Taking photos in public places in Australia

[bojan]

I just stumbled on this:
http://4020.net/words/photorights.php

Very confusing :eyepop:

[renormalised]

It's a bit of a worry sometimes when people react the way they do to photographers. Understandable, but he has stated what the law is and what it can and can't do and what rights everyone has. I think if you think about it and act smart enough, things would be fine but you have to be careful.

[Paul Haese]

Not really, public areas are fine for taking photographs so long as you are not a perve or photographing sensitive defence areas from the public area.

On private property you are at the mercy of the land owner.

Pretty simple really.

Public interest issue can also prevail over the rights of the photographer too from time to time. Not often but sometimes.

Nothing to worry about, if people ask you delete their image, then abide by their request. Shoot with respect and nothing usually happens. ;)

[Alchemy]

You would hope common sense would apply, if you don't want it dome to you or your family, don't do it to others. Keep your behavior in public places to that which if a pic is taken, it's not an issue.

No wonder lawyers are needed, the law is so complicated.

As detailed as the webpage listed is I would not rely on it for legal advice as things change over time, and as I said above let common sense rule.

[Octane]

In latest news, terrorists sick of being treated like photographers.

H

[Esseth]

I used to manage surviellance in NSW and QLD, and yeah public areas pretty much fair game just make sure you never get a shot that can ID a police officer.

We used to get cameras in and around the domestic terminals of airports and never got pulled up by security.

[Kevnool]

I thought the lawyers would get called for the photographer getting black eyes when someone disapproved there mug being shot in a public place.

Scenery then whats the problem?

Cheers Kev.

[Spanrz]

I still remember one of the most haunting things, when taking photo's.

We were in NYC, 6 weeks after the Twin Towers fell. We were around the bottom half of Manhattan Island and a largish dark skinned fellow seen my Wife and I taking photo's, and shouted but in a soft way - "Your not supposed to take photo's of Federal Buildings". And then walked away hurriedly in a huff. Left us gobsmacked.

Since then, it feels weird taking photo's of buildings.

[mithrandir]

702 Sydney had an interview with a professional photographer this week.

He said it is just about impossible for an unaccompanied male photographer to shoot at the beach any more. He has been harassed multiple times, had the police called and detain him for an extended period. It is complicated more because he uses film with a medium format camera (645, 6x7) and the police don't understand there is no digital image he can show them immediately to prove his innocent purpose. He says they want to identify the people he has photographed to see if any of them object. They can not charge him without someone's objection.

He now has to hire a model, pay the council by the hour to use the beach, and can not shoot the candid scenes he and his father before him did for many years.

[bloodhound31]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[pgc hunter]

If I want to take photos of buildings, streets or the freaking beach for that matter, I dam well bloody will. If in an unfortunate circumstance, god forbid, people end up in the shot....well then TOUGH NUTS

[Ric]

It's all a bit crazy, I'm going to have to print that document and consult it every time I want to take a photo.

The neighbour's cat might want to sue me for taking a picture of it.

[Barrykgerdes]

There are many stupid laws made by even stupider polititians to appease people who might vote for them. :shrug::shrug::lol:

There are 10 laws that must be obeyed if you want to get to heaven. As for all the rest just avoid getting caught! :P:lol:

Barry

[lacad01]

I heard the same interview Andrew and also stumbled on this piece in last week's SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/photographers-draw-a-line-in-the-sand-over-picture-permits-20100811-11zqb.html)
Bit of a concern is the aspect of imposing restrictions of photographing well known icons such as the Opera House. To date thankfully I haven't been harrassed in pursuing my hobby, however most times when I'm out shooting it's with the family in tow so perhaps that's seen as less threatening somehow :shrug:

[bloodhound31]

Hehehe!:lol:

[Screwdriverone]

Ric, be careful, that's covered in the section "Upskirting" isn't it?

;)

Cheers

Chris

[Jeffkop]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Ric]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

I'll pay that one.

[JimmyH155]

i quite agree with you pgc hunter. If I want to take a photo, I will. Cobblers to the lot of them.:P

[Steffen]

I've got the NSW Summary Sheet (bottom of the page) laminated and permanently in my photo bag ;)

Cheers
Steffen.

[Spanrz]

As Bob Dylan once said...... "In Jersery, everything is legal as long as you don't get caught".
Yes, I know, we aren't in Jersey, but it still applies. :D

[middy]

Just wait until all the alien life forms in the universe find out we've been spying on their planets and taking photographs!! :lol:

[Analog6]

There has been a lot of talk on various photography forums I am on about this topic. It is much more of a problem for male photographers, of course. That legal site is good, it is compiled by a lawyer who is also a photographer and his legal summary sheet is pretty up to date.

Basically if you are on public land you can do whatever you like within the law. On private land like shopping malls etc you must comply with the owner's directives.

For those who do a lot of public photography, but are not professional photographers per se, AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) now offers an 'Enthusiast' membership category. It is for:

"Anyone not currently operating as a professional photographer is eligible to become an AIPP "Enthusiast" and benefit from the association with Australia's leading professional photography community. To be an AIPP Enthusiast, we have one requirement: A LOVE of Photography and the desire to strive for more knowledge in Photography."

There are terrific benefits, you get:
* 3 excellent magazine subscriptions: The Working Pro; Better Digital & Better Photography, plus the AIPP E News;
* discounts on Capture magazine, Australian creative magazine, Ad News magazine & Photo review magazine - Discounted offer
* entry at a lower rate to AIPP events,
* Specialised photography Indemnity & insurance programs,
* The AIPP CPD Program (professional development);
* AIPP membership prices for all AIPP events
* Eligibility to enter Epson state print awards and the national Canon AIPP APPA awards (both from 2011*)

It is $120 the first year then $85 pa. The 3 magazine subscriptions are worth more than that!

http://www.aipp.com.au/aipphome.php?ID=526&cat=Join&A=

A few people on Australian Photography have said they wear the lanyard and card when they are out and about and it helps to be able to show people that you are a 'proper' photographer and a member of a professional body. It reassures people and is useful if you have to deal with the Police. Plus, you can fit a few business cards in the beck of the card holder behind the membership card - handy to have.

One poster said: "I've been quite surprised by how wearing a lanyard which holds a clear plastic card holder with a number of my business cards in somehow gives others the idea that I have a professional reason to be doing what I'm doing - ie taking pictures. The bonus is that I always have a business card to hand out to people enquiring."

Something to think about.

[Screwdriverone]

Thanks Guys,

Thank you, thank you very much, you've been a great audience.

I will be here all week.....try the veal :thumbsup:

Cheers

Chris