Paternoster Square (image from Wikipedia)

Given the increasing tolerance of security goonery in Mr Broon’s National Surveillance State, lots of photographers are reporting unpleasant harassment by officials and private-sector goons. The latest example I’ve heard about is of security guards confronting someone taking pictures in Paternoster Square in front of St Paul’s Cathedral in London and threatening to confiscate his camera if he didn’t stop taking pictures of the buildings lining the square. And A-level photography students at my daughter’s school report harassment of the same kind in other parts of London.

Most photographers don’t know what their legal position is, so this guide to UK Photographers Rights by a lawyer, linda Macpherson, is very useful and welcome. It’s designed as a short guide to the main legal restrictions on the right to take photographs and the right to publish photographs that have been taken. Worth printing a copy of the pdf and keeping it in your bag.