Guest JMF Posted April 25, 2016 Share #141 Posted April 25, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Protection ! by JM__, on Flickr Ektar 100 M6 35 Cron v1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 Hi Guest JMF, Take a look here Australian Cityscapes - Open Thread. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stuny Posted April 25, 2016 Share #142 Posted April 25, 2016 Very nice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest )-( Posted April 26, 2016 Share #143 Posted April 26, 2016 I am giving up on photography anywhere around Circular Quay In the last two weeks I have been 'detained' for photographing the 'operation', people and stuff getting on/off an enormous cruise ship at the Quay - by three security guards (private/public sector - anyone's guess? they don't identify themselves, just get all up in your face - "Why are you taking pictures", "What are you doing" etc..) This was on the "Observation Deck" of the Cruise Ship Terminal! They run photography classes here sometimes. And then yesterday again, the Opera House, same deal. I was forced to provide Photo ID 'for their report'. Three really thuggish types, didn't identify themselves, just immediately aggressively in my face, what do you think you're doing etc.. This all with an MP/roll of HP5+, minding my own business taking primarily architectural shots, occasionally with passers by in them (and surrounded by thousands of tourists which is the only reason I tended to wander around there.) In both incidents, I was calm, polite and answered all questions asked of me but still treated like I was doing something underhand/suspicious by thugs in jackboots who don't identify who they are, just ramble about 'the times we live in' and treat you like a High School bully - 'why aren't you taking a picture of the Harbour Bridge like everyone else'. It didn't, in either case, feel like it was really about 'security' at all but about control and aggression. I felt pretty persecuted at the time, now after the fact, I feel angry at what little rights I do have as a Citizen being squashed faster than you can say anti-terrorism legislation all on same vague premise that photography is suspicious but we can't really say why it is, it just is. They all seemed especially concerned that they themselves might be photographed, definitely not something I was interested in trying to assert my rights in doing (or what I want to shoot) but again why this is the case was unclear to me. Anyway... An older shot of 'the operation'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JMF Posted April 26, 2016 Share #144 Posted April 26, 2016 I am giving up on photography anywhere around Circular Quay In the last two weeks I have been 'detained' for photographing the 'operation', people and stuff getting on/off an enormous cruise ship at the Quay - by three security guards (private/public sector - anyone's guess? they don't identify themselves, just get all up in your face - "Why are you taking pictures", "What are you doing" etc..) This was on the "Observation Deck" of the Cruise Ship Terminal! They run photography classes here sometimes. And then yesterday again, the Opera House, same deal. I was forced to provide Photo ID 'for their report'. Three really thuggish types, didn't identify themselves, just immediately aggressively in my face, what do you think you're doing etc.. This all with an MP/roll of HP5+, minding my own business taking primarily architectural shots, occasionally with passers by in them (and surrounded by thousands of tourists which is the only reason I tended to wander around there.) In both incidents, I was calm, polite and answered all questions asked of me but still treated like I was doing something underhand/suspicious by thugs in jackboots who don't identify who they are, just ramble about 'the times we live in' and treat you like a High School bully - 'why aren't you taking a picture of the Harbour Bridge like everyone else'. It didn't, in either case, feel like it was really about 'security' at all but about control and aggression. I felt pretty persecuted at the time, now after the fact, I feel angry at what little rights I do have as a Citizen being squashed faster than you can say anti-terrorism legislation all on same vague premise that photography is suspicious but we can't really say why it is, it just is. They all seemed especially concerned that they themselves might be photographed, definitely not something I was interested in trying to assert my rights in doing (or what I want to shoot) but again why this is the case was unclear to me. Anyway... An older shot of 'the operation'. Nice shots . Good you kept your calm . What do you refer to as "the operation"? At the MCA by JM__, on Flickr 35 Summicron v1 on MMv1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest )-( Posted April 26, 2016 Share #145 Posted April 26, 2016 Cracking shot JM and my apologies for my ramble, just an unpleasant set of experiences, far removed from simply trying to enjoy my hobby and the moments as they pass. 'The operation' - their words not mine. Used to describe the loading and unloading of the cruise ship; people, fruit, beer, recycling, whatever, all things that happen in plain sight at Australia's busiest tourist destination as watched by myself and many others from the Observation Deck of the Overseas Passenger Terminal (the building just visible bottom right of your shot above.) I was forced to try and explain that a ship preparing for sea is an interesting and romantic thing and something a photographer might be interested in - which of course went down like an anchor over the side. They actually asked me "Who I was with" at one point, inferring what I'm not sure - the KGB? Commonwealth Department of Checking Security Guards? ABC News? A little later in the day (I retreated into the City, far from Circular Quay) I saw a Police Officer and even asked her if she had any advice or experience in issues like this. She pretty much shrugged and said 'the times we live in, don't take pictures of anything suspicious, any buildings, or hotels, or anything'. I don't like the times we live in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted April 26, 2016 Author Share #146 Posted April 26, 2016 I've only ever once been challenged in Sydney, whilst taking a photo of a crane at a building site in the inner West. The security guard said I wasn't allowed to take the photo but I said I was on the public land pointing my camera up in the air, but I was happy to call the police then and there and let them decide. He backed off and I took my pictures. I think you could politely stand your ground and explain the law, take out your mobile phone and offer to call the police then and there to sort out the situation, and that you would abide by what they advise. If Security say it's not necessary you should insist to clarify the situation. They will probably back off then and there. Be polite and calm and if all else fails, just remember Monty Python's: "He who ups and runs away, lives to fight another day" ;-) However, if you're not standing on public land they can assert their rights. Or, Coogee, you just look a bit suspicious........ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardster Posted April 26, 2016 Share #147 Posted April 26, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) hi coogee. How very annoying and disappointing. It is also very timely as I am heading to Sydney this weekend for a few days of just wandering the streets and photographing to my hearts delight. I will have to tread carefully while there or maybe even avoid Circular Quay all together. How very sad indeed. My understanding of situations like this in Australia is that in most circumstances we are well within our rights to photograph anything from a public domain i.e. a public street and as long as what we are photographing it is not something like a military installation or if there are signs clearly stating that no photography be undertaken. I have been pulled up quite a number times in recent years and on one occasion was accosted by a shop owner who calmed down after we talked and I shared my images of her shop with her. On another occasion it was by security and the water police at the Brisbane port authority for photographing on private land. I understood that. I indicated that I was an amateur photographer and that I had a website. I had to provide ID and a URL. They also took down my car number plate details. All with a smile on my face. They were both satisfied with that but warned me that I should not return or further action would be taken against me. The port authority contacted me a few weeks later to reinforce that statement. I was also pulled up by security whilst capturing the architecture of two separate skyscrapers in the Brisbane CBD. One from what I thought was a public right of way along the river front and the other on a laneway between buildings which I also thought was a public right of way. When I challenged the security head of the first situation I was told that the private 'land' extended some x? metres into the river! I relented and left a little perplexed. I have not since tried to confirm if this is in fact true. In the second I was told that I was on private land and so again I moved on. I am not a law expert but would have thought, like you, that the men accosting you should have identified themselves when approaching you and given clear reason/s why you were not allowed to photograph. In all but the first of my encounters that is exactly what happened so it was easy for all concerned to be polite and reasonable. From what you are saying, your thugs weren't particularly well informed of how to interact with the public and if they were they didn't really care. Maybe they were bouncers in another life. The threat of terrorism has certainly changed how the world views anyone on the street especially a photographer and especially at popular tourist spots. I get that. But unfortunately, those of us who are genuine in our pursuits are being increasingly discriminated against. There are numerous threads on the net on this subject and it will be a topic of constant debate for years to come. From what I have read, when you know your rights as a photographer in the country/state you are photographing in it certainly helps but may not necessarily prevent a course of subsequent events occurring that could be very annoying or even distressing. Agree with Jean Marc. Good that you kept your cool. Really like what you did manage to capture albeit on a previous occasion. Regards Hardy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest )-( Posted April 26, 2016 Share #148 Posted April 26, 2016 Thanks Mark and Hardy. Sorry to hear of your not dissimilar experiences Hardy. The OPT is not public land. I was prevented from leaving until I could 'explain myself.' They couldn't give me an answer on what is/isn't acceptable to photograph from here (a purpose built publicly accessible observation deck.) This one was more of a public servant without a real clue what they are saying but talking for half an hour whilst they detain me from golden hour and ultimately I just carry on doing what I'm doing but with a bad feeling. The Opera House forecourt areas - is it public land? These were proper gorillas in jackboots (bouncers for sure), they surrounded me and 'insisted.' The whole thing was a long way from being able to assert my rights. You're right on offering to call the cops Mark - I think I have to do that next time. I don't like confrontation or having to explain my existence to strangers. The whole thing was pretty upsetting tbh. These were not nice people. You're right on the broader issue Hardy. For me I find it very difficult to see a link between photography and terrorism. All I get to see is State-sponsored oppression of public activity. But not all of you enjoy this luxury and some of you might be directly affected which gives you a very different view on these issues perhaps. I'm dragging the thread off topic sorry, just felt the need to unload with some other photographers, thanks. I'm sure you'll be OK Hardy, enjoy your stay! I'll be around if you wanted to catch up at any point. We've been getting great Autumn skies of late here. My experiences in Sydney have generally been OK. I've never been a great fan of the area from the Rocks through to the Opera House but I did think I could mingle in OK with the crowds, clearly not! I do think I will shelve my plans to photograph around the Airport here! A shame as I like train stations, airports, ports etc.. people coming and going. I feel a landscape period coming on for now, a retreat to the National Parks where I might be free from Security. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardster Posted April 26, 2016 Share #149 Posted April 26, 2016 Talk about intimidation! How things have changed in the last twelve months since last I was there. I would have thought the Opera House forecourt is private property but I'm not sure. I think that Mark's suggestion in calling the police is a very good one. At least it may call their bluff but ultimately when you're on private property you are the trespasser. I'm looking forward to those autumn skies and photographer friendly streets! Regards Hardy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted April 26, 2016 Author Share #150 Posted April 26, 2016 Go and photograph and have fun! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
platypus Posted April 27, 2016 Share #151 Posted April 27, 2016 Oh dear....my beloved city sure has changed! Reading the stories in these posts I am so thankful that I now reside in deepest rural Australia and have nothing and no-one to annoy me as I walk and photograph, except perhaps the odd bludging Currawong that is convinced that I am carrying mince meat in my pocket.....I'd rather have a loopy bird any day than a thug of a security guard. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
digger1914 Posted April 27, 2016 Share #152 Posted April 27, 2016 I have only ever been hassled once in Sydney, and that was when i took a photo of a monstrously big bolt under the bridge. When the muppet threatened me and demanded I delete the shot, I refused and told him to ring the police. Like most bullies he backed down. I guess that's a pretty good result seeing I have taken heaps of photos around the Quay when I worked down there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted April 28, 2016 Author Share #153 Posted April 28, 2016 I have only ever been hassled once in Sydney, and that was when i took a photo of a monstrously big bolt under the bridge. When the muppet threatened me and demanded I delete the shot, I refused and told him to ring the police. Like most bullies he backed down. I guess that's a pretty good result seeing I have taken heaps of photos around the Quay when I worked down there. Yea, like you were planning to unscrew the bolt and bring the bridge down! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest )-( Posted April 28, 2016 Share #154 Posted April 28, 2016 Or, Coogee, you just look a bit suspicious........ I always thought my Guy Fawkes mask and hooded top were smart and perfect incognito for street photography but you could be onto something Mark! LOL at the bolt comment!!! It is like an evolutionary trigger inside Security guards minds' - if you see it, totally fine, nothing odd there, but if you photograph it , well who could possibly know what you could be planning to do with this enhanced, photographed, information. God knows what they'd do if they caught you tattooing an image of the bolt onto your forearm down there, it'd the clinker for you, post haste! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted April 28, 2016 Author Share #155 Posted April 28, 2016 Get that shifting spanner out now ;-) Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/254971-australian-cityscapes-open-thread/?do=findComment&comment=3034993'>More sharing options...
Hardster Posted April 29, 2016 Share #156 Posted April 29, 2016 I might have to bring my Stilson this weekend! That could be an interesting talking piece when I take it through security before boarding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted April 29, 2016 Author Share #157 Posted April 29, 2016 Taken in more genteel times. Nevertheless I'll now be dragged from my home and interrogated by Sydney Opera House security for this breach of National Security. M9, 2.8/28 Elmarit ASPH Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/254971-australian-cityscapes-open-thread/?do=findComment&comment=3035633'>More sharing options...
Guest )-( Posted May 2, 2016 Share #158 Posted May 2, 2016 Very nice Mark, the Death Star plans are safe in our hands! Staring out to sea at Coogee Beach from a few weeks back, HP5+, probably 50 Summilux pre-ASPH. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardster Posted May 7, 2016 Share #159 Posted May 7, 2016 King's Cross Transit, Sydney Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! MMv1 + 21 Elmarit-M Asph Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! MMv1 + 21 Elmarit-M Asph ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/254971-australian-cityscapes-open-thread/?do=findComment&comment=3040672'>More sharing options...
Echo63 Posted May 15, 2016 Share #160 Posted May 15, 2016 Perth Alleyways (painting is on the Central Institute of Technology Northbridge Campus) Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! and the State War Memorial, the evening before Anzac Day Handheld, 90mm f4 1/45 3200ISO Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! and the State War Memorial, the evening before Anzac Day Handheld, 90mm f4 1/45 3200ISO ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/254971-australian-cityscapes-open-thread/?do=findComment&comment=3045330'>More sharing options...
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