Freedom to take snaps

So the craziness finally comes to Australia. One of the things I like most to photograph is architecture, building and such. But if one building manager from Melbourne has her way that should be banned. Some people are just in love with their own sense of power, or so it seems (emphasis mine)

Southgate property manager Kathy Barrance said there had been a couple of incidents of tourists taking photos of obscure things.”It was just the facades of buildings, things that would be of no interest to put in a photo album,” Ms Barrance said. The new signs banning cameras state that “Southgate thanks you for not taking photos within the complex unless approved by management”.Ms Barrance said anyone found taking unauthorised photographs would be told to stop by roaming security guards.”It’s policy around Southgate for security to ask people not to photograph,” she said.Exceptions will be made for photos of such things as the Ophelia sculpture at the main entrance. “On the (Yarra) promenade, it’s fine, or if it’s of Ophelia,” Ms Barrance said.

Photo ban too much, says PM – Top stories – Breaking News 24/7 – NEWS.com.au

So Ms Barrance thinks that she knows what people should be interested in taking photos of. I mean seriously just because she cannot see the value in taking photographs that aren’t cutsey “family in front of tourist attraction” types doesn’t mean that there isn’t any value.

I’ve heard many stories of this sort of thing happening from various American examples of overzealous security to the famous eiffel tower copright issues. This is happening to the extent that some people have even published a guide to photographers rights. All I can say is that I really hope this kind of thing doesn’t start to be required here in OZ.

Asked if the restrictions were designed to deter terrorists from conducting reconnaissance, Ms Barrance said, “Yes, that type of thing.”

Photo ban too much, says PM – Top stories – Breaking News 24/7 – NEWS.com.au

Really there is no point here in stopping people take their photos. Anyone who thinks this is going to inconvenience terrorists is deluded, it just makes things harder for regular people, but maybe that is the point.

UPDATE:In the comments Adrian links to Andrew Nemeth’s list of Australian photographer’s rights.

Technorati Tags: photography, freedom, law