He was taking photographs of families and children for a 2010 photographic exhibition, but some people did not approve.

The Port Macquarie professional’s documentation of young people “having a good time together” resulted in a complaint to the police.

Although the 53-year-old understands the observers’ perspective, he thinks people should not jump to conclusions.

“It’s too easy to assume someone who looks serious like I do when I concentrate on my shots, is sinister,” Mr Smith said.

“I’m just a bloke with a passion for the art of photography and I harbour no dark secrets.”

Inspector Ron Mumford said Port Macquarie police received complaints fairly frequently about people taking photos of children.

“The reason is at sporting events, swimming pools and beaches, there is a fear of people doing the wrong thing,” Insp Mumford said.

But once a photographer’s identity was confirmed, no further action was required.

Mr Smith admits the young police officer who approached him was just doing his job.

“I don’t want to come across as being cranky with police,” Mr Smith said.

But he believes more thought should be given about the humiliation caused to the person questioned.

“I live here, and to think that people could think of me that way ...”

“The kids were miles away, there was a big group of them and I was just another spectator.”

He believes it was obvious he was not just a passerby, given his large camera bag and tripod.

The incident, Mr Smith said, could have been avoided had the complainants approached him themselves.

The Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW) outlines a number of circumstances where a person’s privacy must be respected.

But in general it is permissible to photograph people in a public space unless they are engaged in a “private act” or in an undressed state.

Last year Mr Smith was awarded an associate honour by the Australian Photographic Society.

Mr Smith’s first-person recollection of the incident and

his photographic portfolio can be found at www.wowfactorpix.com