July Photo Challenge - Comments

[iceman (Mike)]

Please your comments here.

Subject: People in public spaces

Please post entries in the entries thread.

[Volans]

Hmmm, this will be an interesting theme. Although it is quite legal to take images of people in public places, some people do not realise this and feel as if their privacy has been invaded.

Now I wonder if I could get a picture of an audience under the planetarium dome?

Peter.

[iceman (Mike)]

I believe it's only an issue if you intend to make money out of the photo, and then you'll need them to sign a model release form, or something.

I'm not 100% sure on the legal aspects of it. Where's our resident pro photographer? Do we have one? Haven't seen Robin in a while.

Of course taking pictures of children might incur the wraith of the parents, unless you get permission first.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

My scanner stopped working. No pic from me this month.

[iceman (Mike)]

Beautiful shot RB! It turned out great.

Steve, didn't you just buy a digital?

[sheeny (Al)]

Very interesting subject guys! Tough to decide what to submit!

On the subject of privacy and photos, I am not an expert but after having been a Media Officer for the SES for about 5 years or so, I'll offer my perspective on it. If anyone knows better, please feel free to correct me!

As I understand it, making money from the image has nothing to do with the privacy laws. The key is whether or not a person is identifiable in the image. You don't have to be able to see them clearly to be able to identify them... they may be identifiable by different methods like where they are or what they are doing, for example. We used to take photos at rescues for training purposes, and later for media purposes - always very careful to maintain the privacy of those involved. The current privacy laws, however, have now resulted in us not being permitted to take any photographs at a rescue scene. There are some exceptional circumstances which require the approval of the senior Police Officer either at the scene or of the area command.

So, my advice is just to be careful with candid photos o people unless you have permission to take the photo (and probably also that the subject knows how the photo will be used / displayed? )

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Oh! Very nice photos HOughy and RB! Very arty! I like 'em!

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice shot Al! I like it.

Regarding the privacy laws, I'm not so sure about that - i've read conflicting opinions on other photography forums. You may be right, i'll try digging around some more.

[sheeny (Al)]

No worries, Mike. Mine is a bit of an unusual perspective in that regard... I'm not sure how much is "the law" and how much is "company"/Police policy. I know it killed my role as a media officer for a rescue unit!

Al.

[33South (Chris)]

Not many entries and only a week to go.

Looking good for a 7 way tie.

[iceman (Mike)]

I've got a few ideas but no opportunities to get out there and take them.

Might have to search through some old photos to enter.

[sheeny (Al)]

Nothing wrong with old photos Mike! A good image is a good image!

Al.

[IanW]

At present the legal situation in Australia is somewhat ambigious regarding people and photography.

There are some slight differences from state to state in Australia but as a general rule if a person is photographed in a public location (such as roadway, park, beach) then there are no legal impediements to the shot being displayed publically. However, if the shot is demeaning or portrays an action, pose or other feature that may cause a person embarrasmment, or public ridicule then they have legal rights to sue for damages. Needless to say any material that contravenes the current obscenity laws etc is also open to legal challenge. (eg: upskirt shots, gross invasion of privacy etc)

Model releases are not technically not required in Australia, though most of us involved in professional photography use them to cover ourselves in case of demand for payment if a shot is used commercially, and also because agencies demand them. They also show proof that the photographer is the owner of the image.

With that said one should be careful of posting shots of children etc due to the very real threat of paedophiles 'collecting' such shots and or charges/accusations of paedophillia being leveled at the photographer. As a general rule if someone objects to their photograph being taken then don't use it. Normally if I'm shooting on the streets (rare) I'll seek permission after taking a candid shot.

Hope this helps,
ian

[RAJAH235]

David, nice composition. RB, Love the diff perspective. Chris, that must have been spectacular to see 'in real life'.
Nice series of pics all round again guys n gals. Another difficult choice coming up... L.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Ian, for your very valuable insights.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice image Peter, although there's no stars on the ceiling

[Volans]

Thanks Mike, all the stars were sitting at the tables