Is streetphography legal in uk?
Posted by Ill_Extent6203@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 100 comments
Hey everyone,
I recently got into street photography and picked up a Fuji XS20 with a 23mm f2 lens. Before this, I was mostly shooting on my phone, but now I’m trying to take it more seriously and improve.
I really enjoy shooting in places like Westminster Station on a sunny day — the light and movement there are amazing. But I’ve been struggling with confidence when it comes to photographing people.
I still feel quite shy and hesitant. I’ve had a few small incidents where people asked me not to take their picture — nothing major, I always apologise and move on — but one situation made me quite uncomfortable and it affected my mood for the rest of the day. Since then, I find it hard to keep shooting if something like that happens.
Because of that, I often avoid people altogether and end up photographing random objects instead, even though I want to do proper street photography.
I feel like going out with others might help me build confidence and stay in the right mindset. I’m based near Canning Town (East London), and I’d love to join or form a small group for photowalks around London.
Also, just being honest — I sometimes wonder if I’m overthinking things or if my background plays a role in how people react (I’m South Asian). Would be good to hear others’ experiences too.
If anyone’s interested in doing a photowalk together, let me know. Would be great to connect.
Thanks!
Emergency_Cellist754@reddit
Anyone in a public place is fair game.
Busy-Doughnut6180@reddit
It is true, but I think it needs to change, to be honest. Things have changed. A picture of you nowadays can go very far and be used in ways that we didn't need to think about before. People are being turned into memes and internet celebrities via a photo or video of them someone else took and posted online for a laugh. You can do a lot of nefarious things with someone's likeness and AI, too. The scope of where that photo of you can end up is huge now. I am in a public place, yes, but that means I consent to being seen by others and maybe ending up in the background of some photos. It shouldn't mean anyone can just take a picture or video of me, or one where I feature prominently.
SnooDonuts6494@reddit
There's no chance that it'll change now. Pandora's box is wide open. You are filmed hundreds of times a day - every time you step outside. Every shop, every ATM, every bus, every truck, lots of cars, many streets, and so forth. There are cameras everywhere.
And don't think "that's OK, it's just for security" - many of them are available to random people who put in a request. CCTV pictures are uploaded all the time.
Emergency_Cellist754@reddit
In theory I agree but in practice it would be unenforceable
LargeLetter1@reddit
“Fair game”
She was asking for it. She knew what she was doing when she popped to Tesco without any make up on.
Good grief do you guys listen to yourselves?
Emergency_Cellist754@reddit
"It's fair game" simply means "it's fine".
Not sure your comment says anything good about how your mind works, though
Snakey9419@reddit
Looking at their other comments on this thread this is another one of those victim mentality nuts.
Mahoganychicken@reddit
wtf are you on about
Snakey9419@reddit
Typing all that nonsense to finish it with "do you guys listen to yourselves" is both ironic and hilarious.
FunkyYoghurt@reddit
What weird language use. Gives the ick.
SnooDonuts6494@reddit
Rather more specifically, anyone who can be seen from a public place.
If someone is inside Starbucks, you can take pictures from outside, through the window.
woman_on_the_move@reddit
Regardless of legality, be aware that lots of us do not take selfies and are going about our business in an anonymous way. Many people are fleeing domestic violence or culturally have lots of different reasons to not be in your photographs. You seem surprised by push back. Why is that?
I personally would never take a photo of someone that is identifiable without their permission. I assume that getting their permission would ruin the naturalness of the result. Taking pictures of people further away that are less identifiable may be more acceptable. But honestly this would really annoy me but maybe thats just me.
I know that there are lots of cctv images but these are hidden away. You are seeking yo build your portfolio out of others. At least if someone gives you push back have the decency to accept their viewpoint and delete the photo. There are no doubt lots of other people who are happy to be photographed. But perhaps take time to explain why you sre photographing them might help.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
I understand your concerns and I do respect them. I’m not really focused on portrait-style or isolating individuals in my work. I’m more drawn to scenes that carry story, mood, contrast, humour, or a bit of absurd moments where people are part of a wider environment rather than the sole subject.
I also accept that privacy matters differently to different people, and I do try to be mindful of that in how I shoot. If someone ever feels uncomfortable or asks me to delete a photo, I always respect that without hesitation.
At the same time, I do feel that art, when done responsibly, has value in reflecting real life as it happens. But I also understand it’s a sensitive balance, especially for people who prefer not to be photographed, and I’ll keep that in mind moving forward.
Emergency_Cellist754@reddit
A few days ago a woman approached me after I'd taken a photo of my dog on a riverbank - she'd just been in the background. You couldn't even really make out her face in the photo.
When she approached she seemed highly anxious and clearly was NOT happy about being even in the background of a photo. I got the feeling there was something else entirely going on with her. So obviously I deleted it. (She insisted on watching my screen as I deleted it)
Could have been a condition she had - paranoia or something else - or maybe she had good reasons she really didn't want to appear on some unrelated social media post. Like fleeing an abusive relationship or something.
I think all you can do is go about your business, but if someone in public has an issue with being photographed, respect that.
SherbertResident2222@reddit
While its legal to take someone’s picture in public, you make get pushback from people if you do so without their consent.
This can range between people telling you they don’t like it to more physical communication.
It is highly suggested you talk to someone before taking their picture.
Additionally if you make money from your photographs then people may contact you for a cut.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Hi thanks for your comment. Yeah I understand what you’re saying, and I always respect it if someone asks me not to take their photo. The only thing is if I ask before taking the picture, I feel like I’ll miss the moment completely. For me, the interesting part of street photography is the candid side ,those natural, unplanned moments that disappear if you interrupt them. Also, I’m not really into portrait-style shots where the whole focus is just one person posing. What I’m trying to capture is more about the scene — story, emotion, movement, sometimes even a bit of absurdity or colour. People are part of it, but not the only subject. That said, I do try to be respectful and not push it if someone is clearly uncomfortable. Still figuring out the balance, to be honest.
CollectorMH@reddit
"That said, I do try to be respectful and not push it if someone is clearly uncomfortable"
You taking pictures with me in them would make me uncomfortable. I might not look uncomfortable before you do it but I sure as hell would be afterwards. It would be best to ask first or at least give people time to see you with your camera and get out of your way. I don't know who you are, why you're randomly taking pictures or what they're being used for. I can understand why people might react badly to it. Just as you have had an incident that ruined your mood for the rest of the day, your actions might have that effect on whoever felt you were taking photos of them.
I know you're not going for portrait shots but as much as you want to take the photos, there will be people who don't want to be included
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
That’s fair, and I understand where you’re coming from. I don’t expect everyone to be comfortable with it, and I’m not trying to impose on anyone. My intention isn’t to single people out, but I get that even being part of a scene can still feel uncomfortable from your perspective. I’ll keep that in mind and be more aware of how my presence with a camera might affect others. And yeah, if someone notices or objects, I respect that straight away.
andyc225@reddit
Yes, it is. People will try to tell you otherwise, but there's no expectation of privacy in public places here, and as someone who takes street photographs, you'll need to get used to reminding people of that fact.
Cam2910@reddit
It is polite not to take pictures of people if they ask you not, though.
Also, there are some protections against making random people the sole focus of a picture.
GoatBotherer@reddit
Keen to know what you mean by this?
Cam2910@reddit
There's a line between taking pictures in public and harassment. If a photographer is taking pictures of specific people, especially as the main focus of the picture, it could cross that line.
There are also considerations about what you do with the images, which are more complex the narrower the focus. (Think publishing/using a crowd shot vs individual portrait).
The law isn't particularly robust as far as I understand it though.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
This is not the case in the U.K. but some countries do have laws similar to what you’ve described.
In the uk, if you are out in public, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy and you absolutely can be the subject of someone’s photo from a legal pov. The only exceptions to this are things like photographing for sexual gratification, voyeurism, upskirting etc. and if what you are doing to achieve the photograph could constitute harassment.
Cam2910@reddit
Think this constitutes "some protections"..
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
This isn’t what you’ve previously said though and your original comment clearly wasn’t referencing upskirting.
Cam2910@reddit
I'm not sure how not giving every example makes what I said "not the case in the UK"
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
Because it’s clear you don’t actually understand the UK laws regarding this. It sounds like you’ve heard the rules for somewhere like Japan and then decided that those rules apply to the UK too.
Cam2910@reddit
Which part of what I said was incorrect, though?
There are some protections against making someone the sole focus of your photographs. You alluded to them yourself, I just didn't list them all because I don't think I needed to.
There are also protections against photographing certain people (some military personnel, for example). You didn't mention that, so does that mean you don't understand what you're talking about either?
cgknight1@reddit
In the street? Can you point to this law?
Cam2910@reddit
Just like with my original comment in this thread, I didn't say there was an ironclad law against it in all circumstances,. I said there were some protections (so that the OP could take this into account around my advice that it was polite to refrain from taking photos of someone who has asked you not to).
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ask-the-police/question/Q717
cgknight1@reddit
That is a very specific context offence to do with terrorism, and absolutely nothing at all to do with street photography.
It's just easier to stop digging this hole.
Cam2910@reddit
I'm not digging any holes.
I made an extremely loose statement about their being "some protections" for photographing individuals in public and have had you and another claim that I don't understand what I'm talking about, whilst they provided examples of the "some protections" I was talking about.
Wierd interaction.
PM_me_your_PhDs@reddit
Try not being such a redditor
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
Under non predatory/nefarious circumstances, there are zero laws against making someone the subject of your photograph so long as you are photographing them from a public place and the subject is somewhere they have no reasonable expectation of privacy. The subject doesn’t even need to be in a public place, they just need to have no reasonable expectation of privacy (for example, I can stand on the edge of a public road and photograph a farmer working in a field on their private land).
I don’t believe that this is what you meant when you originally commented. As I said, I think you were confusing similar sounding laws that some other countries (like Japan) do have where you can’t automatically always make a stranger in public the focus of your image.
As people have elaborated, you’ve moved your goalposts.
cgknight1@reddit
Yes - clear reverse ferret.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
Keep digging.
Cam2910@reddit
I didn't say any of what you said wasn't the case, the "some protections" I was talking about were the nefarious circumstances and the use of the image afterwards.
Maybe you mis-read or misunderstood? Maybe I wasn't 100% clear but have since clarified.
You mean you?
cgknight1@reddit
You are very clearly shifting the goalposts - you did it to u/Feeling-Bluebird8413 and your answers to me are the same.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
I’ve been clear and consistent throughout.
You’ve only been able to clarify after other people have spelled things out for you which is what makes me think you were initially mixing up our laws with other countries laws, as I’ve said more than once now.
zephyrthewonderdog@reddit
Not Op. Anyone who happens to be in public while you are photographing can’t stop you taking pictures. However you cannot specifically target individuals by following them around or harassing them.
There was a suicidal bloke who successful sued a photographer for filming him. Also some celebrities have sued photographers following them around in public.
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
There are no such protections (outside of commercial use in some circumstances etc).
Cam2910@reddit
There are if it crosses into harrasment.
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
Yes yes of course. But someone takes a picture of you and moves on, there are no protections in place for you to stop it. Even if it is a bit rude.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
This is not what you originally said. Don’t keep moving the goalposts.
LargeLetter1@reddit
Remind people of that fact all you want, but there have been enough cases of creepy men harassing & photographing women on the street to make you sound quite unpleasant tbh.
Evening-Web-3038@reddit
You conflating someone who is very likely completely innocent in intent with a creepy man who harasses women makes you sound quite unpleasant tbh.
andyc225@reddit
I'm not talking about some creep doing things they shouldn't be. If I take a picture of a street scene and you happen to be walking by in the background, I'm not going to stop you and ask for your permission because I don't need to. In the vast majority of cases, people taking photographs have no nefarious intent.
Lassitude1001@reddit
This. But also, you're best to be courteous all the same. Especially around kids. Don't be photographing kids at all, honestly.
LuckInternational336@reddit
You can remind me from your back, on the ground, with a sore face.
Slyspy006@reddit
What a strange thing to say.
JimmyMcGlashan@reddit
What was it
Slyspy006@reddit
Doesn't matter, the person has deleted it.
FlowRoko@reddit
Remember a signifiant portion of Reddit are the type of people who would object to having their photo taken, chiefly because the only viable reason to do so is for them to be mocked online, and they are acutely aware of that fact.
Though it is polite to not take photographs of a person without getting consent, it is entirely legal to do so in public, and despite the protestations of many here on Reddit, it should always remain so.
Also be aware there are some areas that are not actually public despite being accessible to them. Canary Wharf is infamous for the owners sending security out to stop photographers specifically, and they can legally do so as the area is private land. You have to have a permit in that case.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
I didn’t know about places like Canary Wharf and how private land rules can affect photography.thanks for explaining. Good to be aware of the legal side as well as the social side. Appreciate it.
ProudMastodon1@reddit
Good point but people do have the right to feel uncomfortable about having their photo taken, they also have the right to tell you that they are uncomfortable, and to call you a weirdo, a creep etc for making them feel uncomfortable.
andyc225@reddit
For what it's worth, it's not my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable. When I'm out working, I'll sometimes take pictures of interesting buildings, street scenes, wildlife and so on that I come across. As long as someone approaches me in the right way, I'll always try to work with them.
ProudMastodon1@reddit
That's cool, I'm pretty sure with your attitude you won't have any problems at at.
hairlikebrianmay@reddit
Manners are also not compulsory either but we use them. I cant see what's wrong if someone asks you politely not to photograph them that you do not.
andyc225@reddit
That's between you and them, of course. Personally, if someone were to ask me nicely, I would wait until they were gone.
AwkwardTie9427@reddit
It is, but if you're asked to stop doing it, it's a sign of politeness to accept the wishes of others.
ServerLost@reddit
I don't like having my picture taken by strangers to put on the internet, so despite the legalities i always ask photographers politely but firmly to delete them. I'd probably expect that and up.
Mapleess@reddit
Are you actually taking pictures that look like portraits? I take pictures of the scene more, and that leads to people getting in the way.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the perspective. Just to clarify, I’m not really going for portrait-style shots or isolating individuals at all.
I focus more on the scene itself light, movement, atmosphere, small interactions and people just naturally become part of that environment. It’s never about singling someone out or making them the subject. Appreciate the advice though, that’s actually very close to how I already approach it.
Busy-Doughnut6180@reddit
Sometimes I see street photography posted where one or a few people are prominently featured, and I always wonder if the photographer asked for their permission first. I would hate to see a picture of me online that I had no knowledge of and didn't consent to. It feels violating and exploitative, in my opinion. You'd have to pay a model if you took photos of them. Also, it feels especially gross nowadays what with AI training itself on any image online it can get its greedy little fake hands on. I don't want pictures of myself online. I'd still not enjoy being part of a larger photo of a crowd, but I'd let that one go since it's not like I'm the focus.
If you want to do street photography, ask people if you can take photos of them going about their business to post online or for your portfolio. Some will say no, others won't care and some will be delighted. You can then show those people the photos after and tell them where they can find you online. You will have to get used to people saying no and also even withdrawing consent after checking their photos, though. Or just keep randomly snapping strangers and risk them rightfully snapping back at you.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
I get where you’re coming from, and I do respect that perspective on consent and privacy. For me, I’m not really interested in portrait-style work or isolating individuals as the subject. I’m more drawn to the wider scene story, mood, timing, small interactions, or even slightly absurd moments that happen in public spaces. People are part of that, but not the “focus” in a posed or identifiable way. I try to approach it more like observing a moment rather than capturing a person.
MTW27@reddit
It’s not illegal (unless it becomes harassment etc), but I can see why some people might react negatively to being photographed in a Tube station - I can’t say I would want to be the subject of a photo when on my commute etc.
SnooDonuts6494@reddit
You already are; there are cameras everywhere. Surely you know that?
NotoriousP_U_G@reddit
At least with CCTV, you know there is a reason for it. A random person taking your kids photo and your kid being recorded by CCTV are emotionally very different
littlebird2446@reddit
Why does everyone always pipe up with this? How is it the same thing? CCTV isn’t solely focussing on you, taking a photo then plastering it on social media.
MTW27@reddit
Obviously, yes, but being on CCTV isn’t the same as somebody pointing a camera at you specifically.
andrew0256@reddit
Having been followed by a CCTV camera there is not a lot of difference IMO, although it's easy to give the spy on a pole the finger.
RayaQueen@reddit
You seem conscientious, like you have the balance right. I think you are doing everything right.
Sometimes people make the photo. I always like to make sure that the people are not identifiable though.
(Except this one time where these two older ladies looked like they were paddling in the sea for the first (or maybe last) time together. They were having such a great time and they had no-one with them to record it. I felt I would want photos if it were me so took loads of photos and then went up to them and shared them with them. They were delighted. .. I'm not a person who posts anything online.. I had no other reason to take them).
I LOVE that you are reaching out to go out with other enthusiasts. I'm sure you will find local groups if you Google/all on local forums.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Really appreciate your thoughtful comment. That story you shared is genuinely lovely I’ve had similar moments where I felt people would probably cherish the photo, but I hesitated because I’m quite introverted and not always confident approaching strangers. I’m trying to build that side of myself though, because those interactions can be meaningful when done with care and respect. Thanks again for the encouragement and advice.
GL510EX@reddit
You've had the legal answer, I like these classic tips though:
10 SNEAKY Street Photography Techniques
My favourites are
* Pretend to shoot something else. Look at something next to someone, take a photo of them, then look back at the thing.
* Pretend to look at the screen/mess with the camera when you're actually taking photos
* Just camp somewhere, so people think you're not singling them out. Also helps stylistically, you can pick you background and wait for people to hit their mark.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Love his videos.❤️
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
I actually already do most of these, especially waiting in one spot and shooting around the scene rather than directly at people. Appreciate the tips though.
bored_toronto@reddit
Good choice. I have the XT-30ii with the same lens. Love Fuji's colour tech, although if you're doing street photography, you'll be mostly doing B&W?
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Thanks. Yeah, Fuji colours are honestly amazing,that’s one of the main reasons I went for it.
I get why a lot of people prefer B&W for street, especially for mood and focusing on moments. I do try B&W sometimes, but I still enjoy shooting in colour, especially when the scene has interesting tones or light. I guess I’m still experimenting and figuring out my style.
Do you mostly shoot B&W or switch depending on the scene?
bored_toronto@reddit
I watched some YouTube videos and researched some "Fuji color recipe" websites to get some modified colour presets.
Two examples of my pictures here. I take them for fun when I feel like it.
littlebird2446@reddit
Not illegal. But rude imo. I would hate to be candidly snapped going about my business then have said photo posted online. I don’t like being in my own photos let alone someone else’s.
It’s obviously different if you’re taking a photo of a building and there’s people in the shot. But it sounds like you want to photograph people as the main focus. I don’t think that’s cool.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
I think my intention might’ve been misunderstood a bit.
I completely get what you’re saying, and I always respect it if someone doesn’t want their photo taken. I’m not really trying to focus on individuals as subjects.
For me it’s more about capturing the overall scene story, emotion, movement, sometimes colour or something a bit unusual. People are part of that, but not the main focus.
And yeah, if I ask beforehand, I feel like I lose the candid moment. Still, I try to be respectful and not push it if someone’s uncomfortable. Just trying to find the right balance.
Lazy-Objective-1630@reddit
Yeah it's perfectly legal but just be aware of context.
Shooting a church or minster which just happens to have a group of girls standing on front of it is one thing. Having 20 pics all around town all with the same group of girls in it could be read differently.
A small crowd taking up a portion of your shot is one thing. Zooming in on people's faces, ass, and cleavage is another.
Just don't be creepy. If anyone asks I would let them see the pics you've taken and if they object I would delete it, wait for them to move on and try again.
There's plenty of youtubers who make a living walking around towns and resorts filming for content and they can't do that without getting the public caught up in it. I remember one guy in Spain walking down a beach front and this group of girls came up from the beach all in thongs walking in front of him so he just turned the camera so they were out of shot.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Yeah that makes a lot of sense. Context really matters, and I get what you mean about the difference in intention.
I always try to keep it respectful and not make anyone uncomfortable. Showing or deleting if someone asks sounds fair too. Thanks for the advice, appreciate it 👍
bars_and_plates@reddit
It is legal but people might not like it.
The best workaround is probably just to get a long telephoto and then it's not as in your face. I think generally people actually don't care about being photographed but if you're putting a 23mm in their face it feels aggressive.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
Yeah, that might be true to be honest. I can see how a 23mm can feel a bit too close or intrusive, especially from the subject’s perspective. At the same time, I like that focal length because it puts you inside the scene rather than observing from far away. I guess it’s about how you use it being aware of distance, timing, and not making people feel targeted. Still learning that balance.
Pocket_Aces1@reddit
Completely legal to take photos from public land as you have no expectation of privacy in public. I believe you can also take photos from public land into private land.
Mitigating factors which can make it illegal would be doing it for sexual gratification (voyeurism), up skirting, etc.
You may get people who don't want their photo taken and see you doing candids of them. You don't have to delete it, but it's good practice to be considerate.
You Kay get people who are aggressive when they come up to you, especially if they believe you were taking inappropriate images. Stay calm, great distance, and delete them.
Firthy2002@reddit
Correct. The onus is on the private property to shield from public view what they don't want to be seen.
PoolRamen@reddit
- Don't be a perv. Obvious
- Don't be a dick. Ditto
- Don't try to *not* be seen. You will be seen and look furtive in the process
- Don't lose situational awareness. Aside from being a potential annoyance to others you might be losing opportunities that you didn't see when you tunnel visioned in the viewfinder
And a major point of being a well accepted street photographer:
- Don't be ugly.
witdim@reddit
Yes - generally, street photography is legal in the UK. In public places you do not need a permit to just take photos, and police do not have a general power to stop you for photographing in public.
The main catch is that places which feel "public" are not always ordinary public streets. Stations, shopping centres, museums, etc. can have their own rules, because they're managed property. In your specific example, TFL says personal photography while passing through a station is acceptable as the station's discretion, as long as you are not using extra kit like flash or tripods.
So the legal answer is mostly yes, but the practical answer is: know the rules of the place, don't shoot where people reasonably expect privacy, and expect that some people will still dislike it even when it's lawful.
Honestly, I think you're mixing two different things: legality and confidence. Legally you're mostly fine. Socially, street photography can still feel awkward, and one bad interaction can knock you. That doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.
And no, I don't think you're overthinking. A photowalk group is a good idea.
Ill_Extent6203@reddit (OP)
This is really helpful, thank you especially the way you separated legality and confidence. I think that’s exactly where I’ve been getting stuck.
Good to know about places like stations as well. That situation at Westminster probably threw me off more than it should have, but like you said, one bad interaction can really affect your mindset.
I’m trying to find that balance being respectful but also not overthinking every shot. Right now I feel like I hold back too much.
And yeah, that’s why I’m leaning towards joining or forming a photowalk group. Feels like it would make a big difference in confidence.
Appreciate the advice .
FunkyYoghurt@reddit
Perfectly legal but use common sense. A person asleep on a bench? Don't. Children not fully clothed? Don't. A drunk/high person being unusual? Don't. A homeless person sat on the pavement? Don't.
BabynATrenchc0at@reddit
It's not illegal and you have every right to do so. I detest being photographed and would absolutely ask someone to delete a photo of me if I'd noticed they'd taken one but I'm very aware that no matter how much I dislike it it's perfectly legal
stairway2000@reddit
yes, it's perfectly legal for the purposes of art.
olivinebean@reddit
Legal, but people will see you and change how they act and look.
People don't make much eye contact on purpose, not for lack of ability to see each other. It's active avoidance, a camera shakes up that behaviour.
Treat us like animals at the safari, no sudden movements and don't get too close.
HauntingCicada2630@reddit
If you want to photograph someone, ask them! This has nothing to do with what is legal.......... It's to do with common decency and respect for others.
Esperanto_lernanto@reddit
There are no legal issues with taking photographs in public in the UK. Just try to be respectful.
Jayatthemoment@reddit
It’s not illegal but culturally it’s considered very impolite by many. ‘Whatever, it’s not illegal’ doesn’t go down well with many people, so you need to be prepared to take your snaps if you go down that route, especially somewhere like London where people aren’t always able to keep themselves of of public transport when feeling vulnerable. Try and be a perceptive, kind person, not just someone trying to get something from someone else.
Also, stations aren’t public places — you may be told not to take pictures on private land, even if the public have access to it.
Funny-Carob-4572@reddit
Yes.
If you are outside...shoot away,
But prepared for people to object....that's the fun part, negotiate, if they insist on deleting then I usually do.
IF they are polite.
Feeling-Bluebird8413@reddit
Yes, you can legally take photos in any public place where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Someone walking down the street is fair game. Peering into someone’s living room window is not.
Keep in mind though that places like shopping centres are not public places though, they are private premises that are open to the public. This also goes for places owned by companies like peel holdings. Canary Wharf in London, Media City in Salford etc. You likely won’t get into any serious trouble, but you can absolutely be told to move on.
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