p.6 #1 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
I shoot thousands of images a month while traveling on business all over this country. I'm on the road pretty much every week and take thousands of images per month. Many images include landmarks such as dams, bridges, power plants, public buildings, etc. Except for passing through airport security, I have never been asked for my ID.
I have yet to be treated rudely by any law enforcement office, security guard or John Q public. When I see a questioning look on someone’s face, I simply smile and tell them that I REALLY LOVE taking pictures – which normally causes them to ask “Oh, is that camera a digital? Sure is a big lens!”
Maybe it's just Karma...... or the fact that I shoot handheld
Oct 05, 2004 at 11:00 PM
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p.6 #2 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
I am a Canadian. I was recently offered a free trip to California to photograph whatever/whereever for a week. No thanks. I don't need that kind of sh#*. I feel sorry for anyone who can't see where this os going....... gdlawson
I felt very safe downtown LA; you must be watching too many action movies.
I'm the one with the photo of the LAPD and they waved to me _peace_
Not all doom and gloom
Gunny http://mk2.smugmug.com/photos/8565838-L.jpg
p.6 #3 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Come on Danks and Mudlake, quit cherry picking newspaper headlines and let's get back to photography and how to keep being photographers in rough times.
But heck why just be paranoid about the rest of the world when we are doing a fine job within our borders? from the 2002 Uniform Crime Reports, Hate Crimes, Table 7 Offense Type by Bias Motivation, 2002 there were over 9000 hate crimes that we committed against each other (9222 actually). You can pick this up for your self in pdf form http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm
-- for the 2003 report you will need to go to a library or wait a while for it to be online.
We have had terrorism in the US for quite some time, just never called it that. Any gang related stuff going on in your area? Tell the grieving friends and relatives that the drug-related drive by or that the turf squabble is just a statistical blip.
Now keeping on being photographers out in public is getting harder no doubt, let's try and suggest things that can help keep us being out there.
p.6 #4 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Hi All,
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the situation about handing over ID there is no law that says people have to like it.
In the UK we have not had National Identity cards since after the last war.
I have lived 40 years without having one and long may it continue so. If I'm busy minding my own business why SHOULD I have to PROVE who I am to everyone.
This may be a Photographic forum but the politicians and security services seem to be turning Photography into a political issue.
Time for a Regime change? That's what elections are for Guys ... get voting.
p.6 #13 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Gunny wrote:
Took these downtown LA Union Station, night shots in and out, walked by cops and employees. Had a tripod with slow film.
LA at night camera tripod no problems and I felt safe
Like I said I must be invisible or some of you are over reacting
Well, that proves it. You can take photos in LA's Union Station without incident, so nobody ever gets hassled by anyone while photographing. Wow, there must be like 20 people in that absolutely massive building... clearly why it is the biggest terrorist target in the nation.
Come out to DC some night, and set up your tripod in front of the FBI/Hoover Bldg, Justice Dept., or Capitol, Union Station (a real one), or in Metro Center, etc., etc., etc. You'll find out just how many folks are overreacting.
Oct 06, 2004 at 05:27 PM
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p.6 #14 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Gunny, I thought you did have problem at LA union station? Didn't someone ask you for a permit after you took these pictures?
As I was leaving I was done shooting got the shots saved a buck
Come out to DC some night, and set up your tripod in front of the FBI/Hoover Bldg, Justice Dept., or Capitol, Union Station (a real one), or in Metro Center, etc., etc., etc. You'll find out just how many folks are overreacting.
p.6 #15 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
I lived in NorCal (Bay Area) for the last 15 years, and I'm sorry to say I'm travelling to LA tomorrow. Before I left in March, I was hearing of photogs being hassled at the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, which are real targets.
LA was a target during the Olympics years ago, but I think most people who live there have an inflated sense of its national/international importance and relevance. Yes, a big air travel hub, and the movie capitol of the world... beyond that? Nada. No major subway/train system, high population but very low density, not a major world financial center, not a major port.
Anyway, the point you made was that you weren't hassled in LA, so therefore others were overreacting. All I'm saying is if you're anywhere near real targets, the sense that eyes are on you is palpable, and photography is not just as simple as setting up a tripod and shooting to your heart's content whenever you like.
Oct 06, 2004 at 06:05 PM
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p.6 #16 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Learn to only go where you feel safe, there are specific times of day that are safer and we should know that.
I would not go anywhere where I felt trouble and did not feel safe.
This goes in the same thread as getting the shot knowing there are new laws in place.
I love not giving someone the reason to question me and go to another event where I felt safe and wanted and not by the law.
p.6 #17 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
It is a vary sad day in this nation when one can rationalize this kind of behavor.I pray everyday that people with good judgement vote this time.
Michael
Oct 06, 2004 at 08:36 PM
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p.6 #18 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Even the Mormon's have there own security
Can you see Waldo
17-40L
p.6 #19 · Please read this photographer's horrible story:
Just like there is a fine line between fear and paranoia! I think its a good idea for our nations police and security to be cautious and on guard, and careful in these situations ... but not to the point where we are seeing everyone who is 'differen't as a boogieman ...
