Xmas Fair -to ride or not to ride?

[[cyb]]

I visited the local Christmas Market for a hour this afternoon as I plan to visit the much bigger Lincoln Market in a couple of weeks and wish to see how difficult it it using a 50 mm lens in close, busy surroundings. I quite like this picture of the small boy looking a little unsure about getting into the bus.
-as usual no flash was used as I prefer not to use flash if I can avoid it.
All comments welcome, info/camera details below:

Image Quality: Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Device: Nikon D80
Lens: 50mm F/1.4D
Focal Length: 50mm
Focus Mode: AF-S
AF-Area Mode: Dynamic
Aperture: F/1.4
Shutter Speed: 1/250s
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Exposure Comp.: -1.0EV
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200

[[Geoff Slocock]]

Hi Colin,

Your prime lens again, F 1.4!!!

I like "bright light" shots. In fact that could make a subject for a Theme for Entries.

You are inviting the viewer to see this world through that child's eye... subtle! Oh for the wonder and mystery of childhood.

ISO 200 and at 1/250... it is bound to be pin sharp!

Geoff

[[Geoff Slocock]]

Hi Leon,

Political correctness works in some funny ways. In these situations onlookers just seem to assume you are a relative, when the fun rides are in a town centre or high street.

But in a fairground or amusement park, you will get challenged. Equally, in a privately owned shopping centre, you will have the in-house security turn you over.

Colin, will be more knowledgeable than me, however. So let's see what he says.

Geoff

[[Geoff Slocock]]

Some more thoughts occur to me. In privately owned centres and especially the large out of town centres, security staff will always argue with you that you are photographing on "private" property and that they give no or little permission.

In public areas (not schools or swimming pools or parks managed by a local authorities, etc), matters are at the discretion of the police. They will only act if they receive a complaint from someone and even then they will be at pains to tell you that there is no law involved. They may however say with menace that they can't protect you easily if you get attacked.

Social attitudes are evolving all the time. And the police would appear to adapt their responses to the attitudes within the locality where they operate.

So, I think in practice you have to be a little aware and also play things by "ear".

Many parents will try to assert that there is a law against photography in a public place. But no there isn't! The police try to stand in the middle, in such cases. It would be a little pathetic, too, for one to have an argument saying that the law is on your side; it maybe but the point is never IMO worth arguing!

Geoff