taking cameras into the madejski stadium

[voyager1]

The very first time I visited the Madejski stadium, I was told that taking any cameras other than mobile phones into the stadium was prohibited.

The second time I went, a couple of people had small cameras and I asked one of the stewards to clarify what the policy was and they said that cameras aren't supposed to be allowed but the stewards usually turn a blind eye if you use them discretely and disable the flash, but he did say that depends on the individual steward.

When I went to the Liverpool match, everyone around me had their cameras buzzing even whilst the match was in play. The stewards didn't seem to mind.

Can someone please confirm - is there actually a problem taking a small camera in? Has anyone on here had any trouble? Been ejected?

[Row Z Royal]

You'll get away with a compact, but one of our contributors has been "asked to stop" when using his DSLR in the ground.

Whether this was under pain of ejection or not, I don't know, but you'll be particularly unfortunate to be thrown out.

[Dirk Gently]

Generally anything that isn't professional equipment - or looks like it to stewards - is tolerated.

[Sarah Star]

Generally anything that isn't professional equipment - or looks like it to stewards - is tolerated.

That's true. Before I heard about the no cameras rule, I took my little Ixus camera into the stadium and took several photos from the front of the stand of the team warming up, right in front of a steward who didn't bat an eyelid. I did get a few odd looks from the players and stopped because I don't think they liked it very much.

[Rex]

Also i have been informed that while the match is being played, no photos can be taken as they are copyright. I've had situations where over exhuberant stewards hyave dived into the shot about to be taken (Bristol City) to total apathy.

It is at the discretion of the steward, but even so the use of mobile phone cameras tends to negate any arguement about video recording functions. The only disputed area is the standard of equipment used.

A nobber has been banned on Youtube though due to his repeated downloading of Premier League games.

There is no issue in photgraphing warm up / half time / and after.

[voyager1]

Also i have been informed that while the match is being played, no photos can be taken as they are copyright. I've had situations where over exhuberant stewards hyave dived into the shot about to be taken (Bristol City) to total apathy.

There is no issue in photgraphing warm up / half time / and after.

I respect the copyright issue and always ensure my camera is away in its case when the match is in progress. Also, when the match is playing, I want to enjoy the match.

What I do like to take pictures of are the players lining up, the opposition team and also the away section - especially if they've got a big flag and strange colours.

When I made my first ever visit to the Madejski Stadium, I asked in the ticket office and they said no photography was allowed anywhere in the stadium whatsoever regardless of whether the match is playing or not. Outside every gate, they list cameras as a prohibited item and I was a bit frightened of taking mine in as it was my first visit and I heard so many scare stories of the stewards being strict.

[Sun Tzu]

Like a lot of rules the no camera one is there to allow them to act if someone seems to be taking pictures for profit (ie using prostandard kit / long lenses / constantly taking pics. Although these days I'm not sure whether it's as easy to tell as that !
I don;t think they'd be at all interested in someone with a compact taking a few snaps - there are much more pressing things to be done at the game and it's only the stand supervisors who would even think of doing anything.

If you get stopped at the gates the worst they would do would be ask you to leave the camera at reception and collect it afterwards.

The image rights thing is the key. Agencies pay for the copyright to pics and if someone started selling shots having simply gone tot he game as a spectator there woul be a bit of a row !

[Winchester Royal]

My Bridge camera came in for over a year and then I was photographed using it and banned for 2 games.

Still, I reckon you could get away with a pro DLSR if you were in the West Stand.

[rabidbee]

I've taken and used my SLR at games. From the back of the stands, even with a telephoto, you get shit photos of the match. I normally shoot the crowd (I wish!). RFC is one of the few clubs that seem to care, most have no problem at all.

[westendgirl]

Still, I reckon you could get away with a pro DLSR if you were in the West Stand.

I know its fun to have a go at those of us in the Lower West but I did get told not to use a compact camera there soon after the stadium opened when my mother was on the pitch - I wasn't even taking pictures of players. However I think that the fact that most phones have cameras mean they can't possibly stop you taking any pictures now so the 'no camera' rule is only enforced if you appear to be in need of a photographers jacket.

[Gloria Gooner]

My Bridge camera came in for over a year and then I was photographed using it and banned for 2 games.

Oh the hypocrisy - should have pointed that out.

[Winchester Royal]

Still, I reckon you could get away with a pro DLSR if you were in the West Stand.

I know its fun to have a go at those of us in the Lower West but I did get told not to use a compact camera there soon after the stadium opened when my mother was on the pitch - I wasn't even taking pictures of players. However I think that the fact that most phones have cameras mean they can't possibly stop you taking any pictures now so the 'no camera' rule is only enforced if you appear to be in need of a photographers jacket.

That was 10 years ago.

[Magnus]

Winchester on chronology.

[voyager1]

I've taken and used my SLR at games. From the back of the stands, even with a telephoto, you get shit photos of the match. I normally shoot the crowd (I wish!). RFC is one of the few clubs that seem to care, most have no problem at all.

What other clubs have a problem with people taking photos? Has anyone had any bad experiences elsewhere?

[URZZZZZZZZ]

How would one get a pass to go pitchside??

[Winchester Royal]

How would one get a pass to go pitchside??

You need to be an accredited member of the press. And you have to buy it, they don't just give them out.

[rabidbee]

I've taken and used my SLR at games. From the back of the stands, even with a telephoto, you get shit photos of the match. I normally shoot the crowd (I wish!). RFC is one of the few clubs that seem to care, most have no problem at all.

What other clubs have a problem with people taking photos? Has anyone had any bad experiences elsewhere?

RZR wasn't allowed to take his camera into the ground at Peterborough, despite having email confirmation that he would.

I have been checked at a couple just to make sure I can't film video on my DSLR (I can't). Cardiff asked me to stop taking photos of the match from the terraces. Another club have stopped me taking my camera in, but I can't remember who it is now. Most really don't seem to care.

[66DD]

A steward at Aldershot wanted to kick me out for trying to take a picture of Kevin Dillon on my mobile phone.

[Magnus]

With cameras built into most mobile phones now this does seem like a battle they can't win. So why bother trying to restrict them.

[Dirk Gently]

With cameras built into most mobile phones now this does seem like a battle they can't win. So why bother trying to restrict them.

They don't - they recognise that, and target "professional-standard" equipment.