Covering the D-Day 65 celebrations down in Pompey over the weekend, one of the Red Devils parachustists [image 1] - flying a Union jack flag - got blown of course by high winds. Didn't capture the moment he landed, in a fenced off public garden, but did get some of the action.

Like how he missed a tree [2], his chute deflating [3] (taken while running), retriving his chute chute from a yukka tree by hanging upside down supported by people [4], and the crowd cheering him on [5].

Obviously it's not all the shots, I've not shown the ones where he's being snapped by the guy from the local paper, being surrounded by kids on their mobiles, and trying to avoid the attentions of the St John Ambulance bloke looking for business :)

All pretty exciting stuff, but it was after this it got really wierd.

Helping a lady climb over the fence in the gardens. There was this guy carrying an old SLR, who drops a small heavy black object in front of me, the sand bag used to weigh down the flag, I help him over and then passed him the sack.

Not excepting anything untoward, I'm a bit surprised when angrily asked if I was a pap.

Flashing a small yellow plastic badge saying 'press or media' thats hanging off his bag. One that clearly wasn't the same as the event ones, but looked old like it been ripped off something, he started going on about how photographing service-men is illegal, he's ex-services and how anyone there faces arrest.

I didn't say anything just thought he was a twat.

Then about 10 minutes later a big fat security guard came up and demanded our menory cards. Obviously we refused and said call the cops. He radioed in and someone blasted him out. But just before he apologised [we made him] he told us how most of the people he asked where willing to hand over their cards and details 'without making a fuss'.

Sure security is important these days, and I can appreciate the average yellow jacketed stormtrooper doesn't know about these things, t but when you have fellow snappers trying to cause grief, whats next?

Fortunately not everyone is like this, I met a few other photographers and it was nice to have a good old chat about kit, share some tips and camera prices :)

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Good show!

Sounds like a pompous trouble-making old git!

Typical of today in the Uk where there are numerous jobsworths empowered beyond their pathetic dreams

I would have taken a few shots of the bozo and asked him what he was going to do about it. Then you can always blast him with both intellectual barrels if he dares open his mouth. Some of these mental midgets couldn't write a ransom note much less read one.

I'm with Whaleman..I would have pointed the camera at him.

No disrespect to the UK but,  What the hell are they thinking? Why is law enforcement / military so paranoid ?

I mean, I can understand security issues..Power Plants, and stuff like that..

My best advice to you, is to do all the research you can , and make sure you fully understand your rights in your country.

All photographers should do this..

Educate your selves folks..

I sniff a fishy situation with bullies of that kind. I think he was trying to steal your photos for free. I usually make a lot of fuss, but if I'm in a too weak position, I usually give them a fresh card I keep with me just in case.

*I think he was trying to steal your photos for free.

• Come to think of it you could be right, he did pop over the fence into the gardens, yet I don't recall him taking any shots. 

Plus if you wanted really some piccys, why ask someone with a camera? 
Theres no way of copying a memory card, it would make more sense to ask someone with a mobile to bluetooth a couple of shots over. Most people are happy to share whats on their phone.  

Though I didn't risk pointing a camera at the strange guy - I sensed there was something really iffy about him. That old 'spideystreetsense' that says walk away slowly but carefully.  
 
Next time though, and given how paranoid the UK is there probably will be:(
I will be seriously tempted to snap the security guard.

Nice idea about keeping a spare card, and old one that doesn't work would do the trick nicely :).

Plus if you are asked to delete stuff to [like the embrassing shot of a drunk mate:)] it's easy enough to recover stuff when you get home as long as you don't use the card again.

We discussed this very topic here in this forum a few  months ago....

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?message_id=3380649

No one seemed to be too concerned about the potential implications at the time....

Attached Link: http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-and-the-law.html

BTW - heres a good one about rights in the UK.