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Archive 2009 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

RDKirk
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p.2 #1 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

sjlocke wrote:
If I was walking around holding hands with my girlfriend and I turned around to discover someone following me around with a big camera like some pervert, I'd get pretty upset too.

Why, exactly? Since you're in public and obviously visible, what are you afraid of? That the camera will steal your soul? Are you afraid the photographer is going to use a computer to put your head on someone else's body and sell it for pornography?

Why, exactly, would it make you "pretty upset?" Such things didn't make people "pretty upset" years ago--this is a new phenomenon.

Nov 10, 2009 at 05:56 PM

RDKirk
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p.2 #2 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

What right do we have taking photos/video in public places if what we are doing is strictly for personal/non-profit use?

Because you are in the United States, the proper question to ask is: What right does anyone have to stop you...and which law specifically gives them that right to stop you?

This is not a country where "everything is prohibited unless specifically permitted," this is a country where "everything is permitted unless specifically prohibited."

Nov 10, 2009 at 06:00 PM

sjlocke
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p.2 #3 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

RDKirk wrote:
sjlocke wrote:
If I was walking around holding hands with my girlfriend and I turned around to discover someone following me around with a big camera like some pervert, I'd get pretty upset too.

Why, exactly? Since you're in public and obviously visible, what are you afraid of? That the camera will steal your soul? Are you afraid the photographer is going to use a computer to put your head on someone else's body and sell it for pornography?

Why, exactly, would it make you "pretty upset?" Such things didn't make people "pretty upset" years ago--this is a new phenomenon.

Because such things didn't happen "years ago". It's the proliferation of high tech wizardry into Joe Commoner's backpack. Pro filmmakers didn't follow people around trying to practice their technique on college campuses, etc.

Why would I be upset? Because I don't particularly like people following me around in a sneaky manner for reasons I don't know. If he wants to practice his technique, be professional, get a friend or model and go nuts.

Nov 11, 2009 at 12:17 PM

RDKirk
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p.2 #4 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

Because such things didn't happen "years ago". It's the proliferation of high tech wizardry into Joe Commoner's backpack. Pro filmmakers didn't follow people around trying to practice their technique on college campuses, etc.

Yes, we did. How do you think we got such an incredible body of "street photography" to the extent that many famous photographers of the 50s, 60s, and 70s made a living doing nothing but street photography?

Why would I be upset? Because I don't particularly like people following me around in a sneaky manner for reasons I don't know. If he wants to practice his technique, be professional, get a friend or model and go nuts.

You've just repeated that you're upset because it upsets you. Why, exactly does it upset you? What bad things do you think will happen to you? If you don't have a reason why a harmless act upsets you, then your attitude is less rational than the villagers who were afraid the camera would steal their souls.

Nov 11, 2009 at 12:26 PM

Nick Baker
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p.2 #5 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

You should have exposed yourself and said "I've got a permit right here @$#(*@".

lol.

Well maybe not.

If you continue to practice photography this WILL NOT be the last time someone gets angry about what you are shooting. I am the photo editor for my University paper and I tell all my photographers "If you are not pissing someone off.... you probably not getting the best photo." Now I am aware there are plenty of good photos to be had without angering someone by being in the way, being in restricted areas, getting in peoples faces.... but some of the best photos can require that (at least in an editorial situation). The trick is to do it quickly and act stupid or apologetic (as warranted) if it causes a problem confrontation.

Your best bet in this situation would have been kindly diffuse the situation by being friendly and walking away. You may have a right to do it but that does not mean you wont get punched or worse... your 5d2+lens smashed into the ground.

Nov 11, 2009 at 06:39 PM

Micky Bill
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p.2 #6 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

Different people get pissed off for different things, some go ballistic if someone takes their picture, some go ballistic when someone takes their parking place at Home Depot.
Maybe you are taking a shot of someone with their girlfriend while their wife is at work, who knows?

that's why the redlight cameras in LA block out the passengers face, some hi powered city guy had a ticket sent to his house and his wife opened it up, She wasn't the passenger.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V–J_day_in_Times_Square . These days Eisie would probably have been beat up by the sailor for sneaking around like a pervert with a big camera

Nov 11, 2009 at 08:31 PM

sjlocke
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p.2 #7 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

RDKirk wrote:
You've just repeated that you're upset because it upsets you. Why, exactly does it upset you? What bad things do you think will happen to you? If you don't have a reason why a harmless act upsets you, then your attitude is less rational than the villagers who were afraid the camera would steal their souls.

Do I really need to give you a reason why I don't want people following me around? How about I come up behind you and shadow you for an hour or so, while you're doing your business? I mean, I'm not touching you. Heck, I'm not even talking to you. No pictures. Just about 6 inches behind you. Would you like that? It's harmless - it shouldn't upset you.

Nov 11, 2009 at 08:56 PM

E-Vener
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p.2 #8 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

All you had to do was say I'm sorry. His being an a--hole doesn't give you the right to be one in return. If he touched you than it is a different story and you'd be wel lwithin your rights in calling the cops down on his soon to be sorry pass

Nov 12, 2009 at 03:01 AM

RDKirk
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p.2 #9 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

sjlocke wrote:
RDKirk wrote:
You've just repeated that you're upset because it upsets you. Why, exactly does it upset you? What bad things do you think will happen to you? If you don't have a reason why a harmless act upsets you, then your attitude is less rational than the villagers who were afraid the camera would steal their souls.

Do I really need to give you a reason why I don't want people following me around? How about I come up behind you and shadow you for an hour or so, while you're doing your business? I mean, I'm not touching you. Heck, I'm not even talking to you. No pictures. Just about 6 inches behind you. Would you like that? It's harmless - it shouldn't upset you.

I was just wondering if you actually had a rationale. At least "stealing my soul" is a rationale.

Was he actually "Just about 6 inches" behind you?"

There are many, many things the US that people have the liberty to do that annoy me. They still have the liberty to do it.

Nov 13, 2009 at 05:05 PM

squareeyez
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p.2 #10 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

Not sure I would take so kindly to someone walking behind my wife and me taking video or pictures of us, either. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it, as well. But that is my opinion. I'm not so retaliative as that kid but I would definitely stop and confront someone doing that. Their attitude would be key to the evolution of the rest of the conversation.

Nov 13, 2009 at 05:12 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #11 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

RDKirk wrote:
sjlocke wrote:
RDKirk wrote:
You've just repeated that you're upset because it upsets you. Why, exactly does it upset you? What bad things do you think will happen to you? If you don't have a reason why a harmless act upsets you, then your attitude is less rational than the villagers who were afraid the camera would steal their souls.

Do I really need to give you a reason why I don't want people following me around? How about I come up behind you and shadow you for an hour or so, while you're doing your business? I mean, I'm not touching you. Heck, I'm not even talking to you. No pictures. Just about 6 inches behind you. Would you like that? It's harmless - it shouldn't upset you.

I was just wondering if you actually had a rationale. At least "stealing my soul" is a rationale.

Was he actually "Just about 6 inches" behind you?"

There are many, many things the US that people have the liberty to do that annoy me. They still have the liberty to do it.

People who are being followed also have the liberty to tell others to stop following them if they feel uncomfortable, and they don't have to provide a "rational" reason for doing so.

The persons being photographed did not know if the recording was being used for private or commercial use; they did not know exactly what portions of their bodies were being photographed (some states now have laws prohibiting the filming of "private" body parts even in public areas); and they did not know if their voices were being recorded (some states have laws that require the consent of the people being recorded). Or such an action could be so uncomfortable as to be construed as harrassment even lacking a "logical" reason for that feeling. I think any of all of these reasons could be sufficient to explain why someone does not want to be recorded on video, even on a public street.

The OP should consult municipal or state law governing the filming or photography of citizens in those areas. In the future I would probably just film my dog or something instead of filming two perfect strangers on the street.

Could we please put this thread to bed?

Nov 13, 2009 at 06:33 PM

jdben622
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p.2 #12 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

mdude85 wrote:

Could we please put this thread to bed?

bump

Nov 13, 2009 at 07:40 PM

digitalbug30d
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p.2 #13 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

well taking ones picture isnt stealing a soul or anything...why the anger if you are this way then maybe you should become a hermit...

Nov 13, 2009 at 11:44 PM

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p.2 #14 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

RDKirk wrote:

What right do we have taking photos/video in public places if what we are doing is strictly for personal/non-profit use?

Because you are in the United States, the proper question to ask is: What right does anyone have to stop you...and which law specifically gives them that right to stop you?

This is not a country where "everything is prohibited unless specifically permitted," this is a country where "everything is permitted unless specifically prohibited."
+100 best response...

Nov 13, 2009 at 11:50 PM

digitalbug30d
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p.2 #15 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

sjlocke wrote:
RDKirk wrote:
You've just repeated that you're upset because it upsets you. Why, exactly does it upset you? What bad things do you think will happen to you? If you don't have a reason why a harmless act upsets you, then your attitude is less rational than the villagers who were afraid the camera would steal their souls.

Do I really need to give you a reason why I don't want people following me around? How about I come up behind you and shadow you for an hour or so, while you're doing your business? I mean, I'm not touching you. Heck, I'm not even talking to you. No pictures. Just about 6 inches behind you. Would you like that? It's harmless - it shouldn't upset you.
then you should stay indoors..I dont get this new issue with photography in public and why so many seem to think its stealing their souls or what have ya
I know when I go out in public there is a chance someone has taken my picture.Do I need to get so upset over it?what would be the rational since I am in public with municipal cameras ect taking video of me.I dont think people clearly think about why they get over zealous about OMG he took my picture...

Nov 13, 2009 at 11:57 PM

brucemuir
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p.2 #16 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

jdben622 wrote:
mdude85 wrote:

Could we please put this thread to bed?

bump

the 5d2 sucks for focus pull anyway

Nov 13, 2009 at 11:59 PM

Ernie King
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p.2 #17 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

Sigh........
Whatever happened to common courtesy, civility, respect, and consideration for others?

Nov 14, 2009 at 12:29 AM

Claude Adams
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p.2 #18 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

photogs are so funny. Just because you have the legal right to do something doesn't mean you should shove your camera in a strangers face or act like an a$$. Common sense . . . there is no course, or curriculum and clearly some people are lacking.

I'll leave it with what Ernie said, "Sigh........
Whatever happened to common courtesy, civility, respect, and consideration for others?"

Nov 14, 2009 at 02:17 AM

chez
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p.2 #19 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

Just like the saying goes:

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you

Nov 14, 2009 at 02:52 AM

RDKirk
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p.2 #20 · What right do we have to shoot in public?

The problem is that irrational fear and loathing lead to irrational actions, and there is such a thing as a "legal mob." Irrational fear and loathing spreads like an airborne virus, and spreads most quickly among those with either a public voice or public power.

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:03 AM

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