Does anyone know the law regarding taking photographs in a public place because I am getting really pi£$ed off with people moaning at me.
Since I got my D100 + 70-200mm Sigma Lens (very big) I have had nothing but trouble
Case 1
Phone local swimming pool to ask if I can come down and take pictures (for the water challenge my first idea was of a swimmer - also wanted to test my new lens) Oh no probs, just come down and fill in a form! Great!
I get there and they say 'no sorry can't have you taking pictures of people' I did explain that they were not being used in anything endorsing/advertising anything, but still no.
Case 2
Next idea is something sporty (again seeing how 'fast' my Sigma is) - canoe/jetski/boat so head down to a huge water park where activities happen all the time. Spot some canoe people and take a few shots when all of a sudden a big yell and a chap paddles over to me being aggressive saying why am I taking pictures, and to basically piss off. Nice.
Case 3
Local footy match, taking some shots and although no agro, lots of people looking at me like I was some kind of weirdo.
Case 4
In the street not even taking pictures, 3 idiots start saying 'don’t you take a picture of me' blah blah blah, camera was just on my shoulder.
Why is this, and is there any law that refrains me from taking pictures of people in a public place? How stupid this has become. After this happening i did some research and a lot of swimming pools now ban mobile phones in swimming pools in case a paedophile comes in a snaps children bathing.
I've had considerable luck in gaining permission to photograph in non-public places. I just call ahead, explain what I'm working on, and ask for permission. Some places have restrictions such as our local school district. They gave me permission to shoot anything I wanted as long as the children's faces weren't visable. I've been working on a project for the Chamber of Commerce here in town and have been given permission to shoot every place I've asked. The other thing I've done if I think they might be "iffy" on my intentions is to state that I'm a photography student working on an assignment and everyone has been really great about helping me out. Good luck!
PS - I notice a considerable change in attitudes depending on how professional I look and what I'm wearing. Overdress the people you're around and they give you a lot more respect.
PS - I notice a considerable change in attitudes depending on how professional I look and what I'm wearing. Overdress the people you're around and they give you a lot more respect.
I guess us small town folks have some advantages. I bring my camera into the Aquatic Center here. They didn't say anything to me. I also take pictures of everything and anyone. People stare at me but I don't care, I will go and talk with them and they give them a business card.
I think your problem is, is you are asking. Just go in there and start taking pictures.
I guess us small town folks have some advantages. I bring my camera into the Aquatic Center here. They didn't say anything to me. I also take pictures of everything and anyone. People stare at me but I don't care, I will go and talk with them and they give them a business card.
I think your problem is, is you are asking. Just go in there and start taking pictures.
Your advice is similar to that given to people in anti-victimization training -- if your attitude and body language indicate that you have every right to be where you are and doing what you're doing people will be less inclined to bother you.
And since they know me, I take pictures at my son's school and day care center all the time without hassle (except getting them copies of the pictures!). I also find that people accept the idea that you have a photo assignment from a club or class (people don't seem to care which) as a plausible reason to be taking pictures. Most people find it interesting ... I was taking a picture of some worn brick steps outside a small-town store, and the proprietress came out to see what I was doing. Until then, she hadn't realized that her steps -- rounded over many years of foot traffic -- might be an interesting subject for a photo.
I usually also offer to send them a photo (or email) if it comes out really good.
Personally I'd call it a club; most photgraphy clubs have an educational component if not basis. But I'll describe it to a security guard as a class if that seems prudent.
Personally I'd call it a club; most photgraphy clubs have an educational component if not basis. But I'll describe it to a security guard as a class if that seems prudent.
It's both. We got our club and then we have all the help from the forum and the tutorials that are here so it is a class too.
