We often blog about professional photographers’ rights and whether they should be entitled to take photos wherever they please.  Recently, council officials atMerthyr Tydfil County Borough Council caused a storm by warning photographers at all levels, from professionals to semi-professionals to amateurs that they must ask permission before taking photos at any events run by the council.. and this includes any Christmas events.

The announcement was made after a photographer was asked to stop taking photos at a Christmas lights turn on.  Outrageous?  Here at InFocus Photography Insurance we think it is.

To make the story seem all the more ridiculous, the photographer in question was approached by a Santa assistant who turned out to be a council assistant.  Where’s the Christmas spirit?

We all know why privacy laws are needed and why photographs can’t be taken in certain situations, but we think this particular case is way over the top and cases like this prevent professional photographers from doing their job.   Whether you’re an amateur, a semi-professional or a professional photographer, we’d love to hear your thoughts.