Taking photos at central

WaterfallDJ · Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 7:00 pm

It depends on your appearance also whether you get harrassed. I must look threatening because I don't have any trouble.

Just say "If you think I am doing something wrong, call the police!"

That shuts 'em up.

Johnny_Walton · Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 12:07 am

WindyK · Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 3:36 pm

banko_boy · Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 7:05 pm

My theory is that as long as you keep a cool head and politely but firmly tell them how it is, that you should be alright.

Taking snaps of trains ain't a crime, that's da' bottom line...Mmm, that rhymed. Razz

silk · Beginner Joined: Jun 29, 2006 Last Visited: Jul 13, 2006

May i ask why there would be a problem taking photos of thains that are stationery.

Goose · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:34 am

Eleven Mile · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:17 am

johnboy · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:40 pm

Those that are interested in the legal side of photos, have a look at this web site. It may not answer "Photos at Central", but it is well put together by another Blue Mountains resident, a photographer and lawyer. If you look at his links he has a 360 degree view of Valley Heights Depot

http://4020.net/unposed/photorights.shtml

greenkayaker · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:32 pm

I was looking for this thread and here it is!!!

I went to the City last weekend and thought that I might try out taking photos at central and other places on the underground network. I was carrying my DSLR round my neck and had a backpack with a tripod on the outside. My mate who was with me also had same.

As we entered Circular Quay station we passed 2 TO's who were on the way out. We went up onto platform 2 to take photos of the bridge and opera house. We were at the Eastern end of the platform and were there for about 10 minutes. No one approached us but we were observed by the staff member who was performing Right Aways.

So I thought I might push it a bit further, so I set up my tripod about 4 metres from the yellow line and 10 metres from eastern end of platform. I was taking some time exposures of the harbour and would then point the camera along the platform to take photos of the trains moving and the pax as ghostly figures.

I was there for 3 trains when the TO's we passed when entering the station came sauntering down the platform. I kept taking pics (was using cable release).
TO-1 says "Good Evening, just taking some photos?"
I replied yeah, timed shots to blur the movement of the trains.

TO-2 says " You do know you are not allowed to take photos on CityRail stations?"
I replied, No, I was not aware of that. (click) How would I know that? (click) There are no signs anywhere saying it's not allowed. (click) Is there a Law against it?

TO-1 says "Under the current Security Conditions its...." I cut in and said "At medium? I didn't think there was anything in the security guidelines or briefings about photography?"

Both TO's look at each other and TO-1 says to me, "So you know what security level Cityrail is at do you?"
I replied "Of course! I know what I need to know. I also know that there is no law against taking photos on CityRail property, or of trains and infrastructure".

TO-2 is getting shirty and is itching that I being smart. TO-1 says, "may I ask if you happen to work for CityRail?
I replied "Why yes I do. In fact both do."

TO-1 again asks politely what we do.
"We are both employees." (We weren't going to make it easy!!! Wink

)
TO-1 looks hopefully that we will continue. I am still clicking as the trains come in. So mate can't take it much more as it was getting painful. Mate says "Yes, I'm a Station Manager and so is he (points to me) normally."
TO-1 says "Normally? What do you do now?"
Me, "I'm on the Regional Managers Staff, Area Support Officer."

TO's " Oh, ok." TO-1 "I have a Canon camera too..."

Conversation then was pleasant about cameras etc. The TO's were nice and then took off.

About 5 minutes later the CSA came down and told us that we couldn't take photos on the station. I asked if he had seen TO's talking with us and he said yes. he then told us that there was a rule that you cannot take photos on the station and that we needed to come with him and sign in with the SM!
I told him that was for commercial photography, he then asked what was I taking photos for? For my enjoyment!! he stood there looking at me and because I had had my fun, I told him what my job was and he too scurried away saying ok....

Back at Central I walked around taking pics for 45 minutes both inside and out of paid area. Watched by many staff but no one would approach me. Rolling Eyes

And then?????? Mwa ha ha ha!

greenkayaker · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:37 pm

Oh, I did the above to see what would happen from what others have said in this thread!

There is no law, policy nor General Order etc from CityRail or RailCorp in regards to personal photography.

You don't have to report in to the SM, even as a courtesy as they will just say no as others have found, with no legal back up. If I was trespassing, that would be a different matter!

Yes, I do work for CityRail and was carrying my ID, Home and Duty pass and my DOT Card... Twisted Evil

And then?????? Mwa ha ha ha!

chrisr001 · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:39 pm

so how many shots did you end up with at the end of that ?

greenkayaker · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:45 pm

About 250 from the whole day. Went around the Rocks and Botanical Gardens and to Mrs Macquaries Chair for photos of the sun setting behind the bridge and Opera House.

We are intending on going again in the next few weekends, so if you are interested, PM me and you can come along. (and I don't care what sort of camera you have)

We might even go and get some more photos of the Hut/Shed at the Sydney end of Milsons Point Station.... Laughing

And then?????? Mwa ha ha ha!

chrisr001 · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:53 pm

I would if i could, but am west of west at the moment, and won't be coming back to sydney for a while Crying or Very sad

greenkayaker · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:30 pm

I had a call this week at work regarding taking photos on stations from the Transport Ministers Office.

Seems a 'buff' was chased off Penrith Station recently and decided to make a complaint!!!

Well, CityRail is apparently working on some "Guidelines" for staff so as to avoid any problems with train buffs and the general public. They admit it is not illegal to take photos on CityRail Property or trains, but the guidelines are needed for Station Masters to know what is and isn't allowed and whats safe.

It may be also available to the public too when completed.

And then?????? Mwa ha ha ha!

boaf · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:36 pm

To get arround stupid staff go to a smaller station and take your snaps from there , Avoid Sydney Terminal your almost gauranteed that their will be someone on the platform.