:

"Mr **** **** does not take photographs to sell or for any commercial purpose. You are asked to meet any reasonable requests and to respect his rights to follow his interest in photography in any public area. Photographs may be used in local, national or international competitions only."

The argument here is, that, just because a photographer has impressive credentials doesn't mean that they are any more special than any other member of the public with a camera, or that they have any more right to take photographs in public. There is also no reason for photographers to place unnecessary restrictions on themselves whether they plan to use their photos for commercial or private purposes.

The fear is that those who don't carry these cards would be seen as inferior and less entitled to take photographs in public. If the cards became commonplace, it is possible that they would be seen as a pseudo-legal entitlement to street photography that would restrict the rights of non-cardholders.

The UK has a long tradition of freedom, liberal rights and equality and it is important that this state of affairs if preserved.

The petition can be found, and signed, here: [link]

Taylor's web site and the full story behind the petition can be found here: [link]