I broke my own rule - apparently

[kazdez]

We went to a festival last night to take some dusk and evening candids. Was there about 1.5 hours, just finishing eating a snack and I took my camera out and was snapping some of the scenes around me. Well, this guy, comes up and asks if I was taking photos of his children. Taking scenes and taking children is different to me. My rule is no individual children. So I said I did not think so, he asked me to show him the last two shots I had taken, and there in a group scene shot, his daughter was there with a whole group of other people enjoying the festival. I said I apologize, and deleted the image. So you would think every thing ok, but no, the wife went chasing about for security, who came and said he had a complaint. I explained that I had inadvertently, shot a scene that had his daughter in, that I had apologize, and that I deleted it. Security said fine all ok, but the people concerned did not let it go. One of the men chased after the security guy to get us kicked out of the festival, but we had not done anything wrong, and security said, its over. So we continued to enjoy the festival, but this group of people. stood glaring at us, to try and make us uncomfortable. I know the law here in Queensland, regarding shooting in public places, and children. So I was not going to be chased away by anyone, if security saw nothing wrong.
We left about 20 mins later, and low and behold one of the men followed us for about 2 blocks, to see where we were going. Now I am not a confrontational person, but I should have turned around and asked what he was doing, but let it go. He had the problem not me. So my vent:

In a public place,
Shooting candid scenes
Took a scene shot that had his daughter in
Apologized
Deleted
**** should be all over,
but
wife called security to try and have us ejected.
Security said we were ok
Then followed us to intimidate

Left a bad taste in my mouth......

Sorry for the long vent

Angry that some people just have to try and take it further.

Kazdez

[ameerat42]

"Some people are born great. Some become great. And some have greatness thrust upon them." Anon.

Sounds like they were just grating.

I can't see a thing you did wrong from all this.

[old dog]

You did the right thing.......and continue to be non confrontational as road rage can occur on foot too and this other person who followed you could have attacked you if provoked. Don`t let this change you....easily said I`ll admit. Continue being innocent I say.

[Lance B]

Unfortunately, people have become waaay too precious in this day and age. Everyone is a victim these days and this scenario was no exception, these people wanted to feel as they were victims and were going to great lengths to prove it. It's quite unbelievable, really.

You probably did do the right thing and I do not know what I would have done in those circumstances, but a person following you for 2 blocks is just as bad as what he was accusing you of, ie he was stalking. In that particular point in the situation, I may have reacted quite strongly and possibly confronted the idiot and pointed out how ridiculous he was behaving. I definitely would have taken his photo and warned him that it may be used in evidence of him harassing you.

I meant to add. Imagine it Justin Bieber had turned up and the kids photo was taken next to him ND published in the paper for all the world to see. Anyone could download it and see their daughter. Or imagine they didn't have a camera themselves and saw that you also took a photo, they'd be falling all over themselves for a photo from you on this momentous occasion. Really, its no different

[Scotty72]

Hi,

Frankly, I think you were way too kind. Him demanding you show him, then delete your personal photos is no different from him demanding to look through your wallet for something he may not wish you to have.

I have taken that approach a few times: I'll let you look at my private photos if you show me yours... Otherwise, get a court order.

Having said that, I take an obvious,in your face approach. Doing that gives you the appearance of 'belonging' there.

As for him following you in order to intimidate, you ought to have gone to security as that is clearly not allowable. And, you should have taken a few pics of him as evidence of him following you.

Better luck avoiding morons next time.

Scotty

[kiwi]

I'm really sorry that's happened to you, I personally really hate this sort of thing and I know it will put you off public photography

[kazdez]

Thanks guys, for the comments. It really has left a bad taste. Being Female, I am not one to confront, and I appreciate the comments. We talked about it when we got home, and the should of, could of and would of's made me realize that not being intimidated by him was the best way to go.

"Him demanding you show him, then delete your personal photos is no different from him demanding to look through your wallet for something he may not wish you to have."

I never thought of it that way. I have always enjoyed doing Candid Street and festival photography, but feeling at the moment, I will go back to doing sports, Wildlife and macro, till this feeling passes. Might even try landscapes, at least the scenery cannot intimidate you!

At least the security guy saw the commonsense in the situation. Could have turned out worse. Will be carrying the QLD rules in my bag in future, if I decide to do Candids.

Again thanks for your support

[Scotty72]

I'm really sorry that's happened to you, I personally really hate this sort of thing and I know it will put you off public photography

Yeah! I hope it doesn't put you off too much.

You did nothing wrong and were far more polite than I'd have been.

[ricktas]

Some people in our society seem to think they are important, and usually they are insignificant and by being bullies, they try to appear important to others. In reality they just looks like dicks! And if it looks like a dick, it probably, for intents and purposes, is!

[ricstew]

I am with Scotty on this one lol.......I must be way less non confrontational than most.......especially with the following stuff....would have sorted that right out with the camera lens lol
cheers
Jan

[mickyj]

I had a similar thing happen in the Adelaide Park lands. I was doing landscape photos and had not realised some the cities homeless were sleeping under the brush.
In a different section of the parks, about 15 of them caught up with me. Told me I was spying and taking their photos. They did not ask, they snatched my camera still attached to my neck and wrenched it about. They said they were going to smash it and then beat me up. No security anywhere here

I told them and I assured them I was taking landscape images and finally convinced them to take a look. They went through them all. Trees, rivers, waterfalls, no poeple at all. Then they said that I might have another memory card or hiding them in another way. I assured them I had not deleted them and turned out my pockets (I left my wallet in the car so I had nothing of value except my car keys and camera).
They even checked out the sequential photo numbers to see I had not quickly deleted any.

I finally convinced them I had not taken any photos and even told them, if they wish, I will leave the park, and I did.

I am not going back there, no matter how nice the park looks. It is a pity.

[Scotty72]

I Will be carrying the QLD rules in my bag in future, if I decide to do Candids.

Again thanks for your support

Good idea to have the sheet but, be aware, idiots like the guy you described are usually too caught up in their own self-importance to be persuaded by the mere rights and wrongs of the situation. It is very likely this guy has some hobby-horse and your presence is simply his excuse to flog it.

However, if security / police become involved, it may be helpful for you to make them aware you know your rights - if they try to tell you that you have none. Even then, prob best to politely thank them and tell them you will continue to take pics. If you're thrusting bits of paper in people's faces, then it's already a poor situation.

Chin Up

Scotty

[zollo]

Ignore them.

I was shooting a dealership for an advertisement Friday night around dusk, when a passer by started hanging around looking agitated. I am wary of that because i have expensive gear laying nearby so I asked politely if there was a problem. He then asked me for money!!? (lol) for taking his photograph. I swiftly explained that i am a commercial photographer and people usually pay me money for taking their photos not the other way around! He had no reply to that LOL

[mrDooba]

Stories like this make my blood boil

I feel very sorry for you. I like Lance's response of possibly photographing the stalker and keeping it for evidence if needed.

[kiwi]

With the nutters around and their unpredicatability I would personally avoid waving your rights around (though they are good for ignorant authorities) or taking photos of them that might well just provoke an escalation. Best just to walk off I think.

[andylo]

I agree with kiwi, just walk away!

Usually I lug all my gears to everywhere. But when doing candid, I pack very light and always ready to get away from situation.

[mechawombat]

A lesson I learnt along time ago

Never argue with an idiot as they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience
Same applies to ignorant people

Sorry to hear of your bad experience Kaz

[Scotty72]

I would add, if you do intend to assert your rights, and you're not Hulk Hogan, make sure you're in a very public place: the festival sounds like it was.

[Scotty72]

I had a similar thing happen in the Adelaide Park lands. I was doing landscape photos and had not realised some the cities homeless were sleeping under the brush.
In a different section of the parks, about 15 of them caught up with me. Told me I was spying and taking their photos. They did not ask, they snatched my camera still attached to my neck and wrenched it about. They said they were going to smash it and then beat me up. No security anywhere here

I told them and I assured them I was taking landscape images and finally convinced them to take a look. They went through them all. Trees, rivers, waterfalls, no poeple at all. Then they said that I might have another memory card or hiding them in another way. I assured them I had not deleted them and turned out my pockets (I left my wallet in the car so I had nothing of value except my car keys and camera).
They even checked out the sequential photo numbers to see I had not quickly deleted any.

I finally convinced them I had not taken any photos and even told them, if they wish, I will leave the park, and I did.

I am not going back there, no matter how nice the park looks. It is a pity.

Gee! I think I will stick to the safety of the back alleys of Mexico City, Kabul and Baghdad before I venture into Adelaide's mean streets.

That is aweful.

Scotty

[Tricky]

Kazdez, I'm incredulous at their behaviour... you did very well to turn the other cheek. They followed after you for several blocks to intimidate you, yet they feel they're somehow the victim?!