kutitta
Well-known
Hey all,
I have read and commented few threads lately on the dangers of street photography - photographers being challenged by their street subjects etc...
I was attacked few weeks ago at the heart of Sydney during daytime because I was taking photographs. For those who know Sydney, the attack occurred at the public toilets at Central Station. I was with my 3-yearold son, and while he was assaulting me he kept saying that I was taking photographs. I replied him saying that yes I was, but I was taking my son's photographs running in the park next to the station. (He was actually just running around and I was taking some test shots while waiting for him). We were alone at the toilet when he first attacked but then a guy came in and while the attacker was asking the guy to take my son out, I just ran out to the first train officer I saw. The lady called the security while the attacker was leaving the station. And in 15 minutes later or so the guy was arrested by the police at the park where I was taking my son's photographs.
After few days later when I was downloading the photographs I took on the day, I realised that I actually photographed the guy without knowing. The below photographs are the same, the second one being the extreme crop "featuring" the attacker. He was around 50 meters or more away from the camera and he attacked us because I was taking his photographs. Technically, it could have been done of course, but not with a 40mm lens!
So it was just a little reminder for me that photography in public can be dangerous at any time regardless of what you photograph and what your intentions are. Also the Sydneysiders who happen to take photographs around Central Station should be extra careful. I saw the guy walking around the station just yesterday...
I have read and commented few threads lately on the dangers of street photography - photographers being challenged by their street subjects etc...
I was attacked few weeks ago at the heart of Sydney during daytime because I was taking photographs. For those who know Sydney, the attack occurred at the public toilets at Central Station. I was with my 3-yearold son, and while he was assaulting me he kept saying that I was taking photographs. I replied him saying that yes I was, but I was taking my son's photographs running in the park next to the station. (He was actually just running around and I was taking some test shots while waiting for him). We were alone at the toilet when he first attacked but then a guy came in and while the attacker was asking the guy to take my son out, I just ran out to the first train officer I saw. The lady called the security while the attacker was leaving the station. And in 15 minutes later or so the guy was arrested by the police at the park where I was taking my son's photographs.
After few days later when I was downloading the photographs I took on the day, I realised that I actually photographed the guy without knowing. The below photographs are the same, the second one being the extreme crop "featuring" the attacker. He was around 50 meters or more away from the camera and he attacked us because I was taking his photographs. Technically, it could have been done of course, but not with a 40mm lens!
So it was just a little reminder for me that photography in public can be dangerous at any time regardless of what you photograph and what your intentions are. Also the Sydneysiders who happen to take photographs around Central Station should be extra careful. I saw the guy walking around the station just yesterday...
Attachments
Addy101
Well-known
I assume you filed a complaint with the police for the assault?
Scary encounter I guess, especially as your kid was around!
Scary encounter I guess, especially as your kid was around!
Roger Hicks
Veteran
You don't need a camera, really. Years ago I was waiting at a red light on my motorcycle in St. Paul's and a drunk came lurching over making threatening noises. I just shot the red light, then called the police when I got home. When they'd finished laughing at my impersonation of him (he had a thick Bristol accent), and then finished apologizing for laughing, they went after him.
This is not to detract from the OP's story, which was obviously a far more unpleasant experience than mine. It's just to point out that you can never tell what crazies are going to do, whether you're carrying a camera or not. It's one of the risks of living in a big city.
Cheers,
R.
This is not to detract from the OP's story, which was obviously a far more unpleasant experience than mine. It's just to point out that you can never tell what crazies are going to do, whether you're carrying a camera or not. It's one of the risks of living in a big city.
Cheers,
R.
Turtle
Veteran
I hope you ensured he was charged.
Guaranteed
Well-known
^ This.
Gotta get to ten characters.
Gotta get to ten characters.
kutitta
Well-known
@addy101 and @turtle, of course I lodged an official complaint but he was released after 24 or 48 hours in custody. I was told that he pleaded guilty at the police station but I haven't yet informed about the actual charge against him.
eric rose
ummmmm, filmmmm
I got jumped once for allegedly taking a persons parking spot at a McDonald's. There are whack jobs everywhere.