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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Last edited by pgc hunter; 15-08-2010 at 01:33 AM.
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.
I heard the same interview Andrew and also stumbled on this piece in last week's SMH
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
