Fotopic at Fault: a sorry tale

March 2010: Fotopic problems here

For Fotopic issues 2 and 3 January 2009, click here

Further to the recent post on bus photography, I have received an email from someone wishing only to be identified as ‘Chaserider* about the growing resentment regarding bus photography. His recent incident makes an interesting and regrettable case study

‘As someone who’s been taking pictures of bus services on and off for over 30 years, I have been following your couple of posts on photography with interest. In my time, I have only ever been challenged three times, once three years ago, and twice recently in as many months. The most recent was a fortnight ago.

‘These last two were nothing to do with safety or accusation of terrorism or taking pictures near children – but by drivers who didn’t want to appear on film. It links to the notice in the window of Loonat Coaches you referred to.

‘It was about 0837 and I had just taken a picture of a First Dennis Lance about to pick up passengers on the 61, in Redditch [Worcestershire]. The driver drew alongside and asked, “Do you have permission to take pictures of drivers?” I replied “Do I need permission to take pictures of drivers?” “Yes” came the reply. I answered, “Actually I was taking the bus and I don’t need permission. You had better get on your way because you don’t know what you’re talking about”. The driver hesitated, looked at this ETM and went round on to the stand.

‘Positioned as I was just outside the bus station, I was firmly on the public highway. You will see from the picture I took that the driver petty much unidentifiable. Even so, I found this unhappy exchange unnerving, upsetting and disturbing, all at once.

‘It seems that to add to the list that includes false accusations of health & safety breaches, terrorism and potential pædophilia there is also the unwanted attention of bus drivers. I blame the over use of Fotopic for this attitude among drivers, something I have never encountered till recently, apart from a few spiteful V flicks from time to time. It seems that our hobby is under threat for the first time ever, from various quarters including, now, hostility from the industry itself. I might add that my job requires that I am CRB vetted to the highest, enhanced level.’

Omnibuses Blog Response

First, as I stated in one of this site’s earliest posts, the really industry should cultivate and not alienate enthusiasts. While photography on the street remains legal, it seems to me that it’s in each operators’ interests to adopt a positive attitude towards enthusiasts and therefore photography.

Secondly, you were within your rights, if you were where you say. There are situations when you should seek permission but being on the public highway is not one such.

Thirdly, I don’t think your reply to the driver was especially helpful. He may have left you alone, but he may just have felt a little aggrieved. Better that you use a different response (a sperate post, to follow soon).

Remember when you can and should never take bus photography.

* If I am not mistaken this was the name adoptedby Midland Red to brand its Stafford and Cannock networks