How far before it becomes trespassing?

[Tintype_18]

There was a discussion on a local forum. Seems a person was discovered setting up a tripod and camera on private property. The property owner asked what they were doing. The reply was taking photos of trees. Property owner was concerned they were taking pictures of their home.

Any community members have direction on this? Thanks.

[John_SD]

"Any community members have direction on this?"

Yes. Personally, I don't trespass on private property to take photos, admire the scenery, pluck a few flowers, catch of few z's under the shade tree, plop down to have my lunch, or help myself to a sip of water at the hose bib. Beyond common sense, common courtesy dictates that you stay off the property of others. And no, it isn't courtesy to set up your gear on private property first, and then ask permission when the owner comes out to confront you. YMMV.

[Tintype_18]

We have Artificial Intelligence but sorely lacking in common sense. Look at the videos of people and the wildlife in the Yellowstone NP. One fellow fell into a hot pool. They found his wallet and jeans.

[A_Random_Dude]

Yep. The Darwin Awards can't keep up with all of the people who do themselves in in search of that perfect selfie. While it's sad of course when something happens like that, all I can do is shake my head, because as you said, common sense has gone the way of the dinosaurs.

[A_Random_Dude]

There's a good bit of psychology in play here as well. In recent times, I've been privileged to tour Fort Sumter in South Carolina, and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. In each case, the guests are requested to remember that they are on hallowed ground, and to please behave in an appropriate manner. Unfortunately, in these days of selfies and living for upvotes and likes on social media, what used to be normal good manners are fast becoming extinct. As an example, at Fort Sumter, the guides specifically ask people to stay off of, and not to touch, the various cannons on display throughout the grounds. Yet I witnessed plenty of parents watching as their children climbed all over the cannons, and in some instances even putting the children on the cannons themselves so that they could take pictures. At Arlington, the vast majority of people showed the proper respect during the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but there were the inevitable fools who did not show that respect, and who seemed to think the entire ceremony was no different than a street busker playing for donations.

Is it a case of, "Oh, those rules don't apply to me"? Or is it pure cluelessness? I'm of a generation (I'm 61) that was taught to follow rules, look but don't touch, keep your hands to yourself, etc. It's simple courtesy that keeps me from barging into someone's yard to get a closeup of a goldfinch or cardinal. If the owner was there and I asked if I could get a bit closer that's one thing (this has actually happened several times; I've discovered that walking around with a big camera and lens can be quite a conversation starter), but I'd never presume to do that otherwise. In these divided days, where everybody has a beef about something, I do find that applying the Golden Rule is a good idea.

[Tintype_18]

One person said they would take the camera inside and delete the photos then call the cops. I told her the cops would arrest her for theft. Also, trying to take someone's camera could be hazardous to your health.

[A_Random_Dude]

I here you there, man. Do NOT touch my gear.

[justadude]

Laws vary around the world for private property.  Common courtesy does not vary.  Here in the U.S. you need permission to step on private property in general.  What that means is if you are going to knock on someone's door for anything, obviously you don't need permission.  But to go on their property for purposes of your own (such as taking photos) you do need permission in advance.  If the property owner is not home, well, you didn't get permission then.  However... from the street, you CAN take a photo of a person's property since it is in public view.  But that's where common courtesy kicks back in.  

Perfect example would be driving down a country road and seeing an old barn near the side of the road, away from the house.  By law you can take a photo from the road.  Common courtesy says if you see people out in the yard, ask first.  If you don't see anyone around, that's your choice if you are just shooting as a hobby.  But if you are planning on selling the photos, then you need permission.  

[A_Random_Dude]

Well put. It's a shame that common courtesy, much like common sense, is very uncommon these days...

PS: Pentax Spotmatic and K1000? That is AWESOME. My dad took incredible photos with his Spotmatic, and the K1000 was my first SLR. Great memories there!

[justadude]

Pentax... I was just gifted another K1000 yesterday, but this one is the SE version.  Just loaded a roll which I plan to shoot today, and develop later tonight.  Looking forward to using this version!

[Tronhard]

Hi Gary:
Glad you are getting into the film medium.
Did you mean to publish this under trespassing?  Using film is a worthy topic for its own thread!