Unpleasant Street Encounter at Dark Evening

[Pablito]

As somone who has made a living out of photographing in tough urban situations for over 25 years, I find all this talk of head bashing really unfortunate.

 

[polaski]

These days, it's a careful decision even to look someone in the eye out on the street, camera or no camera.

That said, in 1970, during a street demonstration, a pound or so of Japanese steel and glass dangling from my wrist was sufficient to warn off a guy much bigger than me.

 

[santino]

finally there's a reason to get a FED 5

 

[oftheherd]

stay low, keep moving, and avoid being cornered.


.

Head for the roundhouse, you can't be cornered there.

Take-off from an old 40s or 50s country song. And if you aren't that old or a trains buff, the roundhouse was where the steam locomotives were stored and maintained at night.

First stay safe. It is well to think about what you might do in a confrontation before one happens, not when you are in one. Think about safe ways to get out of a situation, including complying with an assailants orders to surrender property. Consider what you may try to say to defuse a situation. If an assailant makes other demands, it is well to to have thought about what you are willing to do before hand, not in the panic of the situation. Injury is painful, death is not reversable after a short time. Best to avoid those things if possible.

Thankfully those types of situations are rare and often avoidable with a little care. So for the most part, just enjoy your photography while keeping aware of your surroundings.

 

[polaski]

In Philadelphia, the "Roundhouse" is the police headquarters building, right across the street from me. I've seen people cornered at that one.

 

[ferider]

Ruben, consider:

- do not wear a suit like HCB did
- carrying a pepper spray can
- a higher guide-number flash (like a CT60) so you can blind a possible agressor
- a mono/tripod with spiked feet
- take Mike with you



Roland.

 

[emraphoto]

As somone who has made a living out of photographing in tough urban situations for over 25 years, I find all this talk of head bashing really unfortunate.

i totally concur. it's both unfortunate and can/will be entirely dangerous. it is posturing that one day will buy you a WHOLE HEAP of trouble.

 

[Gumby]

As somone who has made a living out of photographing in tough urban situations for over 25 years, I find all this talk of head bashing really unfortunate.

i totally concur. it's both unfortunate and can/will be entirely dangerous. it is posturing that one day will buy you a WHOLE HEAP of trouble.

Finally... two intelligent bottom lines!

 

[Graham Line]

Maybe it isn't a problem in the rest of the world, but here in the methamphetamine capital of the universe, chances are any stranger approaching with a threat is going to be "chemically influenced."
The only safe response is to speak calmly, make gentle eye contact and keep a safe distance. Anything else is going to escalate the situation. Swinging objects or shouting will cause much bigger problems -- AlexZ's advice is very good.
Out and around like that, the camera is on my shoulder, there's no swinging gear bag -- nothing around the neck -- and never any flash.
There's always the option of "sweet-talking" reluctant subjects but you'll need good nerves to turn around a confrontation that way.

 

[Tuolumne]

Maybe it isn't a problem in the rest of the world, but here in the methamphetamine capital of the universe, chances are any stranger approaching with a threat is going to be "chemically influenced."
The only safe response is to speak calmly, make gentle eye contact and keep a safe distance. Anything else is going to escalate the situation. Swinging objects or shouting will cause much bigger problems -- AlexZ's advice is very good.
Out and around like that, the camera is on my shoulder, there's no swinging gear bag -- nothing around the neck -- and never any flash.
There's always the option of "sweet-talking" reluctant subjects but you'll need good nerves to turn around a confrontation that way.

Google maps says you are here: http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=45.32'N,+122.39'W&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Tulsa, Oklahoma is the meth capital of the world? Do tell.

/T

 

[pesphoto]

No one is advocaing bashing someone with no cause, but if you come at me Im defending myself.....
I am quite careful out there and dont put myself in harm's way, but am always ready for something to happen.

 

[Graham Line]

Google maps says you are here: http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=45.32'N,+122.39'W&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Tulsa, Oklahoma is the meth capital of the world? Do tell.

/T

122W and 45N sure ain't Tulsa.

 

[ruben]

Ruben, consider:

- do not wear a suit like HCB did
.....


Roland.

Incidentally, that was my first day of, let's say, cloth upgrading. I think this helps. Had I been dressed as a "declasse" as usual, it would had made the other guy feel more free to further approach me.

And, I have to confess to my own shame, that dressing well increases my self confidence outdoors - a critical element to use my head when facing an unpleasant situation.

Dressing well and being polite seems to be a very powerfull combination.

Cheers,
Ruben