Ken recently posted this video on Vimeo pointing out the difficult situation for photographers at Uluru.
Ulurules from Ken Duncan Group on Vimeo.
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01
2010
Ken recently posted this video on Vimeo pointing out the difficult situation for photographers at Uluru.
Ulurules from Ken Duncan Group on Vimeo.
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Great Video Ken, And where can i get one of those t-shirts for the protest in August – flying in from adelaide to take part!!
Hi Mel,
That’s fantastic news… Ken and the crew so look forward to seeing you on at the Rally! I’m about to post a link on how you can purchase this exclusive AFA t-shirt!!!
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a magnificent place. But on my last visit I found the ever-changing restrictions SO frustrating that instead of experiencing the sense of reverence I’d felt on previous visits, I just drove around with a heavy heart, and left earlier than planned. As a photographer my skill is to interpret my subjects, not just snap pictures. The so-called “Ulurules” have taken away all photographers abilities to create images with their own personal style.
As for the commercial nature of photography at these places… I find it most frustrating that people who flaunt the rules and sell images of Uluru without permits are unfairly benefiting from my (and others) compliance, as there seems to be no policing of the regulations (how could you?) after the images are taken. Effectively many clients won’t wait the period of time required to have a usage approved, so instead of buying from legitimate sources, they go to a provider somewhere else in the World that doesn’t get the use checked, and probably doesn’t even know the rules exist. In effect doing the right thing restricts my trade.
And then as a further insult, I see TV promotions for the last Winter Olympics featuring TV ‘personalities’ skiing down a snow-covered Uluru. Now that is disrespectful. But I’m not allowed to use my creative skills to produce an image that puts Uluru into its real context of the surrounding desert landscape… except from prescribed places that are totally inappropriate to photograph from.
After deciding to leave early last visit, I was driving the Lasseter Highway on my way back from a morning of frustration on the bouncing Kata Tjuta viewing platform. I was chronically in my mind how it was, that as an Australian photographer, I could have become so unwelcome in my own country. I was contemplating the ‘damage’ I would be causing if I was to wander the dunes with carefully chosen steps and my simple tripod. As I came ’round one of the few bends on that road, I saw a herd of feral camels moving through the dunes, eating-up the desert plants as they went. I wondered if the camels had read the Regulations attached to The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act; and more practically, why the heck the Rangers weren’t bothered in protecting the National Park from this blatant damage. Maybe they would only act if the camels carried tripods.
I’m fortunate enough to have photographed the place over many years, including at a time when a Photography Permit meant you got assistance from the Rangers, not just a pre-recorded lecture. I have seen this remarkable place from many angles. Sadly the current angle is unremarkable.
Darren Jew AIPP M. Photog
2010, 2009, 2007 Canon/AIPP Australian Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year
Hi, you can now purchase the same tee that Ken is wearing from: http://www.kenduncan.com/index.php/kd-gear
In order to affect some changes to the restrictions which are proliferating there almost needs to be an escalation to another level of the opposition against restrictions.
One question that comes to mind is: how can Big Media be brought on side – for instance newspapers, television etc. Unfortunately, there are in some areas which exempt media from needing permits, and hence they probably don’t feel as threatened (just yet).
Ultimately, this is the Arts equivalent of the RSPT – on the global stage, the money which tourists bring is highly mobile. If Australia does not want to promote itself on the world stage (by restricting the free activity of photographers) then other destinations will be all to happy to promote themselves as destinations, whether it be through coffee-table books or other media.
Incidentally, Ken’s narrative of his discussion with Peter Garrett made me think of the Amen Break: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_break. If copyright had been enforcable over this 5.2s long drum-break, the entire genre of break-beat, and possibly even hip hop may never have come into being. That is a real life example of exactly what Ken is explaining, and something to which Peter Garrett could probably relate.
Good on you Ken…well said!
Just a quick question. Isn’t the park private land? I’m under the impression that belongs to a number of listed traditional owners who lease it to the Dircetor of National Parks.
My Flights and hotel are booked.
See you all there.
have been circulating the raly date using lots of social media, twitter,facebook, red bubble, stumble upon , also camera club networks and some media contacts hopefully it will be a see of cameras, lenses, tripods and photographers
It would be good to get sunrise and today weekend shows down there for coverage
Well done Ken , I hope to make it to Sydney , lets hope common sense prevails.
I just had security have a go at me : Southport Broadwater Park, Gold Coast asking for a permit for a shot over the water to sunrise, Yes out of hand.
Make no mistake its a National problem and we need to act , if I don’t make it I’ll be watching and will sign up for any petition .
I hope all photographers in the area get there.