Following on from more than 200 MPs putting their signatures to Austin Mitchell?s Early Day Motion condemning police harassment of photographers in public places, the Bureau of Freelance Photographers (BFP) has launched a major initiative in an attempt to tackle the problem on the ground.
As part of its campaign for photographers? rights, every UK member is being issued with the BFP ?Blue Card? ? a card that asserts photographers? rights to take pictures in public places.
The card, which is enclosed with the June issue of the BFP?s monthly Market Newsletter, and is being displayed in the accompanying picture by the BFP?s Head of Member Services, Stewart Gibson, may help members who find themselves being stopped from taking pictures in public places. In such circumstances, the Bureau feels that members may find it useful to show the card to the particular police officer, security guard or other official.
The card is written in simple language; it is short and to the point and has been legally validated.
The organisation is asking members to ?report back on their experiences of using the card ? whether positive of negative?.

For further information about BFP membership, phone 020 8882 3315 or visit www.thebfp.co.uk