Freedom

By now everyone will probably know about the shocking events that unfolded in Paris yesterday.  Our thoughts are with those left behind to deal with such as senseless tragedy.

It would turn out that yesterday would be all about freedoms of speech.  Shortly after the news about Paris came a posting on Amateur Photographer Magazine’s website about a campaign to stop photographers publishing photographs of children without the consent of parents.

The Royal Photographic Society joined with the National Union of Journalists in condemning the bid which has now reached the House of Lords.

The campaign started after musician Paul Weller and his wife won a High Court Battle against the Daily Mail for publishing un-pixelated pictures of their children whilst on a shopping trip in Los Angeles.

If such a campaign should be successful the law would have an effect on amateur photographers as well as professionals.  The posting of photographs including children to social media sites or entrance to competitions would also be included.  This would have a serious impact on those that practice the documentary aspects of photography such as street photography.

Across the Atlantic in the United States the freedoms of photographers has also made the news.  The so-called Ansel Adams Act has been introduced in to Congress.  The bill aims to “restore the First Amendment rights of photographers” by removing restrictions on taking photographs in public places such as national parks, of taking images of Government buildings and/or workers and police officers.

Maybe it is a little ironic that we are talking about freedoms in 2015.  This year celebrates the 800 year anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta was the inspirations of all of our constitutional rights and freedoms.