PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT A CRIME!

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In Australia, every street photographer can relate tales of being harassed and threatened by passers-by, photo subjects etc; people who believe that it is illegal to photograph people without their permission.

Likewise, there is a common believe that the second you pull out an SLR with a long lens, you're either a terrorist or a pervert.

This group is designed to dispell these myths; provide a place for Australian photographers to share stories and information regarding difficulties they have along these lines; and to promote wider understanding of the fact that photography is not a crime.

Many people out there honestly believe that taking someone's photo is illegal either without their permission, or a model release etc; yet that the press have mysterious 'extra freedoms' relating to 'freedom of the press' - this isn't the case!

Fact is, and put simply, if you are on or can be seen from public land, and don't have a reasonable expectation of privacy, you can be photographed. As long as the photo isn't used for 'commercial purposes' (ie using your likeness to endorse or advertise something), the photographer can use or sell the photo.

Read Andrew Nemeth's fantastic reference at http://www.4020.net/words/photorights.php