alexdodds
Member
Finally im going to Paris this September. How do I go about getting permission to photo in the terminals and also is it easy to photo on metro/rer i.e not get caught by staff.
SNCF said:http://questions.sncf.com/questions/439979-photographier-gare
(...)les photos prises par des particuliers (photographes amateurs) et dont l'utilisation est limitée au cadre strictement privé sont, quant à elles, autorisées sans formalité particulière dans les parties normalement accessibles au public.
Cependant, compte tenu des particularités que revêt une gare en termes de sécurité tant de ses usagers que des circulations ferroviaires, l'utilisation de pieds, flashs ainsi que d'éclairage d'appoint est interdite.
SNCF said:Photos taken by individuals (amateur photographers) and if their usage is limited to private use strictly, can be taken without any particular authorisation in those places, that are normally open to the public.
However, given the particularities of a railway station in terms of the safety of its users as well as of the railway traffic, the use of tripods, flashes and auxiliary lighting is prohibited.
Finally im going to Paris this September. How do I go about getting permission to photo in the terminals and also is it easy to photo on metro/rer i.e not get caught by staff.
This subject comes up over and over again on the various European railway forums, including I notice last year from your good self:
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=127762&highlight=SNCF+photography
I don't think much has changed since last year. If anything France's 'Vigipirate' / the state of emergency is likely to be enforced more strongly in the light of events around Europe in recent months.
Briefly, the facts are as follows (all potential issues are more prominent with the present security situation):
- there is an official position on SNCF photography. It is generally allowed, BUT there is a caveat in the rule which says that at any time the 'yes you can phot' can be overruled if the local situation / staff deem it necessary to prohibit - and the likelihood of security personnel invoking that rule at present is high
- Experience of various photographers over the many many years proves that there is no hard and fast situation. One visitor can spend ages on a station and not be challenged, another can be approached immediately and sent on their way. I had trouble way back in 1981 but have had no problems on some more recent visits.
- underground railway operators worldwide are generally not favourable to photography, especially not with a flash
There was on older thread:
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=79053&highlight=photographing+on+SNCF
.
Never had any issues taking photos, even with armed police sauntering past me at Gare d'Austerlitz or on the depths of the Paris Metro.
Heck, a driver on RER Line E once invited me into his cab to take some photos one time! Was all very casual.
Is there any other station I should not miss in the Paris area?
Martin