My twin grand-daughters had their fourth birthday party recently, and I had
no hesitation in shooting just as I normally do. I had no challenges from
any of the parents of the other children that were there, possibly because I
was introduced to those I didn't know as soon as they arrived. Same deal,
in fact, on their third birthday, where I did not already know as many of
the children and parents.
I would not expect any hassles in such a family environment, and know that I
would get support from the people who invited me if anyone were so crass as
to object, and I know who would get asked to leave if they were insistent!
I think, in general, and I have read all of the posts in the recent mammoth
thread, that unless we photographers exercise our right to photograph we
will lose it through the ability of the paranoid to make a federal case out
of perfectly innocent activities. We may have to deal with the occasional
lunatic, such as Daniel Matyola's crazy lady, but we can't let them win! As
regards officials, on private property we may have no choice but to comply
with a directive to stop photographing, but we do not have to hand over our
film, images or equipment. When asked by a police officer to hand equipment
over, I am not sure that we may have to determine what the law is in each
jurisdiction, as it probably varies: but Shel's most recent experience I
think shows that a civil and friendly attitude can make a world of
difference to the outcome.
John Coyle
Brisbane, Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Studdert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 9:01 AM
Subject: RE: Today I Was Stopped by the Police While Photographing
On 23 Oct 2005 at 15:21, Malcolm Smith wrote:
If I want to take photos where I know people are around, I wear a big
green
hi-visibility jacket and make it really obvious what I am doing. I've yet
to be
asked any questions - although I'd admit to trying *not* to have people
in the
frame anyway, as it's the buildings and roads that I'm trying to
capture - they
probably that I'm working for the local Council or something.
I've pretty much given up shooting people when children are about, I was
invited to a friends childs 4th birthday a few weeks ago and asked if I
could
bring my camera. Even though I'd been asked I really didn't feel
comfortable
about it as there were a lot of parents and children there that I didn't
know
(and didn't know me).
So I ended up taking my Leica and shooting just a handful of shots which
mainly
featured the birthday girl. Hopefully her mum will appreciate the prints
but I
could have done a whole lot more if I didn't now feel so paranoid about
such
situations.
Rob Studdert
HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA
Tel +61-2-9554-4110
UTC(GMT) +10 Hours
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/
Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
