A beach warden insisted that commercial photography on the beach was prohibited by a Borough of Poole bylaw, unless you had the correct permit. The council has now admitted that was an error – but insists commercial and professional photographers must seek permission.
Steve, 42, of Poole based Seeker Photography Ltd, said he had photographed on the town’s beaches countless times during his 13 years’ experience, and he was “shaking with annoyance” following the incident on the empty beach, which he described as “ludicrous.” He said: “It’s not something you expect to happen on a beach in Poole. You might expect that from a police officer outside parliament – but even then they haven’t got to right to stop you taking photos.”
Anthony Rogers, recreation manager, said the council had to balance requests to film or take photographs on the beaches “with the interests of other beach users and our duty to ensure public safety.” While there was no bylaw, he added: “We do ask that any organisation or professional wishing to use council-owned land for commercial photography or filming to seek permission beforehand and provide evidence of public liability insurance. This is standard practice in the industry.”
Mr Cook said he had the relevant insurance, but added: “This is a policy that I've never heard of in all these years of beach photoshoots. “If this truly is the case then all of the dozens of wedding photographers who do bridal shoots every week throughout the year on the beach or parks are breaking the council’s rules.”
The photos were to be used to promote a 110-mile charity walk through the Sahara being undertaken next month by Barbara Cox, founder of healthy meal delivery company Nutrichef, in a bid to raise £5,000 for Help for Heroes.
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