rparmar
Member
I recall the incident from a year or so back, but I cannot remember the town. A dude was stopped and taken off property for shooting Amtrak trains. Why was he doing this? Well, it seems that Amtrak had a photo contest...
To show how ridiculous this country is becoming, I understand that the local authorities in Tampa, FL are establishing rules for the area surrounding this summer's Republican National Convention. Allegedly, they are banning items like squirt guns and pieces of string more than 13 inches in length, BUT THEY ARE NOT banning real guns. Perhaps we should be more afraid of ourselves.
I'm with you Dan. There is nothing I hate more than Average Joe #1, in detective mode, trying to find out what I am doing like it is any of their f-ing business. Whenever someone asks why I'm photographing, I just tell them "Because I like photography." They usually are caught off guard by that response believe it or not. As for the cops, that is what the 7" book in our bag is for... to show that we are just into photography and not photographing targets.
Nice idea! And, of course, gunpowder instead of modern explosives,
Cheers,
R.
If it is a law enforcement office, I might agree. For anybody else, I disagree. As long as you aren't breaking the law or doing something amoral, then it's their problem not yours. Whether photography or something else, if I was worried about people being unhappy with me, I'd never leave the house.... and secondly if someone isn't happy about people with cameras it's possibly best just to move on - I'm not sure if it's worth getting into a fight.
so...... terrorist planning a surprise fireworks attack???
I guess its gonna need a lot of planning to surprise people to death with the beauty of fireworks.......
I once did some work for a local city. Having to photograph from a high point, over looking the city - I needed clearence from the feds as a big (secret) construction project was giong on in the area. I had a meeting with them and waited for permission. Weeks went by. The spot I wanted to use was in constant photographic use by tourists - almost daily. I checked with the feds - again, I was asked to wait. A month had gone by and I was loosing the winter light I wanted.
So, one Sunday morning I drove to the location with donuts and coffee in my car. Only one Security Guard was on duity. I showed him "my papers" and offered coffee and donuts - he looked over my gear and said okay. He drove by one time looking at a tripod mounted camera, honked and waved and all was well.
In any case the best policy is generally to threaten to call the police yourself, and if needed, to actually call them.
One thing I will add, that You and I both practice - I do my best to NOT look like a "Photographer". I use both film and digital cameras. Film cameras help, as most folks seeing a film camera these days think the photographer is some kind of photo clown. I only bring out the big digital gear when necessary. I try to use smaller digital gear (no big body + big zoom) like GX1 or X100 cameras. They look, thanks to the photo marketing folks, like NON Pro cameras. Non Pro looking cameras = Non Pro Photographer = you get your work done with less hastle.
Also, I use a small backpack or a non photo looking camera bag. A tripod is a must for me for many things, it's old (gitzo) and looks funky. I dress in work cloths - jeans + T-shirt & jacket. Sometimes in public, when using a road meadian, or street corner, I'll ware a reflective vest + hard hat and have a clip board with me. The cops rarely stop. If they do - I show "my papers".. Don't attract attention. Most who see me think I'm doing a photo for the city or highway Dept. - just some guy doing his job - nothing of interest. If the people waking by (usually one of the local photo students) ask if I'm a "Photographer", I reply that I'm just another guy with a camera and they are on their way. If I have a lot of camera gear and portable lights going, I have to hire an extra assiatant for crowd control. It's photo chaos. Everyone on this planet is a "Photographer" these days but emraphoto, most working pros, and me.
I see so many threads on here about camera bags, rare leather camera straps and photo vests, etc. It's fine if you want to look like a "pro" or a target for a camera thief. If you want to work un-harassed, go stelth.. and smile a lot - looking dumb helps too.. easy for me..
Standing on the platform at any train station but especially Amtrak, expect to be questioned by security.
Nice idea! And, of course, gunpowder instead of modern explosives,
Cheers,
R.
We have one of these "Little Hitlers" on trial right now down here in Fla. There always seems to be some self-appointed knuckle-head around wanting to tell anyone who will listen,what others may or may-not do.Down here the poor sole was a skittles -toting - ice tea carrying (GASP) teenager. We all know how THEY are.