Big Brother Hates Being Filmed
Despite the law being clear on a citizen’s rights to freely take pictures - and videotape - in public places (with a few restrictions) there is evidence of the police officers, security guards and law enforcement agencies failing to respect the rights of photographers and film makers.
If you’re on public property - such as a public pavement or public highway, you’re free to take photographs or record video for personal and commercial use so long as you’re not causing an obstruction to other users.
Property owners have no right to stop people taking photos of their buildings, so long as the photographer is standing in a public place (e.g. the road outside).
However, if you’re standing on private property and the landowner/occupier objects, then they have every right to request that you stop immediately and ask you to leave if you refuse.
Shopping Centres
Most shopping centres and malls stand on private lands but have a reputation for speedily dispatching security guards demanding that you stop taking photos or making videos. The irony is that they’re already busy filming you from every angle via a flotilla of CCTV cameras.
Security guards do not have stop and search powers or the right to seize your equipment or delete images or confiscate film under ANY circumstances.
Photographer’s Rights
