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Battersea Power Station and Grosvenor Bridge

Battersea Power Station and Grosvenor Bridge by Dave Gorman.
While taking this series of shots of Battersea Power Station in the early hours a police car pulled up on Grosvenor Road and two officers, one female, one male got out. They told me that they were stopping me under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and asked what I was doing.
"Taking photos," said I.
"What of?" asked she
"Battersea Power Station," I said. "Would you like to see some."
"Yes, if you don't mind," she said.
I showed her a picture.
"Can I see some more?"
I showed her 6 or 7.
"They're very good," she said. "Have you go any ID?"
"Yeah," I said, handing her my driver's licence... "what do you need that for?"
"If we stop anyone under the Prevention of Terrorism Act we have to fill in some paperwork. Do you have any possessions?"
I pointed at my bike with a bag on the panier.
"Just that," I said.
"Okay... well, even looking through your camera constitues a search so we have to fill in the form."
She started filling in Form 5090: Stops and Searches.
"It's a beautiful building," said her colleague. "The thing is, we're in Central London and we have to be really careful these days. I like your shots though... very nice. What do you do with them?"
"Nothing really," I said. "I'll probably put a couple of them on a website."
"Right. What website is that then?"
"Flickr"
"Oh flickr!" said the WPC, stopping her form-filling for a moment. "I've got photos on there. Photos of my wedding from 7 weeks ago."
"Really?" I asked. "It's good isn't it? Oh... and congratulations on 7 weeks ago."
"Thanks," she said with a smile. "So... have you ever been arrested?"
"Err.... no"
She picked up her walkie talkie and contacted someone else, asking them to run a check on my name. There was no awkward break in the conversation though as her colleague picked up the slack.
"So, is digital the same as a film camera at night?" he asked.
"How do you mean?"
"Y'know, exposure time and all that... with the poor light," he explained.
"Yeah, I guess so," I said. "That's why I like night time photography. But I've never been any good with film."
The walkie-talkie crackled into life to tell them there was no match with my details.
"Do you mind if I write down that website?" asked PC Chap.
"It's flickr.com" said PC Lady.
"There are thousands of people posting photos there." I explained.
"How do I find yours?" he asked.
"flickr.com, slash photos, slash dgbalancesrocks," I said. "Don't ask."
"Here's your copy of the form," she said, handing it to me. "Nice chatting to you. You can carry on if you like."
"Thanks," I said. "Have a good evening."
"Thanks," said he.
"Thanks," said she.
And they drove off into the night. It was all surprisingly jolly. A novel good cop/good cop routine.

I've got the form here.
Stop Code: B = To check personal details/documents.
Search Code: J = Terrorism 44(2)
Outcome Code: 1 = No further action
Search started 12.55am. Search ended 12.57.

Grounds for Search or Reason for Stop:
Male seen taking photos of powerstation. Vicinity of bridges, within government security zone. Stopped under terrorism act.

They were both lovely and chatty. It was a surprisingly friendly and untroubled exchange. If either of them have popped along to see if the photos have been posted: Hello! 

Comments

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(141 comments)
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*SΛM  Pro User  says:

interesting composition. the power station is a great building.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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monkeyking / Peter  Pro User  says:

Have they turned it into something else yet? Yes, it's a great building to photograph.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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paddimir  Pro User  says:

great night shot! I was onced stopped because I took pictures of trees in a local park, which some children thought marked me out as a paedophile of some sort. the police were okay, but it wasn't nearly as chatty!
I was also on the island of Vatersay last week, and desperate to find something vaguely electrical that I could take a photo of, and call it "Vatersay Power Station". It never happened though, and this has re-opened the wound :P
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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~Misty~  Pro User  says:

I'm wondering how long it's going to be before I get arrested if all the police are being as thorough...?
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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pbutler1  Pro User  says:

Great image + interesting story. Well done!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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monkeyking / Peter  Pro User  says:

It's all getting a bit silly isn't it. Terrorism and then paedophilles. I think it's all a bit sad. I was wandering the streets of Shanghai this Sunday afternoon happily snapping away. Saw some kids playing and snapped them too before thinking what a shame that in the UK it would be regarded as "inappropriate". Sad times.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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griff le riff  Pro User  says:

why would any terrorist go and take pictures of famous landmark targets when all they have to do is do a search on flickr, there's millions of pics on here!

really like the way the bridge has come out on the right, nice colours and shadows.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Vidiot  Pro User  says:

Reminds me of the old joke about the stereotyped national characteristics in heaven and in hell -- I believe that in heaven, the British would be the policemen.

This might be good in the BUSTED! pool, even if the police activity was pleasant and non-threatening.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Olly C  Pro User  says:

Great story and a lovely shot. The same thing happened to me in New York under the Brooklyn Bridge, same reason given by the NYPD, sadly they wern't as chirpy and they were armed..
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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hedgiecc  Pro User  says:

Thanks for sharing your story and the great shot. Nice to know our security people are protecting abandoned disused powerstations so effectively.

--
Seen in London After Midnight (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Small the Beetle says:

I used to live 3 minutes walk from this spot. (Lovely view of Battersea Bridge at nighttime reflecting on the water.)
Now I live on a Galilean hilltop with six hundred cows....
Go figure....
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Geoff Penn  Pro User  says:

A great story and an even better photo of an iconic London landmark.
(Seen on Explore)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Leo Reynolds  Pro User  says:

Cracking shot and cracking story.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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immy*  Pro User  says:

iconic.
nice to have a story also
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Rod Monkey  Pro User  says:

If I look at this, will I get a knock on my door in the middle of the night??

Great shot, love the colours.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Paul D-P  Pro User  says:

I like the colours too, and the way the bridge leads your eye into the shot. Just a really nice composition. Oh and I love low light shots.

On southampton common there is a paddling pool for the kids, and a sign saying no photography here under any circumstances.

So Dave, congratulations on getting a unique pub story of your own to tell the grandkids.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Vidiot  Pro User  says:

not to hijack Dave's comments thread, but I've got a Flickr group along those lines, SkyMachine.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

interiorbit [deleted] says:

beautiful photo and interesting story!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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oiyou  Pro User  says:

You should have taken a photo of the coppers :)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Topinambour says:

Superb photo.
Great story.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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duckorange says:

Great photo, and a sad reflection on the state of our nation that the police got involved.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Karsten W. Rohrbach says:

LOL, what a story!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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P√K  Pro User  says:

Lovely pic Dave...............so hang on, if you take photos in the daytime like every other Tom, Dick and Tourist, they wouldn't bat an eyelid....but because it's dark and a bit quieter, you get stopped and searched under the Terrorism Act?

What about people taking pictures of Buckingham Palace?

What a complete farce!

Surely there are more pressing matters to deal with?
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Vicky and Doug says:

What an amazing story to go with a great photo. It's hard to take a photo that captures its beauty I've tried but I'm not 100% happy
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Jude Adam  Pro User  says:

Dave it really is beautiful

x
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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spondle  Pro User  says:

great story and fab photo - found in explore
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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frunt  Pro User  says:

Lovely photo. Have you ever considered getting one of those filters... 80a or 80b I think... that compensate for the lighting and remove the yellowness? I think they're the equivalent of using tungsten film.

having said that, I like the yellowness here. but you seem to do a lot of night stuff, so maybe it'd be worth looking into.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Dave Gorman  Pro User  says:

You can remove it by white balancing... and I sometimes do.
But a lot of the time, I like the yellow effect and keep it on purpose and I think, in this instance, I've even turned it up a little.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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qwghlm  Pro User  says:

I know that if that had happened to me, I would be a lot less placid in my recounting. It's bonkers that the police should harrass someone taking photos of, of all things, a disused power station. Especially as the only people likely to blow it up are the property developers, who want to knock down the chimneys, and who are not legally bound to build replacements.

Wonderful photo, though; the glow in the sky suggests an aura, that the power station is still alive but dormant. I must go down there and take some pictures myself sometime soon, before the demolition men get their hands on it.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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OwenBlacker  Pro User  says:

Awesome image!

And yeah, I'm not sure I'd be quite so calm about being stopped and searched by the police under the Terrorism Act. Still, at least they were really nice about it all, as you mention. The cynic in me wonders if they'd've been less pleasant if you had brown skin, though.

But wow. I really need to learn to take photos like that. London by night really is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it? :o)

--
Seen on Londonist's RSS feed, aggregated with Netvibes. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Dave Gorman  Pro User  says:

I'm faintly amused that other people are more agitated by this encounter than I am. I don't feel like I was harassed at all. I was asked what I was up to, I answered the question, my explanation was accepted and that was that.
Owen; I think you are being unduly cynical. There is no reason to assume that these two officers would have been racist.
I was stopped by police a while ago, while taking this shot of The Castle in Stoke Newington:
The Castle
Those officers explained that they'd seen me with my back to the street, doing 'something' close to the wall and they thought I might have been rolling a joint or something. They looked at a few photos, had a brief chat and went on their way.

I know it's not very clenched-fist-and-concerned of me but I really don't have a problem with a policeman asking me what I'm up to so long as it's done politely... which in my experience it has been.

When you're taking shots at night, in the shadows, with your back to the world, concentrating on something and being still I'm sure a lot of people who pass by wonder what you're up to. It seems wholly reasonable to me that a policeman might stop the car to find out.

I'm sure if you treat the question as an imposition the exchange will be a little less friendly but on both occasions I've treated the question as the rational inquiry I believe it to be and found the discussion to be more enjoyable than anything else.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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24db  Pro User  says:

2006, London, a place where surreal meets the real.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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kingpixel  Pro User  says:

let's see those wedding pics, eh?
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Mulling it Over  Pro User  says:

You weren't wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, were you?
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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cardoso  Pro User  says:

I´ve read every single line waiting for the twist, that never came.

Good to know some cops still know how to do their jobs.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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LittleMonkeyMojo says:

Great shot. Great story. Glad there wasn't that twist at the end I was expecting.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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dearbarbie says:

I really like the bridge and how it's sooooo in focus in the foreground :)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Donncha @ InPhotos.org  Pro User  says:

I'm very glad they treated you well. I'll keep your experiences in mind the next time I'm in London! Great photo too, well worth the hassle!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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eviltwin  Pro User  says:

It's just the start Dave, just the start.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Red Mum  Pro User  says:

Stunning shot and funny story. Came here via www.mulley.net
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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verybigjen  Pro User  says:

being a yank I know the station from Pink Floyd's cover. Do they still use it as a power station?

All your pictures dave make me want to head back to london and hide out so i dont have to come back. I loved that town. We ripped it up while there in 2001 and we've wanted to go back ever since.

--
Seen on the Web. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ray Byrne  Pro User  says:

You are supposed to say, 'hello, hello, hello', Dave.
Nice pic.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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griff le riff  Pro User  says:

it could be so much worse
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Auntie P  Pro User  says:

I read about this episode on another website. Sounds like it was all very amicable - waste of everyone's time, but amicable nonetheless.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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the_mr_peewee says:

Great Shots Dave, unfortunately I agree with OwenBlacker, if you'd been in any way 'muslim' looking , you could have been detained under the prevention of terrorism act., no question. It wouldn't have been a polite view of your 'snaps' either. Its not racism its a climate of fear thats been created in the city.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Hoodster says:

I know all this debate is taking away a bit from the great shot, but if Dave had indeed been a terrorist skulking under a bridge at 1am taking photos of a disused power station which was later the focus of some bizarre and, let's be honest, slightly pointless attack, and whom a couple of officers ignored because they decided he was just a bloke with a beard taking a photo, there would have been public outcry about the lax nature of policing in Britain.

Dave - I dig your attitude and aspire to your level of conviviality which I may achieve and your level of photography which I never will.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ishin says:

It's a terrible shame that stories of friendly, polite and non-agitating encounters with the police are so rare around here - and indeed online in general. I'd like to thank you for sharing the story with us and showing the world that there are at least two police officers in London who are polite and diligent, and one photographer who doesn't immediately assume the worst the moment they appear.

I'd also like to thank you for sharing the photo, as it's absolutely fantastic.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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inadream says:

this is so beautiful.......
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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JamesWallis  Pro User  says:

That reminded me: about a year ago I was walking past Horseguards Parade with an American friend, and we stopped and asked a couple of policemen which one of the surrounding streets was the other entrance to Downing Street. They pointed it out, and then asked Derek -- who was carrying a large shopping bag, "Been shopping?"
"Yes."
"Get anything good?"
"Star Wars toys."

I should mention at this point that both policemen were carrying submachine guns.

"Really? Can I see?"
We showed them the Star Wars collectibles Derek had bought, and they asked where we'd got them, and it was all very amicable, even humorous. As we walked away, Derek -- who works in high-level net security -- said,
"You do know none of that was about Star Wars toys?"
"Yes," I said and we walked on.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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DaveWilliams  Pro User  says:

I had a similar experience with a security guard at Canary Wharf recently see here for the full story.
It's good to hear that in your case it was polite and amicable but sadly I don't think that's always the case. I can see why there is a need to check out dodgey looking people (no offence meant Dave) but I also think it's a sad situation when photographers are considered terror suspects or as paddimir pointed out paedophiles.

Oh, I nearly forgot., great shot. Personally I think the colours work well here and love the composition.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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zamer  Pro User  says:

muy muy buena!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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unspace says:

Back in 2002, I was stopped by a police officer for taking photos in a wooded/industrial area -- explaining that is difficult, but there's lots of cool plants growing there.

She was polite, and asked me what I was doing. She was concerned about the terrorist implications of me taking photos of trees. Perhaps underground is where Dick Cheney hides out. I have no idea.

I showed her the photos and started explaining to her. In detail. In excruciating detail.

Eventually, she claimed she had to go and left with great urgency. I don't remember if she told dispatch they wanted her.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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art ascii(paul)  Pro User  says:

Dave

That's a wonderful story that is an indictment of the current state of affairs.

Jus as well
1) you didn't run
2) you weren't wearing a puffa jacket
3) there were no crowds around
4) that they had no guns

Congrats you survived unlike the Brazilian last year whose family will never see true justice done.

Great pic. I hear the best way to lose the brown soup skies is to shoot during the 20 mins after sunset.
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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DMT195 says:

Nice story, great shot!
--
Seen in your Your Favourites (20+) set. (?)
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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Drave loser says:

you cant be too careful in this day and age.
excellent story: a good example of community policing..
And 12,000 views without so much as a bikini in the shot. Astounding; the best Ive managed is 85.
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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_sarchi  Pro User  says:

crazy world I was stopped once when I was walking to the beach in summer time at about 2 in the morning - they saw my folded silver tripod under my arm and wanted to know what it was.. this was 1980 so what do you think I think of it now.. I'm not really worried by that but you have to keep your wits about you.. :)

wonderful series!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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snoopygirl  Pro User  says:

your story is hysterical. You were shooting from nearly where I grew up. I seriously had a view of the station from my bedroom window as a child. :)
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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mogace  Pro User  says:

Great picture and interesting story, .... not sure if I am reassured or saddened, c'est la vie
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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www.andrewcullen.net says:

Since we're all sharing our stories about security...
A few years ago, I went to visit the House of Commons to watch a debate. At the entrance, my backpack was put through an airport-style x-ray machine.
"Excuse me, sir," said the security guard, "have you got a knife in your bag?"
"No," I said adamantly. "Oh, hang on..." I suddenly remembered the Swiss Army Knife that I kept in the small side pocket of the backpack. I explained this to the security guard who removed the knife and asked me to open it. I showed him the big blade, the little blade, the corkscrew, the tiny scissors...
"OK, sir, thank you," said the security guard and he allowed me to pass into the corridors of the Houses of Parliament with a knife in my bag.
A couple of weeks later, I returned to the House of Commons to listen to another debate. I had learnt my lesson. This time I wasn't carrying a bag at all. I was carrying nothing in my pockets except my keys and my lunch, which was a banana.
When I was searched at the entrance, the security personnel confiscated the banana. "In case you throw it into the chamber," was the explanation I was given.
I still find it peculiar that I was allowed into the House of Commons with a knife but not a banana.
Dave - a lovely photo of one of my favourite London buildings.
Cheers, Andy (www.andrewcullen.net)
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

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Yandle  Pro User  says:

Same thing happened to me:

flickr.com/photos/yandle/sets/721575942706713 87/
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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cooliceblue  Pro User  says:

I travel on my train twice each day past the Battersea Power Station. I'll look at it tomorrow with fresh eyes! Thanks Dave.
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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JamieThompson says:

you may know this but .net magazine (november 2006) published this photo along with a short summary of your story. hot off the presses with all the breakingest newsiest stories!!
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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hazymat  Pro User  says:

Lovely photograph.

I've really enjoyed reading all the stories on this page. And your politically neutral / factual account of what happened!

I wish I could be so objective.

My personal feeling on the matter is that I am very pleased the police seem to be light-handed and sensitive about the jobs they have been told to do.

However, that the politicians have decided it's a good idea to increase the size of the state and take more control like this; it's sad. But what really angers me is that it's done in the name of prevention of terrorism. Street security is a good principle; it was done so well during the IRA years. But now - it seems like such a load of hoopjumpingly paper-pushing redtapism. "We need a white middle class... there's a nice harmless one over there taking photos". Why, I ask, why?!

I hope you don't feel I've hijacked your lovely photo page with my rant but these things are on my mind.
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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light4like says:

Cool shot and interesting story - did you tape them?
I've been interogated several times - last one on a station platform. Madness. Got told off for using a tripod on my shot of london eye one night at 11.30pm, in the rain, no one about. Keep up the good work, and try and cast an eye over a few images I've taken. Some night shots abd Battersea Power station from very close up coming soon.
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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bceichman02 says:

wonderful image-great story! instant fav and thanks for sharing...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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Rodney_F  Pro User  says:

Great photo and wonderful story - thanks for sharing!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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petra gent  Pro User  says:

wow wow wow - puts my bps pics to shame!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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leroymayor says:

Fabulous shot. Do you release you photos for use in brochures?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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Elephi Pelephi  Pro User  says:

One of the finest photos I have seen in a long time. Beautiful shot, amusing story as well.
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

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pixelpercy  Pro User  says:

Nice one Dave - something similar comes this way

www.flickr.com/photos/pixelpercy/207562202/
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ron Palmeri says:

that's a great story! you should submit it to JPG Mag and see if it gets put in the magazine.

www.jpgmag.com/stories/

great pics btw.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taffy3Rock says:

Blimey. That's a heck of a story behind one beautifully placid shot. Still, it's always nice to have a bit of back-story to someone's photos. Beautiful composition as always, Dave. You really can get some gorgeous night-time shots in good old London-town. Simply stunning.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

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Martin Blackmore  Pro User  says:

For several years I headed out over the globe doing research trips for a video game. Given the game was Rallying and by it's very nature it goes past the mundane and the bueatiful in short order the field trips involved taking snap after snap of tree, road, road side junk and houses.

Oh blimey, people can get a bit miffed when you take pictures of their house and you don't speak much/any of the language!

More than once I've had to pass off our activities as touristy because the area is so beautiful - which is odd because usually it isn't. Still. The French seems to be much more open to this line than the germans.

On one trip to Pikes Peak mountain in the US where we had prior permission to go and snap all the way up to the top the race organisers stopped us more than once for suspicious activity. Which we were fine with. It was certainly offset by the exceedingly bemused tourists all taking panoramics of the fantastic summer view and I'm getting a close up on a boulder, then another, and another. Chuckle.

Way back when I was young I'd stayed up all night playing some game or other and thought, I know (coffee still buzzing) I'll go for a bike ride and get some air. Growing up in the cotswolds this wasn't a problem and on this occasion it was pre dawn and you could still smell the night. As I'd done the downhill bit I figured that now I was out and about I'd go and find a spot to watch the sunrise above the valleys below. En route through the deserted silent streets A cop car pulls up and asks what I'm doing. I tell him "I'm off to see the sun rise up on that hill" - which was apparently a fine answer and off he went.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

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davotoula says:

Great shot. I am planning a London by Night adventure and now have added Battersea Power Station the list of places to visit.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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hedgiecc  Pro User  says:

Battersea Power Station’s future remains in doubt as the fantastic hulk of the art-deco building itself remains in sorry dereliction.
Yesterday, the Guardian reported that the new owners of the £400m prime 36+ acre riverside site, Treasury Holdings, had scrapped development plans approved by Wandsworth Council in November last year and speculated whether London might be about to lose the four iconic chimneys altogether to yet another bland, luxury, residential development if the Power Station is allowed to further deteriorate beyond the realms of renovation.

Wandsworth Council and previous owners, Parkview, refused to even consider an alternative report by a team of three companies of concrete experts brought together by the World Monuments Fund & Twentieth Century Society, who have revealed that the chimneys can be repaired for half the cost of demolition and rebuilding.

The independent report also revealed there is no sign of structural distress in the chimneys. When Parkview bought the site thirteen years ago, they promised to restore it, but instead sat on it and did nothing, merely hanging onto it as property speculators. They pushed through planning permission to demolish the chimneys, full of promises to restore the building, but instead immediately flogged it for a £240m profit, since the value of the site had increased hugely as a result of planning permission to demolish the chimneys. Profit not renovation was evidently their aim.

Sign the government petition here.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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Lilly says:

thank you for sharing your lovely photo
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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Today is a good day  Pro User  says:

Wow!!
Absoultely stunning image
(And a great story to go with it)


I can't add to the comments above......a bit perturbed to see the last one though.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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LynchburgVirginia  Pro User  says:

excellent night shot, I had experiences like that too when I did shooting in the city. So, now I stick mostly to nature shots. Deers and trees don't complain lol. But there are those bears.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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rob'snaps says:

The time I got asked to move on by the police it was for trying to get a motion blur shot of a plane. They said they would confiscate the camera. Best part was the couple h*mping in the car in the next layby.
Did they offer to confiscate his equipment? Eh? Eh? One rule for some...
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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digiguy  Pro User  says:

LOL Great shot, but loved the retelling of the story.

I'm an admin for a group called London at Night, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

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Simon Bronson  Pro User  says:

Beautiful shot and amusing interaction with the police too. Hope you enter into the how we are now group:
www.flickr.com/groups/howwearenow/
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

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Dave Gorman  Pro User  says:

@ It's been in the pool for days.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

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clearbrian  Pro User  says:

i got told off for taking a pic in a tube station over the tannoy. i was hunched down with camera on the yellow line.
not sure if it was security or worried if id fall over. Though 10 years ago with an irish accident Im sure they would have filled out a lot of forms. these days if you have a beard and a camera theyd panic. as one comedian said "the irish love the muslims they took all the heat off us in london" :)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

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Jon Block  Pro User  says:

Excellent shot and an interesting story. It all sounds like it was a fairly amiable encounter. So far I've been stopped from taking photos by two private security guards, one outside City Hall on South Bank, and one right by Liverpool Street Station. Frankly I think it was ridiculous both times, but I'd rather not kick up a fuss, so I just complied with their wishes.

--
Seen in someone's favorites. (?)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

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Neil101  Pro User  says:

Congrats Dave

Just seen it on BBC Interactive TV (press the red button on your remote thingy) well done.

I got a couple on there too :-)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

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Steve9091  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Cool Britannia, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

ElliotSmith007 [deleted] says:

Great shot and great story. Thanks for sharing both Dave.
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

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bluemedia photography  Pro User  says:

nice shot
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ein_Provinzler_in_Berlin says:

thank you very much for posting that even powerful picture and powerful story!!! (wish it would be literature, but it seems to be real life)
These are mad mad times.... how could anyone have guessed that taking that kind of picture would be so "political"...
mad mad times...
bad moon rising...
it´s just the beginning...
it´s like absurd computer game situations coming true...
this whole setting (picture and text) could be scene coming out of Deus Ex.
Hello, Mr. J.C. Denton...
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

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murburger01  Pro User  says:

great Story and pic, i've read some stories about people in the states being stopped and generally not so jolly
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

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truthwithelegance  Pro User  says:

Sat up watching BBCi late last night and up pops an excellent, familiar shot, and the best of the batch they had to offer. great work if i may say so!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

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mrs.McD  Pro User  says:

Is this a famous spot in London ? I recognize this photo because I saw it on Dr. Who. Silly, huh ? :P
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

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Beppe 1977 says:

This is by far one of the best composition of Battersea Station I have seen so far. Congratulations!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

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Cybergabi  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Industry@Night, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

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Sprengstoff72  Pro User  says:

Wonderfull photo and story, quite absurd..
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

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radio4  Pro User  says:

Beautiful photo of one of my favourite buildings in London.

Prevention of Terrorism Act ... effing bonkers.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

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WorldFlickr says:

Hi, I am an admin for a group called Landmarks around the world, and I discovered this great shot in Battersea Power Station, United Kingdom. We love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

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the1gofer says:

Great photo!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

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