It may seem like an obvious answer to this, but are we allowed to photograph any building we like? Of course, unless it’s an M.O.D. or some sort of other official government building etc, do we have the right to take pics of it? On my first photography trip to London this year I was happily snapping away at my favourite building, the BT tower, when a chap came running over to me waving his I.D. badge yelling “excuse me sir, excuse me sir”. He in fact was head of security at the tower and politely pointed out that it’s not permitted for photos to be taken of the tower due to the fact it’s still not a publicly listed building (or something like that bla bla bla….) ok, fair enough, so, there I was, a naughty boy with wrist slapped! Also, I would ask the same about private dwellings. Does anyone have the right to just come up and take photos of our houses? For instance, I recently went back to my childhood home in London, and wanted to get some pics of what it’s like now. Out of courtesy, I actually knocked the door and explained who I was and asked if they minded if I took some photos. And after all, a middle aged bloke loitering around a residential street with a digital camera in hand could look slightly suspect!!! So I got to take the pics, but sadly they didn’t offer me a guided tour – bah humbugs! I feel it’s better to ask permission first, but I bet on my next trip to London, if I ask first they will say no, where as if I don’t ask I bet nobody says anything! So, what do you do? Would appreciate your comments and views on this and also if you’ve had any issues with security etc.

Paul :)