CCTV rules.

Holly Alexander modern CCTV cameras are at least as good as modern webcams. Some even record in 4k and infra-red.

What would you say if I asked to record the shoot using my smartphone or a GoPro?

What would be the data retention policy?

Could a model come back in a months time and request footage?

Could a photographer?

Would someone on the cctv be able to request a copy of the video that includes them?

You'd be best speaking to the ICO.

I knew of two studios that had 'covert' CCTV cameras. No notices. I strongly suspect another studio has them but not been there to know for certain.

This is a purely theoretical question. I have no intention of doing it.

I find it interesting that models, who are the commonest victims at shoots, are not happy to have a recording they could use against the photographer who sexually assaulted them.

IF, I were ever to do it, I would certainly contact the ICO for advice before I did.

We had CCTV in our old commercial studio. It covered the main studio area (above infinity wall, looking back) and on the door leading to the exit, as well as one the other side of the door, outside of the studio space.

We did this due to damage and loss of equipment, we had clear signage and made sure all using the studio were aware of their presence and where they were looking.

Never had any complaints - it stopped most of the issues we'd had up to that point too.

On the first question, I'm not qualified to say whether it would be an offence.

On the second question, my inclination, both as a person responsible for a space or as someone using it, would be to treat unmonitored (or supposedly unmonitored) CCTV in the same way as if it were monitored. The same would even be true of surveillance equipment that is (or is supposedly) not in operation.

Noting the above, if I were visiting a studio the key thing is what areas the cameras might have a view of. I would find it unacceptable if a private area were in the (possible) line of sight. Same for anywhere where the modelling actions or direction could be seen or inferred.

If the cameras are placed correctly as per their purpose protecting your property there no issue. We are suppose to register cctv but not so many do. To clear any issues have a cheap monitor clearly displaying the areas covered. Should anyone have an issue most are hooked up with bnc connectors just disconnected and replace after the shoot.

K.M. if you need it for a crimal offence go ahead :)

Not being funny but video footage of me doing a shoot and the in between moments, no one would wanna watch that haha

Edited by Holly Alexander

K.M. and basic cctv (that doesnt cost a fortune) is grainy and basic, trust me I have been with the police for a prevous job scrolling through hours of footage for various robberies

Holly Alexander it wouldn't be an offence (voyeurism) if you gave informed consent.

We could talk cameras for hours but a modest IP CCTV system could deliver crystal clear images for little or no effort. Commercial security cameras might just be installed to keep insurance premiums down. The footage will be highly compressed to reduce storage costs. With the rise of YouTube content creators there are a multitude of broadcast quality devices on the market for any application.

No-one has mentioned the infamous GDPR. That only applies to "organisations" but I would be guided by the same principles.

Slightly different business as I help run and monitor cctv in a nightclub. Toilet areas are covered and operate within the parameters of licensing and are clearly signposted. Footage is kept for a minimum of 40 days should anyone log a complaint. Private individuals can not request to view the system, footage is only allowed to be released to investigating police where an offence is believed to have been committed and reported. In extreme circumstances and complying with data protection we can release footage to private individuals but must blur out all other features identifying individuals. Editing time is legally chargeable which so far has stopped all individuals placing a preliminary FOI request. Access to footage is fingerprint protected.

Just thought I'd post a few pointers as there seems to be a bit of confusion in this thread.

Frameworks Media fair point and thanks for sharing. I dint know why people get so funny about cctv. If you have nothing to hide and are not hoping to commit a crime, it's no bother. I am more than haooy for studios to have it

Frameworks Media

''The CCTV owner must provide this within 30 days, and can charge up to £10. MostCCTV footage is deleted 30 days after it's recorded. You need to make a request in writing to the owner of the CCTV system. The owner's details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (like a shop).''

https://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself

Holly Alexander the last person to start a thread about recording his shoots was branded a predator and accused of having something to hide.

If models wouldn't refuse or chage extra I'd happily set up GoPro on set to record myself not touching people.

Edited by K.M.