Photography at Canary Wharf
Discussion
Having watched HSBC security intervene when three tourists tried to take some photos of their building yesterday, I was just wondering if anyone knows if the Canary Wharf estate does not fall into the category of "public space" for the purposes of taking pics?
I'm aware of the issues around street photography / photographers rights when taking photos from a public place (and enjoyed the London Street Photography video that was posted recently) and was tempted to walk over and tell security that the three tourists weren't doing anything wrong as they are on public land but knowing that CW has its own "access rights" and security was just wondering if Canary Wharf is "different" to the normal London streets when it comes to photography?
I'm aware of the issues around street photography / photographers rights when taking photos from a public place (and enjoyed the London Street Photography video that was posted recently) and was tempted to walk over and tell security that the three tourists weren't doing anything wrong as they are on public land but knowing that CW has its own "access rights" and security was just wondering if Canary Wharf is "different" to the normal London streets when it comes to photography?
Should have tried Google first of course, this looks like it answers my questions:
http://www.canarywharf.com/aboutus/Media/Filming-a...
http://www.canarywharf.com/aboutus/Media/Filming-a...
Sorry, as a 'hobbiest' or tourist and according to their terms.....
You do not necessarily require a permit if:
You are taking the images for solely amateur purposes and do not intend to reproduce them for media, sale or commercial benefit (for example you are a tourist, hobbyist or student); and
your equipment is minimal (for example, nothing more than a camera and stationary tripod); and
you are not causing any disruption, harm or potential harm to people, property or yourself; and
you are outdoors; and
you are not filming or photographing any building entrances or security arrangements.
Seems we can go along with a copy of these and shoot away.
You do not necessarily require a permit if:
You are taking the images for solely amateur purposes and do not intend to reproduce them for media, sale or commercial benefit (for example you are a tourist, hobbyist or student); and
your equipment is minimal (for example, nothing more than a camera and stationary tripod); and
you are not causing any disruption, harm or potential harm to people, property or yourself; and
you are outdoors; and
you are not filming or photographing any building entrances or security arrangements.
Seems we can go along with a copy of these and shoot away.
Three of us went up there on Monday for a photography day out and most of the time didn't have any problem. At one point however we had split up, two of us going away from the other (who just happens to be Irish) during this time a PCSO approaches and challenges him about taking photographs, not knowing who's a terrorist blah blah, to which my mate asks am I doing anything illegal? PCSO - No, mate - well thats OK as long as I'm not doing anything illegal, PCSO says hes been observing him for some time, total BS as we'd just come out of a building a few moments beforehand. PCSO eventually gives it up as a bad job not having received the deferential attitude he was expecting.
You wouldn't mind so much if photographs of all the buildings we were taking weren't already available on the net.
You wouldn't mind so much if photographs of all the buildings we were taking weren't already available on the net.
Edited by nre on Friday 5th August 19:57
Did some filming there a while ago, as people have mentioned, its a private estate with security everywhere. We approached the estate, and they let us film for free, providing we gave them a copy of all footage, to use however they wished. - I got to go the top of canary wharf, to the service area at the base of the pyramid it! amazing view.... if it hadn't been a really hazy day
Whilst at uni, I was trying out a Hasselblad by shooting a few rolls around canary wharf. A security guard approached and asked me to stop taking photos as "people get nervous when they see photos being taken around here".
I explained that potential terrorists would probably use something a bit more discreet than a medium format but to no avail. He was terribly polite about it and there was no problem, I just ask before I start taking pictures now.
I explained that potential terrorists would probably use something a bit more discreet than a medium format but to no avail. He was terribly polite about it and there was no problem, I just ask before I start taking pictures now.
I work on Canary Wharf and see a mixture of people taking images. Some have a point and shoot and others have a whole bundle of kit. Never seen anyone kicked off but have heard of it happening. It probably depends if the so called security officers or plastic plod are on their tea break or not.
mneame said:
I work on Canary Wharf and see a mixture of people taking images. Some have a point and shoot and others have a whole bundle of kit. Never seen anyone kicked off but have heard of it happening. It probably depends if the so called security officers or plastic plod are on their tea break or not.
Same here. I'm in South Quays and there are always people there taking pictures of the footbridge that links the two. 
out the window the next time I go and make a cuppa. That side of our office looks out on that bridge.
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