My general rule of thumb is that you need to be a fairly good runner.
As far as I understand it though if you're in the public domain and not being creepy about it (lurking in a long coat) then it's fine in terms of "street photography" to be there with your camera (in this country anyway). Some people may get upset but again, if you're in the public domain with your camera then it's perfectly legal. If I was going to take, or wanted to take, a more "personal" portrait of someone I would ask their permission of course. Obviously common sense should prevail - no lurking in the bushes and then leaping out on unsuspecting strangers...
this link might be useful: http://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-are-the-rules-around-taking-photos-or-filming-in-a-public-place
I'm in Canada. I have a friend who is a Private Investigator and we have discussed this before. In Canada it is all about where the picture is being taken. Filming and photographing in any public place, or any private place where the public is allowed and then publishing them without consent is perfectly legal. Photographing someone on their own property....now that is where it gets sticky. Even then he says that they have ways around it by claiming that they were actually photographing a bird flying by or something and the person 'accidentally' got in frame. As someone who is trying to learn street photography, I often ask "after the fact" because I don't want them posing for the initial shot and then I take some more with permission. Most say yes but some folks say no and then I make a show of deleting the image, and they are polite about thanking me for asking. The RCMP here are not very obliging though, they always say no if you ask, even though it is actually well within a citizens rights to record and photograph them. So if you want to get the RC's on film in Canada best just to click away and not be polite ;)
Oh I have to add. I personally never take pictures of children or teenagers unless the parents ask me too. And I don't ask if I can take them either because (and I echo Graeme's train of thought on this one) the creep factor is just too high. And if the really little ones accidentally get in frame, like if I was taking pics of a clown performance or something, I seek out the parents and ask them if it is ok. About 50% are ok with it. Just my own thoughts on how I deal and how I would want my own kids to be respected.
@tracyleaoh Hello Tracy thanks for info .
I have now read the NZ police in regards to this issue .
I too agree with both you and Graeme re children .
Dawnee
I had an occasion in Portugal where I inadvertently took a picture of a scene where there was a guy sitting with his girlfriend. He marched up to me and grabbed my camera and deleted the picture instantly! I was gob-smacked and defensive. Hubby went up to him when we left and said, "if you ever touch my wife's camera again I will personally flatten you, you little twerp!"
Ever since then I am very wary but as long as you know you are in the right you can go ahead!
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As far as I understand it though if you're in the public domain and not being creepy about it (lurking in a long coat) then it's fine in terms of "street photography" to be there with your camera (in this country anyway). Some people may get upset but again, if you're in the public domain with your camera then it's perfectly legal. If I was going to take, or wanted to take, a more "personal" portrait of someone I would ask their permission of course. Obviously common sense should prevail - no lurking in the bushes and then leaping out on unsuspecting strangers...
this link might be useful: http://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-are-the-rules-around-taking-photos-or-filming-in-a-public-place
I have now read the NZ police in regards to this issue .
I too agree with both you and Graeme re children .
Dawnee
Ever since then I am very wary but as long as you know you are in the right you can go ahead!