Comments on: The trouble with taking pictures…

By: Loloy D

Loloy D — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:07:20 +0000

IMHO, Lee’s comments above are unfounded. When we are in banks, malls, casinos or other kinds of establishments, we are being watched the whole time by big-brother style security cameras. Where’s the PRIVACY ACT in that? There’s nothing intrusive in the liberties of others when you’re just taking pictures or videos of anything in public places, or commercial places visited by public consumers. It’s only in banks or similar establishments where security is a serious consideration – these are the places where it’s understandable that you’re not allowed to take pictures of. They can only kick you out – but they cannot sue you. There is no national nor municipal law mandating the use of cameras inside commercial establishments, but there are only policies and regulations upheld by such establishments.

Rex, you’re absolutely doing a good job by taking pictures of anything anywhere. Actually, I also want to do the same thing. I want to take pictures of erring law enforcement operatives not following the rule of law. I want to journalize good and bad life experiences and once-in-a-lifetime scenes. I want to capture them, tag them, describe them and publish them whenever I see fit. I can exercise my rights, privileges and freedom freely, as long as I do not intrude on the liberties of others.

Let us be strong. We can always argue our way out. If they put the heat on us, ***let’s throw the heat back*** at them. What’s it to them if they ask us? I can tell them blatantly, “YES, I do have something in mind with these pictures I’m taking. Do you have a problem with that? Do you want me to send your name to the media or the PCIJ? WTF is your problem?”

By: vince

vince — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:18:07 +0000

Sometimes taking pictures can have you in big trouble. Just drop lies or stuff. Like what I did last Aklan day. Only one photog was allowed but I told them I was a freelance photog and I may submit some pics to local papers. hehe. And so without even asking who I was, I was there shooting. All I did was ask the police if I can shoot. A photojourn once told me to ask first and shoot later. And don’t shoot people that do not give their consent to you. hehe. but its not really the law, its just photo ethics. And I agree with what you said, public places will always be places where you can freely shoot. police have no authority to tell you what to do. maybe some of the guards and police here are trained in North Korea. haha

By: Rex

Rex — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:11 +0000

Thanks for the warning sir. Here in the Philippines, it should be wrong to take a photo of someone in their own home or office, but in public places? I think it is implied that public places can offer no privacy.

The media takes a lot of photos and videos of crowds in public places and I’m sure they don’t ask permission from every single person appearing on their media. That would need an unreasonable amount of effort on the part of photographers.

If this trend continues, cameras in the near future should have an auto face-blur feature on top of the existing face-detection.

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:05:04 +0000

Rex, if you’re here in North America, you HAVE to be AWARE of an Act, called PRIVACY ACT. This entails the RIGHT of an individual (person or owner of) for privacy. Meaning, one’s privacy is respected at all times, especially in public places and without prior permission (of taking photos), one is INVADING someones privacy. Thus, one is charge of breaking the law. That act is very tricky and at times, I have to maneuver around it when I’m taking pictures especially in a public place. This is how I do it here:
1.) ALWAYS ask verbal consent if one is allowed to take picture(s). At least, you have someone to blame for if reprimanded. Be ready to explain reasons why. Then, maneuver around it if needed (i.e. I’m taking pictures of myself or a friend in the mall. That’s allowed, but if you’re taking pictures of the mall’s surroundings/structures, then it’s a BIG no-no. Unless, one has prior authority, one is strictly prohibited from taking pictures inside the mall/shopping centre). Security guards in malls keep an eye on prying cameras!
2) Taking pictures of foods in a restaurant. Same thing, ask prior permission and make sure, no one is in the picture aside from food. If someone’s face is included, blurr the face. That will save you from lawsuits later. Especially if you post/publish the photo. Most times, I ask the person involved if it’s alright with them. And, most times, they don’t care. I got to be pro-active to avoid mishaps later. Don’t assume that it’s your food and you pay for it and that gives you all the right what to do with it (including taking pictures of them).
3. An expressed apology sometimes does the trick. At times, we forget about the PRIVACY Act because we get excited. A simple sorry and offer to delete the photo will be sufficient.
Like you, Rex, I have countless bad encounters here in Canada & US. Lots of people or store owners says NO for my intentions and sometimes they’re rude. Just don’t take it personally, save you from stress. ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF THE PRIVACY ACT.

By: Germie

Germie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:33:11 +0000

Keep on taking pictures, Rex!
That traffic officer is indeed dumb and arrogant. Pardon me of my words, I just don’t like those kind of public servants. It’s like they were not trained and educated well…

By: hrbrt

hrbrt — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:18:30 +0000

Haha Maybe those persons thought you’ll use the pictures in such a way that would be displeasing to them. I too love to take pictures but more on natures…

By: Salingsing

Salingsing — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:21:21 +0000

Not everyone can understand how an artist works