Yes, another grumble about the ridiculousness of the UK and it's idea that anyone with a tripod is preparing to commit some horrendous terrorist act!
I left my house at 8am today and made my way into London to meet Ecce Signum before we headed off to an important appointment. After HOURS of sitting around waiting to be seen we finally got released back into the big wide world and headed in the direction of the train station.
Andi had brought my tripod along with him so I could finally take it home with me so, as we approached the London Eye I decided I needed to rest my weary legs for a moment and we paused as I lent against one of the pillars a stones throw from the Eye.
Here's where it get's interesting (I promise!)...
We moved the tripod legs a little so it could stand on the floor by itself and had a bit of a chat when all of a sudden we were greeted by one of those 'Official' looking people!
The conversation went something like this...
Official blokey - "I'm sorry, you can't use a tripod here"
Andi and I - "But we aren't using it and we aren't taking photos"
Official blokey - "You still can't use a tripod here"
Andi - "Like we said, we aren't using it. My friend is just resting"
Official blokey - "You aren't allowed to use tripods here before 8pm"
Andi - "Interesting, why 8pm?"
Official blokey - "Because thats when the ride shuts down and tripods are no longer a health and safety issue. At the moment you are posing a risk to the public, a child could come running along and trip over a (unextended!!!) leg on your tripod so I am going to have to ask you to stop taking photographs with your tripod"
Me - "What would happen if I collapsed on your land because I wasnt allowed to put my tripod down and have a rest!?"
*Official blokey mumbles something about how they would obviously come and help me in anyway they could if this were to happen* Me - "well, as we have already told you, we are not taking photos. I am just resting as I have bad legs and we stood the tripod next to us for a moment whilst I sat here."
Official blokey - *goes into apologetic mode* "In that case it's my mistake, I thought you were taking photos using the tripod (though neither Andi or I had or cameras out and the tripod was not extended!!!). In future just remember that you are not allowed to put a tripod up here until after 8pm"
I am sure he waffled on a little bit longer but by then Andi and I were already thinking of who'd get back home the quickest and be first to post the story on here ;o)
In this crazy mixed up world we live in I never fail to be amazed at the 'stir' our three legged 'friends' seem to cause to 'official' looking people at landmarks around our countries capital!
On the plus side, if we could all bring our tripods and make the next GTG end at the London Eye just before 8pm I'd really love to see if we get 'told off' LOL
Sounds like you need to rise up and create a little civil disobedience. Get all the UK photographers you know to arrive under the Eye and start setting up and taking down their tripods in every other 5 minute span. Drive those buggers mad trying to protect the public's "health and safety".
Don't forget to tell your buddy who works at the local paper. You know one of those guys, right? ;)
On the plus side, if we could all bring our tripods and make the next GTG end at the London Eye just after 8pm I'd really love to see if we get 'told off' LOL
Bring a bunch of collapsible cones and setup a "safe" area ;-)
I think Quasimojo has some official looking vests.
I'll never understand why things like this happen, how many people have been charged with possessing a dSLR with intent to use it as part of a terrorist plot?!?! Crazy!
i wonder how far they will go to protect health and safety... will a gorillapod constitute a tripod and thus a security *cough* sorry safety risk? Maybe a monopod?
I'm game for the next London GTG - and my tripod can extend it's legs at 90% to the central column... (*laughs that crazed maniac laugh of megalomaniac madness*)
Yup, Talj you got it just about right. The 'security' guy did do a good job of back tracking (even to the extent of saying he didn't really agree with the rule/law).
Me? I'm a little more worried about the safety of the "hundreds of unsupervised young children " that apparently frequent the walkway
My little car has been upset all day after being called a Mini (its more used to be mistaken for a Lotus).
Commonly known as a Smart Roadster those out to impress use the name(s) AMG Mercedes Smart Brabus Roadster Coupe Exlusive.
