Not allowed to take photograph of a Government building: was I in the wrong?

[PrsvdSteamUKYT]

Recently obtained a DSLR camera and went to my local station to test it out (Nottingham Station)

It was already dark and I wanted to take some photos of trains to test out the camera.

I had some station staff come over and ask what I was doing to which I explained what I was doing (shocking I know) because apparently there was some people informing station staff of my activities, I took a photo in a certain direction and got told I couldn't take a photo over there due to there being a government building (the building in question I presume is HM Land Registry - Nottingham Office) in the background (despite it being pitch black and the station staff not understanding how a DSLR takes photos and asking me to zoom out of my picture)

It was admittedly a naff photo so I deleted it and went home as the rain was picking up.

I must ask however... am I in the wrong?

If not, what should I say if I get confronted again?

I wasn't being aggressive in any manner, I in fact thanked the station staff for telling me this info as I perceived it to be good advice, but now I have my doubts...

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this...

 

[yorkie]

It sounds like they were talking nonsense; some station staff have absolutely no clue, sadly.

There are insufficient safeguards in place by the rail industry to ensure that staff are knowledgeable and behave appropriately.

 

[Vespa]

You are absolutely within your right to take photos of government buildings and other building in public view, the railway staff have no authority to stop you especially outside their stations.

The few exceptions are for obvious reasons are military bases, serving personel, MI5 and MI6 structures, ongoing security operations involving Military and Police.

Even security/military staff do have hobbies involving railways their ID would be enough to put them in their place

 

[jfollows]

You were told a load of rubbish, sadly no surprise there.
There are lots of articles on the Internet with generally good advice but you can take photographs on railways for personal use with minor conditions (don’t obstruct people) and taking pictures of buildings in public view with very few exceptions is fine.

 

[Sun Chariot]

---

Great to hear you're a keen photographer; I wish you every success (and many satisfying photos!).

Interesting one, this. I'm not up to speed with Network Rail policies, or UK's Railway Byelaws, with regard to taking any photograph whilst on railway property.
Certainly, the past two decades have seen a far stricter line being taken on photographers. Otherwise, a large number of my 1980s and 1990s photos wouldn't have been possible!

Taking photos on public property, you are free to photograph what you wish (taking on board the above advice re: military and police and other "sensitive" sites).

 

[Buzby]

Hang on - WHAT government building? Do you mean the station, from inside? For a start, it’s private property, and it would have been a courtesy to say you were there and what you were doing! Whether a DSLR or an iPhone, it you were doing happy snaps (without a tripod) I doubt anyone would have cared. On the times I need to use a tripod, I always go to the office and explain what I’m doing first. They’re usually accommodating, but can say no.

On the occasions you are challenged, you’ve then got a perfect excuse. Otherwise, on public property you can do as you like.

 

[LowLevel]

Nottingham station is usually quite busy with railway enthusiasts and their presence wouldn't generally cause the staff to bat an eyelid.

Given how Unity Square is located (it's the big HMRC/Land Registry new build) how did you manage to take a photo of it from inside the station, I assume you were in the concourse at the time, which may have seemed slightly more odd to the staff I suppose as most enthusiasts are more interested in the inside of the station or the platform level stuff rather than things outside!

 

[jfollows]

As far as railway photography is concerned, this isn't hard to find (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/commu...sts/guidelines-for-taking-photos-at-stations/):

We welcome rail enthusiasts and passengers who would like to take photos or film at our stations.

The following guidelines are designed to help you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Please print them out and take them with you when you are at any of our managed stations.

Before you go on the platform​

When you arrive at a station, please let the staff at the Network Rail Reception Desk know that you are there. This will keep station staff informed, so that they can go about their duties without concern about why you are there.

You may require a platform ticket to access platforms.

On the platform​

Act safely and sensibly at all times. Stay clear of the platform edge and stay behind the yellow lines where they are provided. Be aware of your surroundings.

Do not:​

• trespass on to the tracks or any other part of the railway that is not available to passengers
• climb on any structure or interfere with platform equipment
• obstruct any signalling equipment or signs which are vital to the safe running of the railway
• wear anything which is similar in colour to safety clothing, such as high-visibility jackets, as this could cause confusion to drivers and other railway employees
• gather together in groups at busy areas of the platform (eg customer information points, departure screens, waiting areas, seating etc.) or where this may interfere with the duties of station staff or passengers boarding trains or moving around the station.

Please try to avoid peak hours: Monday to Friday 6:00 – 10:30 and 15:30 – 19:30.

Photography and film at stations​

You can take photographs at stations provided you do not sell them on to a company or stock image agency. That is considered commercial photography.

If you are filming for quite a while or might be using bulky equipment you should let our station staff know so that the reasons for your filming are clear.

Remember:​

• You are not allowed to take photographs of security related equipment, such as CCTV cameras.
• Flash photography is not allowed at any time. It can distract train drivers and train dispatch staff and so is potentially very dangerous.
• Tripods should be avoided where possible. If you need to use a tripod you must speak to our station staff to ensure you are in a safe area.
• Please respect the fact that some people may not want to be photographed.

General​

Train companies must put the safety of their passengers and staff first.

You may occasionally be asked by station staff to move to another part of the station or to leave the station altogether. Station staff should be happy to explain why this is necessary.

If you are travelling by train, they may ask you to remain in the normal waiting areas with other passengers. If this occurs, please follow their instructions with goodwill as staff have many things to consider, including the safety and security of all passengers, and are authorised to use judgement in this regard.

Report anything suspicious at the station​

If you see anything suspicious or notice any unusual behaviour or activities, please tell a member of staff immediately. Your presence at a station can be very helpful to us as extra “eyes and ears” and can have a positive security benefit.

For emergencies and serious incidents, call:

• The British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40
• The Police on 999.

Railway By-laws​

Britain’s Railway By-laws cover trains, track and stations across the country. Thousands of trains use as many stations throughout the day and night. To ensure ease of travel and safety on the railway system, including passengers, staff, property and equipment, the by-laws need to be observed by everyone.

 

[Peterthegreat]

As far as railway photography is concerned, this isn't hard to find (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/commu...sts/guidelines-for-taking-photos-at-stations/):

There are similar paragraphs on the National Rail website too.

 

[Basher]

I was once escorted of Gourock station for taking photographs, there was only me in whole of the station.

 

[Basher]

Previous to my last post, I was recently at Limehouse station, when an important person asked me what I was doing. I explained all , to which he then asked me if I would like a cup of coffee. Over the past couple of years I have spent a faire bit of time around the London stations and generally find the staff very accommodating.

 

[Basher]

I am planning sometime at Willesden station soon, is it a good station to photograph at. In particular I would like to photograph the london overground stock.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

May have been jobsworths or bored staff looking for something to do.

Generally speaking, provided that you don't look/do anything suspicious (that would arouse attention); nor use a tripod or flash, you shouldn't have any problem photographing from a public place.

 

[RPM]

This gets so tedious. I just don't know why some staff get it in their head that photography is prohibited on stations. It isn't. It never has been. I got collared at Charing Cross a few months ago for taking a picture of the station clock. It probably wasn't the wisest course of action but I saw red and told her I was managing railway stations when she was still in nappies, and whatever rule I was breaking was either a figment of her imagination or something she'd been misinformed about. It is hard not to get irritable when faced with this sort of tomfoolery.