A leading photography body has launched a card, to be carried by its members, outlining photographers? legal rights in response to the ongoing photography in public campaign.
The Bureau of Freelance Photographers (BFP) has today sent the ‘Blue Card’ (pictured) to all its 7,000 UK members in a move billed as a ?major initiative? to tackle the problem ?on the ground?.
The BFP hopes the card will serve to persuade police officers not to harass its members, who hail from both amateur and professional photography backgrounds.
The BFP acted after what it describes as an ?increasing number of members being stopped by police ? or more commonly, police community support officers ? from legitimately taking pictures??
Acknowledging the ?major part? AP has played in ?spearheading the campaign?, BFP chief executive John Tracy said: ?We simply don?t know whether it will work. I feel quite passionate about it. Something had to be done and so we bit the bullet. We contacted a barrister to make sure the card is legally correct.?
The card is enclosed with the June issue of the BFP?s Market Newsletter, which advises members to show it to the particular police officer, security guard or other official, if they feel it necessary.
The BFP warns that it must be used with ?tact and discretion?. ?If it is brandished at a police officer in an aggressive or tactless manner, it may only serve to exacerbate the situation,? it says.
The card also urges members to ensure they are complying with the law when taking pictures in public places. Photographers must not be causing an obstruction, for instance.
Full details will appear in an upcoming issue of AP.
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