Digital Photography School published a very useful post by Elizabeth Halford on “How to shoot in public with confidence“.  In it, Halford shares with us her experience in the UK, and offers some helpful advice on how you can avoid being pulled-up by the cops for “suspicious activity”.

I am including a brief extract for your benefit, but you should read the entire piece:

These days, photographers are routinely made to feel like terrorists. Highly suspect criminal characters who must be watched closely.  In England, the new anti terrorism legislation and child protection laws cover all manner of photographic sin and is what prevents photographers going about their business in a dignified fashion…

Know Your Rights – Look up the law in your land

Be Prepared – Be ready and shoot loads!

Be Polite and use Common Sense

Ask First – It’s the right thing to do

Have A Reasonable Expectation (of privacy and public spaces)

Safety In Numbers – Go places where there are other photographers

After the Mumbai terror attacks and the suburban train blasts, a photographer’s life in my hometown has also become quite restrictive.  I, myself, have been “caught” on several occassions by well-meaning authorities for simply taking photographs in public.  To add to it, law enforcement in India is not so clear and transparent as elsewhere in the developed world.

Hopefully, some of these tips will work… (Thanks, Elizabeth!)

P.S. Michael Reichmann of Luminous Landscape has also posted some very sensible advice on Street Photography, that can help you make the most of candid moments without raising fear in others.

See Also : PhotographerNotATerrorist.org