Photographers rights in the UK

As a photographer and someone who recently ran a video editing / filming business, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the amount of coverage in the media, about people with cameras being on the receiving end of some very misplaced attitudes by the authorities.

A few of the articles listed here a worth reading especially the one from the guardian.

Innocent photographer or Terrorist from the BBC

Guardian Article

What I suggest is that camera manufacturers such a Canon for example (with their range of affordable Digital Rebel SLR cameras) have a greater advertising campaign for their SLR cameras. As soon as people realise that owning a SLR camera isn't expensive, and that its not rocket science to use one. Then hopefully more people will be walking around and enjoying taking images with them.

In the mean time there is an open e-petition which can be signed if you are a UK citizen which closes on the 13th September 2008. Which asks to clarify the laws surrounding photography in public places.

Petition Here