Navigating photography policies in public spaces can sometimes be tricky, and even frustrating for photographers eager to capture the essence of a location. My recent experience at Birmingham New Street Station perfectly illustrates this point. Armed with my camera and tripod, ready to photograph the station’s modern architecture, I was unexpectedly confronted by a security staff member who informed me about needing permission for “professional photographs.” This immediately raised questions about photography rights within the station, especially considering its status as a major public transport hub.
The security personnel explained that while phone and small camera photography was acceptable, my “big camera” and tripod setup required a “photography pass,” particularly for the upper level of the station, which they deemed private property. Despite my explanation that I intended to take wide-angle shots for personal use in a public space, I was denied permission and left without taking any photos.
To understand the situation better, it’s important to know the station’s layout. Birmingham New Street Station is structured across three levels:
- Level -1: The train platforms.
- Level 0: The main station concourse.
- Level +1: A commercial area with shops and restaurants.
These levels are seamlessly connected by escalators, creating a unified space for commuters and visitors.
Birmingham New Street Station
Alt text: Modern architecture of Birmingham New Street Station’s upper level, showcasing its spacious design and escalators connecting different levels, taken from a slightly low angle to emphasize height.
My experience echoed a similar incident reported in a 2016 online forum post, where another photographer faced comparable restrictions. Interestingly, the official Network Rail website, responsible for managing many UK railway stations, explicitly states that photography is generally permitted at stations. The photographer from the forum post even contacted Network Rail and received a reassuring response emphasizing their positive view on public photography at stations like Birmingham New Street, especially after its recent renovation highlighting its impressive architecture. Network Rail apologized for the “misinformation” given by station staff.
This discrepancy led me to investigate whether Level +1, the area where I was stopped, is considered separate from the station itself, perhaps falling under the jurisdiction of the Bullring shopping centre. The Bullring’s photo policy, available on their website (https://www.bullring.co.uk/visitor-info/about-the-centre/photo-policy), seemed to align with what the security staff had told me, suggesting stricter rules within their premises.
This raised a crucial question: Does the station management or associated shopping centres have the authority to restrict photography, particularly on the upper levels of Birmingham New Street Station? And where does the line between public station space and private commercial space get drawn within such a multi-layered complex?
Clarifying Photography Policies at Birmingham New Street
To get a definitive answer, I contacted Network Rail directly via email to clarify the photography policy at Birmingham New Street Station. Their prompt response shed light on the division of responsibilities within the building. Network Rail explained that while they encourage photography within the station concourse (Level 0) as long as it doesn’t cause obstruction, they have no jurisdiction over photography in the Grand Central shopping centre (Level +1), which is located directly above the station. For using professional equipment like tripods, they request photographers to contact them in advance. They also provided contact details for Grand Central and the Bullring for further clarification on their respective photography policies.
Following Network Rail’s advice, I reached out to Grand Central via email, explaining my project as a hobbyist architectural photographer aiming to capture images of Birmingham New Street Station for my portfolio and personal use. I emphasized that the photographs were non-commercial and would focus on the station’s structure, avoiding shop fronts or commercial elements. I also assured them of my consideration for other visitors by planning to shoot during off-peak hours and in less crowded areas.
A Positive Resolution for Photography at Grand Central
Fortunately, after contacting Grand Central and sending a similar email to their provided press contact, I received permission to photograph the station from their premises. This positive outcome highlights the importance of direct communication and clarification when encountering photography restrictions. While initial encounters can be discouraging, understanding the different stakeholders and their policies, and proactively seeking permission, can lead to successful photographic endeavors, even in complex locations like Birmingham New Street Station and its integrated shopping areas. Ultimately, a polite and informative approach helped resolve the situation and allowed for capturing the desired architectural photographs.
