Have you had problems using public open space?
Years ago my photographer colleagues and myself, through these columns, raised the subject of harassment that we received when trying to take photographs of places like The Center, Cityplaza and the Cheung Kong Center. We remain on the sharp end of the action of overzealous security guards for merely pointing our cameras skyward.
I always believed their actions were not only unnecessary but unauthorised. We are not talking about a large-scale shoot, which would require permission; just a photographer who thinks that the light or angle makes an interesting photo.
In your excellent report ('Private rules that govern public spaces', March 30), you were approached by guards, the excuse being that you were using a tripod. It is my experience that merely having a camera is enough to warrant intervention. At The Center and the Cheung Kong Center, I have personally witnessed tourists being stopped from taking pictures. What kind of impression must that leave with our visitors?
When visiting IFC 1 and 2 to shoot, it is not unusual for me to be stopped and questioned as to whether I am a journalist. What right do they have to do this? It is pathetic, anyway, because if I wanted to do an undercover story, I would don a suit and hide my cameras.
I would be interested to know the truth/legality of Swire Property's claim that it owns the copyright on images of its buildings. Even if it is true, that surely doesn't give it the right to stop you photographing - but merely from reproducing those pictures.
