The bizarre thing is, if you were using a smartphone to take a photo in public no-one would bat an eyelid!

French girl here. I've been doing street photography in both Paris and London for about 10 years now, and I’ve noticed an interesting cultural difference between the two countries. In France, the laws about photography are less permissive than in the UK. For instance, here people have a "droit à l'image" (right to their image) even in public. So if I take a picture of someone in a public space and they tell me they don't like it, I would have to delete the files. On paper, people might assume that it would be more difficult to do street photography in Paris than in London, but it’s actually the other way around. In 10 years of doing street photography in Paris almost every day, I've never had any incidents. People are generally OK with it. Mind you, if they want, they can legally ask me not to take their pictures. But it never happens. The most I get is someone coming to me and asking what I'm doing. After explaining that I’m practicing my photography in the streets, people usually leave me alone. But in London, although I have the law on my side and I've practiced photography there far less often, I've been insulted, grabbed by a guy, shouted at, and every single time I would have a security guard telling me that I’m not allowed to take pictures of their businesses because it's against the law. Every time, I tell them that I’m calling the cops so they can explain that they are wrong, and every time they leave me alone. They basically lie to me about it being illegal. It’s always a weird mystery to me. You literally have a law that is 10 times more liberal and permissive than we do, yet the public behaves as if taking pictures on the streets were somehow illegal. I don’t count the number of times I’ve heard the phrase "it’s not allowed" while taking pictures in London. Yet in Paris, where it’s actually indeed not allowed, nobody bothers me. The only exception was in a tiny village in the south of France where I was taking pictures of a lovely church with a 16mm lens full frame (so the people in the background were very tiny and not the focus of the image), and a woman with obvious mental issues yelled at me in the distance. So yeah, I’m not sure why people are so hostile to public photography in a country where it’s very legal, but I’ve always been very surprised by that difference.

"Hell is other people" Jean-Paul Satre.

The irony is the person screaming at you about their privacy probably has their entire life history on line for anyone to read. Unfortunately the internet breeds paranoia. Fear has become a major industry. Now I remember why I started making images of birds. They don’t complain.

The objection to being photographed in public has gone before the U.S. Supreme Court more than once. In every case the court has held you have no expectation of privacy when you’re in public and the plaintiffs have lost.

I was taking photos of a puppeteer doing a show in Athens. Everybody had their cellphones out and where taking photos & videos. When the puppeteer noticed me taking photos with my DSLR he stopped the show, came up to me and started yelling, told me to delete the photos, if i did not he will call the police one me.. Crazy. I just ignored him and walked away, For some reason people get intimidated by dslrs . anyway,, thats my boring story. Nice video, thanks for sharing.

I agree with you. I was in Paris last spring taking a photo of a cafe from a good distance. A man started to yell at me in English, and I couldn't even tell where he was coming from. I was only interested in the building. I don't even like to go on tours anymore. Most people hate traditional cameras now, including the vast majority of the people on my tours. Most of us experienced photographers are polite and discreet. The cell phone users, with their small, stealthy devices, have no boundaries at all. This is hypocrisy of the highest order.

The only place I can think of where cameras annoy me is at a concert and there’s hundreds of phone screens blocking my view.

I started by first job as an apprentice press photographer for the local newspaper in the 1970s. On quiet news days in the summer I was often tasked to go to the local beach to take some kiddie pictures with buckets and spades and the like, sometimes with parents and or grandparents. We called them "filler pics" (to fill the newspaper) or just "sunshine pics" - sometimes I photographed teenagers and young people, male and female, in swimsuits frolicking in the tide. We published them with names in captions. They were VERY popular and proud parents and grandparents would order copies galore. This was in the days of film and no-one much had a decent camera and certainly NO smartphones. Then something happened. All of a sudden we weren't allowed to publish full names, just first names, then no names at all, THEN I was regarded with open hostility and the paper decided on no pictures should be published at all of anyone under 18 without written permission. About this time the term "paedophile" was just coming into the public consciousness. Later I started my own photography business. I had the police called on me numerous times over 25 years for the "crime" of walking around in public with a pro camera when on assignments. Fortunately I knew many of the local police officers from my time at the newspaper but it wasn't pleasant and became tiresome. One assignment I had was to photograph the exterior of several local industries (for a government jobs agency) and I was pounced on numerous times by security guards, again for the "crime" of photography in a public place. I got so sick of having to explain myself politely to some ranting, so-called security guard that refused to listen to me that I printed out a few copies of the law pertaining to photography and just handed it out when challenged. But even this didn't satisfy some of them. One security guard, clearly frustrated, fell back on quoting the law of copyright as I had obviously included the company's name and logo which was on prominent display. Again I was threatened by the police. I ask you. You'd think with the proliferation of photography and folk wandering about with "good" cameras that photography in a public place would not provoke such hoo ha, but I actually think it's getting worse. I'll recount a story from when I was about 19 and still working at the newspaper. There was a large building fire in the town and the police and fire brigade were everywhere. I dashed out with my camera bag and took some pictures of course. I wasn't in anyone's way but a young policeman I didn't know told me to move on or be arrested for obstruction. I moved a few yards and carried on - I definitely was not obstructing anyone, only to be told I would be reported - I had to give my name. Next day whilst in the darkroom I took a phone call. "This is Chief Inspector So and So - were you the lad taking photographs at the big fire yesterday?" I thought this is it, I'm going to be arrested. Nervously I said yes. "Well" boomed the Inspector, " is there any chance of having some copies of the photographs you took for the lads, and to help with training?" Now I'll admit you do sometimes feel a little awkward taking pictures of some disaster be it a fire, a fatal car crash, explosion, scene of a murder etc. but sometimes such images have LATER proved invaluable to the authorities, even Courts etc, and it's usually the people that might have initially objected to the photography that want to see the pictures first. I'll end the rant here!

Similar situation, a couple of 'youths' shouted 'are you a paedo?' I shouted back 'If I were, you'd be safe!'

20 or 30 years ago, no one gave a brass razoo... nowadays, nosy, busy-bodies, outraged Karens and Johns think they know the law or want to impose their senseless views on you. I've noticed in the past years, especially since moving to Northern Queensland in Australia, that people are not very bright. I like taking pictures of settler's houses, odd things and historical monuments. After parking legally and walking 50m down a country road to take images, with my big fat Sony A7III in plain view, a black 4 x 4 drove past, did a 180 degree action u-turn and drove beside me asking: "Can I help you, mate?". When I waved my camera around and said that I was just taking pictures, the people in the car identified themselves as "neighbourhood watch" - as if I'm supposed to soil my pants and run back to my car. A few minutes later, a red car stopped at the house that I walked past. The woman mouthed over to me on the other side of the road so that I had to walk across. The woman stopped work just to come home because the neighbourhood watch people called her. After explaining to the tenant (who had rushed home for no reason) that I was merely documenting old buildings, she invited me inside and gave me a tour and a history lesson. The same when I rocked up at the beach on Australia Day, when I stood there taking pictures, women shielded their precious children. Geez, if you're worried, put some clothing on to hide your fat. Why not vandalise the CTV cameras and those pervert life guards looking through their binoculars. Let's look away when someone drowns because it's none of our business.

I used to worry about being judged for taking out my camera in public, especially my telephoto lens in my suburban neighborhood. I decided I have the right to enjoy my photography. I get asked questions in nature parks about what I saw, but generally nice. I think people in general are stressed and don’t want to be humiliated on social media. Some people take videos of people and make fun of them on TikTok.

It has happened to me several times in the U.S., including on the grounds of my apartment complex when I was taking pictures of a bird (Pacific Golden Plover). It always disturbs me, to the point I don’t want to go out for a while. The world seems to be angrier and uglier these days.

I am living in Charlotte,NC . I became serious about photography back in 1959. My favorite photos came from Life magazine, so I always took pictures of people. I still go on to the street today. I have only had trouble 3 times in all that time. In each case it was a person who had a mental problem. People know I am taking their photo. I had a young reporter ask me , “are you taking photos of people?” I said,yes and it is perfectly legal. She asked if she could interview me , and I said yes. Well she wrote about me, and over 400 people wrote in that they had seen me and wondered about me. Well then I had people ask me to take their picture. I realized I was not hidden and now wear bright colors, and sometimes take photos using my silent shutter but sometimes just tap the camera with my finger to let them know that I am going to take a picture. I had a gallery called Charlotte Smiles, and when people asked about why I took a photo, it was to show people in the future what life was like today.

I lived next to a burrowing owl community that was located on an empty lot. The owner could not build on it because of the owls. I talked to the owner and asked him for permission to go on his property to take photos. He agreed. First day I went some lady would walked by and yell at me. She did this everyday I went there. One day I admit I got frustrated. Her yelling was annoying me and the owls. So I approached her. We had a conversation where she yelled and I tried to explain. I told her the owner had given me permission. I pointed to my house so she could see that I was also part of the community. I also showed her the images. I was hopeful things would change. One day I made a quick stop because I could see baby owls emerging. I had my 2 year old in her car seat, rolled down the window and was about to take a few shot and there the woman was again. She yelled obscenities at me and my daughter started to cry. I calmed my daughter, rolled up the windows and exited the car. I had been kind on the numerous other occasions, but I lost it. I told her that I had permission and if she would turn her concern to her own life and stop wearing the piece of tape on her wrinkles because it was not going to make her ugliness vanish. She walked away. The next day she was at my front door with cookies she had baked for my daughter and apologized. People come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and mental issues. Struggle on my friend. -American

The sad thing is the police will arrive faster to a report of 'a man with a camera' than to 'my house is being burgled'.

This has happened to me in my hometown Loughborough, though the first guy accused me of being a paedophile and then his mate came along and said they were calling the Police. I said “OK. Let’s wait for them. Do you want me to call them?” Then they very strongly suggested I give them the camera and they wouldn’t report me. They tried to mug me. I walked away whilst they both shouting to the town I was a pervert. Mud shouldn’t stick, but unfortunately it does. You can be accused without any basis.

Probably the best video on this matter Brian. I had a very very bad experience last year, some people knocked me out, broke four ribs, reported me to the Police, I ended up in custody, house raided cameras and pcs sd cards taken. I was half asleep in the sunshine on my way to a nature reserve. Got called a pervert because i was wearing camo, and the Police interviewed me for 45 minutes. They had a problem with the camo tape wrapped around my telephoto lens, questioned why I was in the area, also why i had two cameras and three lenses with me. They dropped the case 5 months later.

Yet curiously nobody bats an eyelid when you take photos with a cellphone in public. Likely the folk who take issue with photographers have something to hide. They probably think you are a private detective for the benefits agency or they made a dodgy insurance claim and think evidence is being gathered lol. The irony that their image is recorded by hundreds of devices daily and they can be tracked using their cellphone is totally lost on them.

Could this be considered "bullying" or just nastiness? My unscientific experiences and observations have taught me that there is a 1:1 ratio with bullies and cowards...the bigger the bully, the bigger they are as cowards. Besides, "Big Brother" has been with us for sometime, in one fashion or another. Really, life is just too short for this. I guess that you can just be grateful that you live your life as you please and you are not miserable: "Misery LOVES company!" Thank you, Brian. Keep taking your camera out, having fun with your photography and wear an attitude that deflects such nastiness. Well done! Thank you!

I agree with you 💯! Years ago, I was hired by a local EMT (Rescue team) to photograph them working a “fake” car wreck (my daughter was one of the EMT’s working the scene as well). Things were good until this woman pulled up and not only yelled at me, but made it her mission to yell at the police officer about me as well, and that was after the chief of the EMT’s and the police officer said they hired me 🤷‍♀️

I was once at a vintage vehicle show, I had a camera and a Google Glass, I was approached by a gentleman and he started to rant on about me using the Google glass “were you taking pictures of me?” It was the Google Glass he objected to, I pointed out other people were taking pictures and movies with their phones, cameras, and even video cameras, but he was targeting me because I was using the equipment I happened to be using. I asked him was he going to tell all those other people to stop filming/taking pictures? He responded by telling me he was going to report me to the police, and stormed off! Many well known vintage photographs are of children, one such example is of a young lad with a bottle of wine tucked in his arm, proud as Punch. I have to wonder in this day and age, would anyone be able to take such a photograph in this day and age without being accused of being something other than a street photographer, but something more sinister?

I am holiday in the Peak District. A couple of days ago I was taking some landscape shots using my EM1 mark 3. A man and a woman in their late sixties appeared in front of me over the brow of the hill. The man very abruptly said' I hope you aren't photographing me'. I replied, 'why would I want a picture of you and even if I did I was perfectly within my rights to take one'. Silence was his reply. Why couldn't he just give a friendly hello like the many other people I have met in passing on holiday? It was very off putting. Some people are just rude and miserable and they will not deter me from taking pictures. Carry on Brian and enjoy your camera.

My kneejerk reaponse is usually "Yeah....I don't care" when someone bags on me for no reason. It starves the trolls.

This topic has been on my mind for many years. I have since had to give up photography for health reasons, but it has happened to me so often in the last 15 to 20 years that I have been attacked for taking photos in public. I have been threatened with beatings. For a very long time, I've avoided crowds of children when I'm out and about with my camera. Especially if you're male, over 40 and perhaps - like me - still overweight, you're immediately seen as a pervert, paedophile or whatever else. I can remember a situation here in Switzerland when I was standing on a cycle path taking ‘motion blur’ photos of cyclists. One of them turned round, raced towards me and barked at me, asking if I had taken a photo. I said I had, what the hell? I took the photo from the side with a long exposure time so that I could capture the motion blur. You can't recognise anyone in photos like that, not even your own son. Another encounter was when a man insisted that I delete the photos. I was using an analogue camera at the time. I told him it was difficult because it was an analogue camera. He then said ‘Ana ... what?’ and probably thought it was a dirty word or that I was making fun of him. I think I was smirking because his request was so ... ‘digital’ ... But it's true that there is uncertainty about the legal situation, both for photographers and, above all, for other people. People in Western Europe are so keen to insist on their rights and not to give up any of them voluntarily that they have completely lost their sense of proportion. It's different in many other parts of the world. On the other hand, many people enjoy photos that show what life was like 50, 70 or 100 years ago. If people had behaved like this back then, most of these photos would not exist.

The world is not nice anymore it seems

There are more nice people than others. Don’t let it bring you down.

We just can’t let people dictate what we do! The only freedoms we lose are the ones we willingly surrender to the idiots! SO DON’T!

Not just photography Brian. I am in my 70s and walk regularly on a country road with very few cars. A few months ago a man stopped his car wound the window down and asked if I had read the Highway Code for walking on highways? Apparently I need to get off the road when a vehicle wants to pass. I looked at him burst out laughing and said I would have to remember that one, It’s a classic. He has passed me again since but doesn’t stop.

I think most of our petty problems now seem related to social media in one way or another.

Street photographer here. I've noticed more and more people being uncomfortable with cameras over the last couple of years. It's a shame

Sorry to hear this Brian. It happened to me once and it was very upsetting, it just blindsides you. People can be so ignorant and self centred.

Please don't stop, Brian.. Thankfully nothing I never had anything like what you went through.

I think the weird camera hatred is fallout from the surveillance society.

Great topic - So strange that people react to someone with a camera nowadays, but think nothing of people with their phones out taking millions of pictures.

It's because the masses no longer use a camera, so it stands out. As someone said below if it was a phone nobody would bat an eyelid. If your doing street photography you sometimes get odd looks but what's amazing is if your near the bus terminals over the intercom comes ' if you see something suspicious phone ?????' that's in my local city of Liverpool. The secret is to do street photography on a regular basis like each week and embrace the fact that CCTV cameras get to know you. I now find I photograph always around the area where there are cameras if someone challenges me about my work I can point to the CCTV cameras saying your being watched all the time with a camera, it tends to calm the situation down. So the secret is what ever city your in know where the security cameras are including those that are in the shops and you will feel prepared & safer for knowing this.

I'm glad you have said this Brian, I'm a self-shooting filmmaker based in London. Since the pandemic, people have become much more agressive and rude. I find it at times very bad in London sometimes. Depending on what I am filming a feature drama or documentary. I do film outside with a tripod, so I stand out much more than photographers, but I do what I can to get the B-roll for my films. Hang in there Brian please!

Great points. From Canada, I haven't had these experiences with my camera, but speaking more broadly, I have certainly observed this tone of nastiness rise in the the general public in other areas. And, yes, I attribute it to COVID isolation/desocialization. Keep a smile and we'll rebuild civilization and community again, hopefully. And keep shooting.

I was out a few years ago on the Southbank in London. I forgot my lens hood, so improvised one out of a paper coffee cup. A hood rat thought I'd taken his picture and grabbed at my camera. I walked away with him holding the cup and looking very confused. It hasn't stopped me from street photography. If anything, it's made me more confident.

I’ve had the sort of incidents you describe occur numerous times over the years. Recently it seems mostly to be people obsessed with “privacy.” In most urban areas, a person is photographed numerous times by cameras they probably don’t know are there. But a person with a camera is an obvious target for them. I usually tell them I’m willing to wait around if they want to call in the police to determine if I was doing something illegal. No takers yet. Several years ago, I was taking a photo of a Toronto office building from the sidewalk. A building security guard rushed over to tell me I wasn’t allowed to photograph the building. I informed him that was not the case. He then told me I was banned from the building. I then took his picture. When he asked why I did that, I told him I’d pass it on to several companies in the building as part of my explanation as to why I’d no longer be doing business with them. The next time I was in the building he scowled a lot, but made no attempt to escort me out.

as a freelance photographer from Australia I've noticed the same thing! And yes since 2019-2020 people's attitudes started to change and has collectively gotten worse to today. I put it down to how the government policy's have treated people in the last 5 years eg. losing jobs, loosing homes, split up familys, the rising cost of living, inflation, rising Morgage rates getting swamped with immigrants e.t.c. people are stressed and on edge! its like the bully at school they go others at a whim to make themselves feel better. its psychology 101 people express outward what they feel on the inside I wouldn't take it personally for so many people right now they are going through extremely hard times I know it sucks but the timing cant be ignored.

I used to treat people as I want to be treated, now I treat people as they treat me. My default is nice and then I match my response to theirs. Its amazing how people react when you are willing to talk to them the same way they talk to you.

Just watched your recent video about being questioned by the general public when out with your camera. I believe that when anyone sees a man with a camera they assume he’s up to no good. Like you said, you’re doing a legal activity and as long as we’re not actively engaging in capturing images we shouldn’t be, then there’s nothing wrong. Easy to say now after the fact but I would just have than “open and honest” dialogue with them if you’re questioned again. Show them what you photographed. You having nothing to hide and they need to see why you’re passionate about what you do. Good luck to you and I hope the next time out is a more positive interaction. Also I’ve subscribed as all of us need to help each other. 👌🏻

If someone complains about being photographed I always say, don’t worry, I only make photos of nice things.

"...something horrible has happened to British public life..." Peter Oborne

Curious to hear of anyone experience at taking photos in public using massive cameras on huge tripods as if being professional photographers working on a project. If I'm not mistaken this is what happened to Joel Meyerowitz. After the September 9/11 attacks, Meyerowitz became the only photographer granted unimpeded access to Ground Zero. Initially, he faced resistance and was told he couldn't take pictures because it was a crime scene. However, he persisted and returned with a large format camera, which gave him a more professional appearance. This move helped him to document the site extensively, resulting in a comprehensive photographic archive of the aftermath and recovery efforts.

never had this except in New York where a lot of people want paying for literally everything. or just get a little assertive I ignore it and choose my moments and then look past them pretending to have taken a picture of something else🤣

This is such a timely subject. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I don’t have any answers but very much agree with you. As a 70 year old I feel certain I grew up in a much nicer world and feel grateful for that. So much makes so little sense to me these days.

Brian, you may want to try that famous quote from „Taxi Driver” the movie: „Talking to me? Are YOU talking to me?!…” etc. ;)

On the rare occasion this has happened to me I fix it by talking to them. It only takes two words - the first begins with F and the second with an O.........

Unfortunately, what you experienced just become more common nowadays. It makes me sad. Thanks for sharing this video Brian, all the best.

Same in America, a guy assaulted me while I was taking photos of the buildings behind him. Its crazy what people think, this was in Boston, MA which I guarantee there are no less than 10 cameras mounted on traffic lights, police poles, and other security cameras. People are just losing their minds wanting to control the situation, but fail to use logic. He was screaming at me to delete the photo I never took of him. Wild out there, stay safe.

Happened to me about a year ago, taking pictures around a housing estate in my former hometown. Mildly run-down only. I got the pervert/paedo shouts and the Woman insisted I was taking pics of her kids. I think it's the fear and anger projected outwards of living a meaningless life. The whole Jimmy Saville/Rolf Harris/Gary Glitter thing doesn't help.

I have had similar situations, not only is it frustrating but it has got me down. As you have said, I'm almost too nervous to take my camera out with me. I was photographing a country lane, used by many walkers near our house, and this woman accused me of taking photos of her. I didn't even know she was there until she mentioned it, she was shouting. Although in her case I think she was mentally disturbed by her reaction and trying to speak to her. I actually reported the incident to the police, I was concerned she might accuse me of something, she seemed that unstable. It was the first time I had been out of the house for several weeks, I suffer from depression, only to meet this mad person. I have had about 3 or 4 such incidents over the last few years. Honestly could do with a campaign explaining to the general public, it is not ilegal to take photos outside in public areas. What really niggles me about this is, I am led to believe the UK had more security cameras per square mile than any other country in the world, where one is constantly watched, but these people never complain about that. They will say it is for security so it's a good thing, but having that amount of surveillance can never be a good thing, even taking on board the security aspect to it. Yet some people are happy to stop a photographer taking photos.

Been filming professionally full time in UK for over 5 years. Very occasionally had people in the background come up and challenge. I usually just smile and keep filming. We have a right to work and if they don't like it they can simply get out of the frame! Don't be disheartened, keep taking photos and stand your ground, nicely with a smile 😂

People are insane-and it’s a sad day when a person just going out and having fun doing street photography gets accused or attacked for doing something legal-My sympathies Brian for your experience. I was doing street photography the other day in New York City and a lady who I hadn’t photographed came over to me and yelled at me to ‘Delete that photo you just took of me!’ I told her that I didn’t photograph her and she insisted on seeing the last photo that I had taken and I told her that wasn’t going to happen, because who is she that I should have to justify doing something legal in a public space? She then told me that she didn’t like the situation, and walked away-I yelled after her that she should keep up the good work of not minding her business, and have a nice day! I had photographed the woman walking behind her, who had smiled at me as I was taking the photo. I’m not going to allow public opinion of me to keep me from enjoying street photography, and will try to deal with people who confront me with respect and dignity to a point because I am going to stand my ground.

A few years back I was photographing my daughter’s netball game. I have a decent camera and had some random come up and tell me off. I turned around and said I was photographing my daughter’s game and she said that she did not want my taking pictures of her daughter. Didn’t point out who she was. I turned around and straight up said there is no right to privacy in public. She walked off muttering “strange that you know the rules”

Make a face like John Cleese and answer: "I`m from the ministry of silly fotography"

Brother, here's a hug. I understand your passion. In such dire moments, best is to practice empathy and diffuse the situation then move on.

There are countless of reasons and examples why people behave like that. Some people know nothing about the law but claim to know more than you do. Some are aged and harbor resentment towards life, while others struggle with anger management or psychological disorders, including paranoia. There are also those who are authoritarian by nature and impose their will on others just "Because!" These individuals, who are not naturally “good” and harbor a grudge against the world for their own reasons, react differently to different situations. They don’t mind when someone uses a cellphone to take photos and videos. Seeing a video camera excites them as they see it as a chance to gain importance and possibly appear on TV. But the sight of a photographer raises their suspicions. But here what I think about this strange behavior: I'm pretty sure this could be attributed to the portrayal of photographers in numerous action films and TV series, where they are often depicted as FBI agents, spies, or criminals constantly taking photos from their vehicles. This is merely a personal viewpoint, but it seems that individuals can be quite susceptible to the influence of films and television shows. And the rise of social media platforms has seemingly contributed to irrational behavior among individuals over time.

People being nasty does not just apply to photography but it appears to be infecting all aspects of our lives. I have lived in the UK for over 50 years now, and I have sadly witnessed the gradual decline in the behaviour of the people in general, and particularly in and around the major cities. People have become selfish, self-centred, aggressive, and unkind and this applies to all echelons of our society from the no hoppers living in the council estates to the the ones who have gotten wealthy in the last 40 years or so. We as a nation have become more wealthy and more advanced in terms of technology, but as a civilised society we have become worse. Sorry to be blunt.

The irony is the UK has more CCTV per head than any other country. People are being watched all the time, and they are being recorded for reasons other than art, yet they have no problem about it.

Great video Brian :) I go out of my way to NOT get a reaction from people too & keep a low profile… A VERY Low profile!!! But unfortunately there is still the odd person that spoils the experience…

I was stopped once by a security man in Victoria station, but it wasn't a nasty encounter. I explained what photos i was taking, architectural ones, and i certainly didn't delete files.

Back in the 1960's my dad would take photos with the little Kodak Brownie camera and nobody said a thing.

Last year I was at a local event taking photos. As I was leaving the area I was surrounded by four security guys who told me I was being kept there until the police arrived. So embarrassing to be held there by these guys while thousands of people were passing and rubber necking. After half an hour a cop arrived on a motorcycle and I explained I had been taking photographs at a public event so not broken any laws. He agreed and called off the security officers. Next day I was contacted by a friend who told me the mother of one child had posted a photo of me on Facebook with the warning 'Beware of this man who is taking photos of children'. This was reposted many times by people who added their own comments. Fortunately I am fairly well known in the area and many came to my defence saying I was a good guy and the original poster should be ashamed of herself. Since then I have been a bit more cagey about taking photos of children but of course at fairs etc that is almost impossible. Yes these days people are getting really paranoid especially were children are concerned. On another occasion I was stopped by two community cops who told me it was against the law to photograph them which is totally wrong. Everyone thinks they know the law.

It happens to me many times in New York City Streets.

Agreed, this put me off using my dedicated camera, also doing photography on my own out in public would seem to irk people more, but taking photos with my partner in toe has never been an issue, I guess because its seems less 'threatening', a single guy with a large DSLR camera I assume comes across as a little intimidating or strange sadly.

Good video and your getting some decent comments. We are constantly under surveillance via sophisticated CCTV and I think this unconsciously puts people on edge. The line is very blurred between authority and our art.

iPhones out in public is just a little more inconspicuous than having a huge professional camera.

My method of getting around this is to use the camera in a discrete way, and avoid people from observing my camera when I am not taking pictures. It is just a fact that there are more and more "Karens" around that does not mind their own buisness and mess with others..

I understand what you mean and it’s very sad! Had the same thing happen to me a few times, and you just feel terrible for no good reason !…

Yes, it happened to me and a friend. He took a photo of a girl's tattoo, it was on her back. We were at an event downtown. Her boyfriend got all warped out of shape and said we couldn't take her photograph. We told him if she/he didn't want to be photographed she should have worn something less revealing and that there was no law against public photography.

Top man Brian, well said. I think it's been a creeping tide of the authoritarian society we live in. Maybe this became more prevalent since 2020 and various things happened around the World. People must realise that ever since the invention of the camera we have documented society as it is when and where we are. We photographers are a really important group and MUST continue to take photographs of ordinary life and of the more interesting things around us. I run a travel vlog @thehappytravellers but have never been approached in this way. Enjoyed the vlog (my first time here) and like your style :)

I do a fair amount of urban/street photography in London and apart from being asked politely to move on by security guards if I'm using my camera on privately owned property/land (of which there is more than you would think), I have very rarely, if ever, encountered abuse. I think people in London are just used to seeing so many tourists using cameras, so don't get worked up about it. However, I am a little more careful (discrete) in my south east home town, but cannot recall receiving any abuse. Of course, it's possible that as I am of advanced years, I'm probably invisible to most of the younger public 😊!

Once I was taking a photography of a scenic lighthouse from a high location which also overlooked a beach area. Some person started shouting loudly that I was a pervert taking pictures of kids on the beach !!! I was some 80m from the beach, and the lighthouse, probably, a further 60m beyond that. I was using a small tripod. The guy even tried to take my camera away from me when I attempted to just leave. In the end I called the local police station and reported him . I told them he seemed to be accusing anyone with a camera. A police woman arrived and just asked him to move along. Apparently he was a local 'celebrity' with them.

I was flying my drone out in the countryside one evening recently, when a woman came up behind me and started with "Excuse me, excuse me, why are you flying a drone near my house"? I asked her where her house was, which was about 200yds away. So I said, no, I was flying above that hill, about 500yds away in a different direction (catching the sunset). She wasn't shouting, but was plainly annoyed, not believing me, and grumbling about filming her sunbathing - even though it was 9pm!. I said I'd fly it back, and she could look through whatever I'd taken. When it was overhead, she asked "Can you see my house from here", so I turned the drone towards it. Next came "Could you take some photos of it"? Followed by "Can I have some copies. I'll pay you for them" We ended up swapping phone numbers, and me promising to take some more photos when her building work is finished! But it was an 'Uh-oh, here we go' moment when she started

I had no problems in big touristic towns where people are always in a hurry. A girlfriend had a problem during a manifestation, where a guy went up to the women ( only ) who were photographing and told them to put away their cameras if not he would break them ! I guess it made him feel as if he had some power. 🤮 I had problems in smaller towns where people felt suspicious about me, even when I was only photographing small chapels or churches. 🤷🏽 I think that these are frustrated people and that they need to have a kind of authority on someone so that they feel better. Thank you ! Great video ! 👍🏽

My late grandfather was a photographer, i can always remember him saying how he gets upset when people would tell him that he couldn't take photo's in public. And im talking about 80's, 90's. So this misconceptions people have about the rights is not a new thing. I myself feel very self conscious about taking photos when there is lots people about, cant help but notice the funny looks you get off a small percentage of people. Yet if you were to spin around with a smartphone, flogging on the internet (or what ever it is they do). No one seems to care. My grandad would document the changes to the area, a local historian. His photos have been added to local archives, so we can look back on the history of the city. Sad to think that without people taking street photo's, we may loose the ability to record history. Just a quick note on these audits, they have an increased number of people doing it, and i worry that some of their behaviours could result in the law of street photography being looked into. Only takes a small minority to spoil it for the rest.

You pretty much hit the nail for me. Street photography is about the street, not necessarily people. I’ve got a fear and can’t shake that fear of photographing with people around so I decided I had two choices, give up photography or find some genre I can use and like. Abstract architecture and that type of thing has allowed me to do something and I’ve grown to enjoy it. Sometimes I think I’m being silly but it’s something I just can’t help but my idea of fun now is going out at silly o clock in the morning and do what I need to do with few people around. The only time I will actually feel ok with my camera around people is if I go out ( a rare event) with the sole purpose of doing what I call street dog photography in the park areas or paths that I know will have dog walkers. I do find it strange though that your more likely to have someone of a suspect nature who can go around taking photos with a phone, or a video for that matter and not be noticed, whereas someone using a camera is obviously not hiding the fact and are much less a cause for concern.

Things here in the U.S. (Michigan) are slowly changing for the worse. A few times I have been confronted, but a lady photo friend of mine seems to be a target most times of the "no you cannot take that photo" screamers. Me, if anyone does not like being photographed by me, all they have to do is ask. But screaming and yelling seem to be the norm now. Possibly they cannot deal with their boss or spouse or kids, so a stranger is a great one to yell at. Right now if the yelling happens to me, I just move on, since trying to have a sane conversation with these people does not work. Keep up the great photo video postings, Brian

These days there are a large number of people who are just desperate to be offended, it’s not specific to photography. Resist letting them win by not changing your behavior. There are still lots of other sensible people around thankfully ….

It really can get irritating and frustrating when others push their “law” on you. It comes in runs for me so I’ve decided it’s a full moon kinda thing.

Had it happen twice, it's a bad thing when the police don't know the law of the land.

I have had a few bad interactions with people while taking photos in Newcastle. Got to say I’m not keen on going out on my own. Gear is so expensive and it’s a constant worry

Yeah! I had faced a similar incident when I was working in one of the Muslim middle eastern countries. One day, I was taking picture of grass from a very low level and I heard someone shouting from a distance. At first, it did not even register as he was way too far and I did not think he was talking to me, until I noticed he was walking towards me and was slowly appearing in my screen. I thought I wait for him to pass by, but instead I realized he was talking to me in an alarmingly rude manner. Since I did not understood the local language, I couldn't understand a word of what he was saying. Then I saw him speaking on his phone and few moments later a police car arrived. Since complaints from locals are taken more seriously, the young cop also behaved in a rude manner. Unfortunately for me, even this cop could not speak in English. Soon another cop arrived and much to my surprise, I finally understood what all the commotion was about. The local accused me of taking a photo of him and his wife, who were sitting at least 75 meters away from me and as for privacy, she was wearing the traditional black burka anyway. Sheesh! So I found that really absurd. I turned on the camera and showed the cops of the images I took. All of them were closeup images or grass, flowers, sunrise, sunsets and landmark buildings. It was a compact camera and not even a DSLR. They tried their best to book a case against me but there was no evidence. Furthermore, they learned that I working for a media and probably had to think even harder. As much as I hate to say it, being a South Asian of brown color, I felt it was more of racism, rather than anything else. The locals look down upon people coming from my country in general. I am glad I do not work in that country anymore. I had no plans to write about it anywhere until I watched your video and thought of sharing my experience. Mind you, I faced this situation over 15 years ago in that country but I find no change in the attitude of the local. They are still the same. I am presently back in my home country, India. I love to travel and being a photography enthusiast, I continue taking pictures of my travels. For the past 4 years of being in India, I have not faced any such issues, at least so far. I avoid taking street photography as much as I can but if I do, I make sure their identities are not revealed. South India is a beautiful country for taking pictures of landscapes, birds, animals, food, culture, and sometimes, even people. If you haven't visited, you must try. Avoid months of summer though. October to January are the best months to travel.

😂when someone accuses you of photographing these kids respond “ don’t worry I only photograph kids when they are cute”

Well I do enjoy taking photos inside the grocery store. Secretly of course. And only when there is no one in the picture. If someone saw it Im sure they would start to bother me for it

Maybe they’re suffering from cognitive dissonance. People willingly submit to surveillance from their phone, computer, car, TV, even laundry machines and refrigerators. But if you make them aware of a camera they flip out. That’s weird.

In my view this issue had nothing to do with photography per se but with social media. Ppl don't want to be photographed and then have their image posted in social media or be turned into a meme. Social media killed street photography.

Yet not many complain about the many state cameras on streets!

There is a cultural shift regarding photography since the dawn of social media. The perception now, is that all things may be put online, perhaps for sinister reasons. Even more so, when a professional camera is utilized in public, people assume the worst of reasons. People are fearful, suspicious and assuming. It almost feels like I need to wear a badge that says "Artist", rather than the assumed labels of social media creator or soming far worse. I often feel sheepish utilizing my photography gear in public places, but it should never be this way. Photography is my artistic expression, what I love the most. It sucks what society has become.

its a sad reality of our modern (turing nasty) world - I have experienced the same "vitriol" in public when I ramble about with my "small" mirrorless XH1 camera albeit with a 18-80 lens mounted .. I have experienced this more then I am comfortable with - I go out of my way to keep "stealthy" and I am aware of my rights when it comes to photography in public -- I have argued that on every street and inside every shop we are being photographed - but it seems the guy with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is under some public attack or criticism - I dont feel comfortable in public with a camera anymore sadly - and I have decided to park my hobby for now .. might get back to wood-turning in my shed ... greetings from Ireland ..

The world has changed since the Covid crisis. Not just for photographers, but for everyone. You were much less likely to tolerate kindness and a majority of people only know one right and that is their own right, even if they make it up on the spot. And their own right is always more important than that of someone else! As a street photographer, I once photographed a dog walking towards me. It was a breed that was known to be dangerous, but this one was a sweetheart. I didn't see the owner anywhere, which was strange because dogs are required to be on a leash in that place. When I finished taking the photos, a young man walked up to me shouting, "Did you ask permission to photograph my dog?" I started laughing madly and replied, "Yes, I did, but the dog thought it was fine. Would you like to see the pictures? I can send them too if you like them." The young man started screaming even louder. "Delete, NOW you old bastard! If you don't delete the photos, you will see what I do to you!". I looked around to see if anyone could help me if the situation got out of hand. I don't want to give in to intimidation. Physically I could easily handle him, but I didn't know if his dog would suddenly turn from a cute animal into a dangerous monster. I also didn't want any damage to the camera. So I pretended to delete the photos, said "sorry" and walked away. The first thing I did when I got home was to publish a photo of his dog including the story about his owner and a description of what he looked like. Greets from Mahdi, Netherlands

That's the free world for you. I travel the world and I experience the opposite, I often have people ask me to be photographed. In your situation I would be more likely to tell them where to go

About 10 - 12 years ago I did a long street photography project in my closest major city. I was finishing my undergrad in Sociology and was deeply emersed in the city shooting sometimes 3-4 times a week. When I was really into it I could blend in and only had a handful of "bad" experiences but overtime the anxiety of shooting in public made it less and less fun. I can't even imagine doing it now. The shame is that people love looking back at pictures of towns, cities and people of the past whilst being totally oblivious to the fact that someone had to actually go out and take that photo! Unfortunately I think were destroying a lot of what makes society function and as you pointed out the lock downs have had an extremely negative impact on society and how people interact with each other.

It's shear ignorance of the British public. It's laughable that they tell you "Stop taking photos, I know the law". While in all, they don't have a clue. I got told off on Facebook because I agreed with someone that was taking photos. At the same time the people that were calling me, were taking selfies of themselves and their kids and publishing them on Facebook.

Strangely sometimes it seems the more obvious, the less the offence caused. When I mount up my camera on a full size tripod there's never a word said to me. Holding the camera normally and it's question time or catty remarks.

I've solved the problem years ago. I never have any identifying photos of people at all. There are so many cameras in public places, official cameras, so people see this as a way to protest their sense of anger.

I had one a few weeks ago "I best not be in that photo" from this teenager.... I had a 500mm lens and she was 5 metres away, I was like you're no where near in it... They still wanted to see the photos to check.....