YOUNGEST EVER BRITISH TOUR WINNER

emmsie69 · Top national player

RE: YOUNGEST EVER BRITISH TOUR WINNER

RedSquirrel · Satellite level

The legal position of photography in a public place is complex. It isn't as simple as saying there are no laws against it. It all depends on the context of the situation, the purpose for it, how it will be used and how it will be stored.

In general, but still not as simple as this, photography in a public place that is for
personal use that will be kept private is fine. If you intend to publish then people should generally be aware of this.
official use for, say, identification purposes will be covered by GDPR
other official use, seeking consent is not necessary but subjects should be aware that photography may take place and the use to which it will put. However, if the organisation receives written requests from a person, or from a parent of a child, not to be photographed GDPR law applies
commercial use should always seek permission from the main subjects and everybody else should be aware of filming and the purpose for it
Press organisations may be exempt from the legal position that would otherwise apply if they can prove a public interest defence

In other words, although receiving consent is not necessary in most situations, where something may be shared more widely, people have a right to be informed and make an active choice to avoid an area where they may be photographed or filmed.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Exactly, Red Squirrel. But your specific exceptions where consent may be needed are actually very small and people should be aware of this.

For instance, the GDPR specifically says under Article 2(1) that "this Regulation does not apply to the processing of personal data:
....
by a natural person in the course of a purely personal or household activity"

So, for most of what we were talking about here the GDPR is irrelevant (even IF you manage to fall under the rules of 'processing', being a 'controller' etc. which are quite difficult and nowhere near as widespread as people think). And this applies to purely personal social media use too.

And no one can ever tell you to delete a photo or ask for your phone or any other variation, even if you're legally on private land and indeed have been told to stop.

Obviously, people should be sensitive to other peoples feelings and wishes but the law is there for a reason and people are too easily scared off by sweeping claims to 'human rights' (which is infuriating as human rights are one of our most powerful and important areas of law, if not THE most important, BUT are not a blanket covering everything - and nearly all of them are restricted or qualified, and have to be balanced against other rights and values 'necessary in a democratic society' i.e. rights and freedoms being the same).

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

Hmm... I stand corrected. However, tournaments that take place at tennis clubs are not on public property and many do have rules that prevent children being photographed or filmed without their permission. Rules requiring permission to take photos of children are so common in sports clubs and other areas of activity (which do not take place on public property), that I thought it was based on a legal requirement. However, certainly wasn't suggesting it was illegal to photograph children say out in the street (although it may be a bit odd to do so if they are nothing to do with you).

the addict · Tennis legend

I was once told by the LTA official that I couldn't take photos at a British Tour Grade 2 event unless I had written permission from the players/guardians (the players were mostly juniors).

Neil Pauffley thought I was an official photograapher for more than two years after taking some action photos of him ! (He was quite happy when I told him)

christ · Futures level

The Optimist wrote:
However, certainly wasn't suggesting it was illegal to photograph children say out in the street (although it may be a bit odd to do so if they are nothing to do with you).

"a bit odd": pretty much any photography collection will encompass social history, often featuring people - including children - in the wild, documenting what they get up to. This was/is considered public record, not "odd". Strange how times change.

Christine · Intermediate Club Player

Oh there's another 'whatever happened to' in Neil!

the addict · Tennis legend

Christine wrote:
Oh there's another 'whatever happened to' in Neil!

I saw Neil a couple of years ago at Chiswick. He was still playing a bit (German League, Team Tennis), but doing a fair bit of coaching. And he's engaged to the very lovely Becky Tenant (who also coaches)