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September 02, 2007

[ SNAPPING IN A TIME OF PARANOIA ]

Dr Mohamed Haneef found himself in trouble with the Australian Federal Police because he had taken photos around the Gold Coast that were considered far too nice to be ordinary tourist snaps. Were they too sharp? Too well exposed? What is a terrorist photo supposed to look like?

It set us thinking. When wandering around town with a camera what is permitted and what is forbidden?

You might think that the airport would be a total no-camera area but it turns out the policy is relaxed and realistic. Airport communications manager, Tom Perry, says: “When it comes to photography, it is our job to balance the security of operating an airport with the reality of airports being a place of fascination and high emotion. It is the nature of an airport that people will want to document the departure/arrival of a loved one – and there are hundreds of photos taken at Melbourne Airport each day.” Just avoid taking pictures of customs, immigration, baggage handling and security areas.

The airport has good relations with aeroplane enthusiasts and there is even a special plane spotter’s area at the Sunbury Road end of the main runway. At www.jetspotter.com you can find a map of popular spotting areas.

So what about the rail system? Connex acknowledges the existence of train tragics and caters for them with special permits for members of clubs, former railway employees, enthusiasts and amateur photographers. The Connex policy and permits are at www.connexmelbourne.com.au/help_film/ Generally speaking you can take photos anywhere on the system, including in stations, except in the Loop where all photography is forbidden. Fair enough, too.

There was some argy bargy at Southgate when heavy handed security guards stopped an amateur taking photographs, raising the issue of what is private and what is public space. Melbourne Central is an interesting merging of the two – it is a shopping centre but it also has the tourist attractions of the Shot Tower and the charming Aussie motif clock. Lisa Fleming, the general manager, says that we may photograph the tower and the clock but there are privacy and copyright issues involved in taking pictures of shops. You might be tapped on the shoulder and asked to desist.

St Paul’s Cathedral is photographer friendly, but don’t take pictures during services and don’t step over the barrier around the altar. Rev Rachel McDougall, the acting Precentor, says that there will be staff or volunteers in the Cathedral with whom to check if in doubt. Leave a donation for the building fund – it’s only fair.

Melbourne Museum has a general rule that photos may be taken of everything everywhere except where there is a sign of a camera with a slash through it. Some exhibits have copyright issues and some are of culturally sensitive material. If in doubt ask the staff.

The National Gallery of Victoria has dropped its no photos policy and now permits photography in both the St Kilda Road and Ian Potter galleries (in Federation Square). There are exceptions where the display is culturally sensitive or the works, as in the current Guggenheim exhibition, come with “no photography” conditions attached. In these places there will be warning signs, and there is always gallery staff on hand to advise. Flash is everywhere prohibited, so make sure it is turned off.

All in all Melbourne is a camera friendly place.

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Posted by terry at September 2, 2007 07:58 AM

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Posted by: CB at January 19, 2010 03:47 PM

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