I've had two ordeals this year and both of them were at the hands of Harley Davidson women. These women discuss me and I often refer to them as Village People Riders, referrence the band The Village People.

The first ordeal happened as I was shooting the trophy presentation for a cancer benefit at Hooters. Biker mama, three shades of drunk, decided man wasn't going to shoot the pretty trophy girls and expressed her thoughts loudly using the F word in many forms to express her misgivings towards me.

The second oredeal was at a Joan Jett concert when another biker mama accused me of shooting a woman's butt that was working in a booth. I assured her I wasn't and even showed her the shots she was referring to but she continued her rants as she drew the crowd around her she was wishing.

In both cases I simply motioned for security and they handled it. In biker mama's 1 case, her old man (as she referred to him) came took her away. In biker mama's 2 case the management was trying to remove her from the property when I last saw her.

Point being, once trouble gets to a certain level never try to handle it yourself, let security handle it.

This discussion makes me realize how fortunate that I am to be a nature photographer,shooting primarily on my own property.....no model releases....no cops......NO problem! ;)

What a great topic....and I have commented on this below the PAD photo I put up today. I do a lot of "public" photos, but I am always thinking about the subject. In shooting our photos, it seems important to have some consideration for others.

When in public and we point the camera towards children, we need be especially cautious. Always, IMO, give your contact information to the adults who are in charge of children. I give an email address. Not doing this could create an embarrassing situation.

If shooting photos of a store front and the owner comes out and says not to, be cautious again. In some cities, the goods inside are not always "legitimately" obtained, and the store owner does not want this recorded. And in that case you may be dealing with a law breaking person who may decide to take things into his own hands.

Remember you may be "right" in the eyes of the law, but some folks may have other reasons for not having their photos taken. In fact, in some areas I have said out loud that if anyone has a hot warrant, indicate this as I definitely do not want to shoot their photo. This will clear out those who do not want their photo made, and they will usually not say anything, just get out of the line of fire. I say this usually in a joking manner, but everyone understands.

If there is an emergency, the photos must come second if you are a first responder and can potentially save a life. But, if an accident scene is ongoing and the professionals are working, this is a time to record life as it is taking place. Again, make certain not to get in the way. Talking to law officers while carrying your camera, inquiring about areas to avoid, etc., will lead to your being allowed to move more freely. Just walking by law officers can create a situation where they do not know who you are and then they become more controlling and may prohibit your actions or area of access.

And be very very careful when doing photo journalism shots as most often we are in unfamiliar territory and do not know what dangers may be lurking.

But the ultimate rule of thumb is to always avoid doing anything which is against another human being. Think before you shoot. I usually shoot before asking permission, but then chat with the subject after the shot. This gives nice spontaneity, yet allows your subject to be at ease about the photo you have taken. I will sometimes bring it up in the viewer and show them.

Well this is one of my experience....

If you start your own blog you can link that to your homemade ID. You would actually be a photographer for the Blog. I have considered it a few times in case I wanted to stop at a fire ( or other emergency) and take some photographs.

I would not be trying to be in the front row like "real" media outlets by displaying the ID, just not chased off as quickly.

Cool. I will have to read this and something I have wondered about for a while.

Lifehacker has updated its advice for photography in public. Without prejudice:

http://lifehacker.com/5912250/know-your-rights-photography-in-public?tag=know-your-rights

Brandonium said:
Let me ask this. Is it the tripod that gives raises the flag? A huge DLSR with lens? Do you like a Leica user is less apt to get harassed?

Perhaps, but I was shooting a photo of my Granddaughter while we were shopping and all I was using was my "Pocket cam" a Samsung NV-10 and the mall security was right there, say that Photography was NOT allowed in the Mall...

I love to shoot airplanes, and have had some wonderful inter-actions with security and local police officers do that!! Most of the time a simple explanation, is suficient. But my name and information are always taken, and it's the whole. "what are you doing here" that makes it not so much fun, anymore???

http://www.F8Photos.com

I thought PBA cards were just to show you support, monetarily, your local police union. I seriously doubt if you whip out a PBA card while photographing random kids in front of a Federal building it's going to have the same effect as a monopoly "Get Out Of Jail" card.

But why don't you try it NSX and let us know what happens :^)

Haha, it helps when you have law enforcement in your family. That said, I never had to use a PBA card, and I don't intend on trying either.

They're really more for traffic violations (minor of course), but I can see how it could help here somewhat.

I'll go see if I can scrounge up our yellow and orange cards that do basically the same thing. I think they say "Get out of jail free" or something.

Actually, your homemade press pass idea gave me another idea.

Do any of you guys get PBA cards? Policeman Benevolent Association? It's issued by police officers to their close friends, and they might come in handy in those situations.

They have equivalent cards for detectives and captains too.

It's pretty much a "I know someone who may know some of your buddies perhaps", so please let me go kind of thing.

I'm not insinuating that you did Bland. I just said photographers should be careful when making their own ID. It COULD be taken as a "fake credential" depending on the circumstances. I wouldn't take the risk in making a "Freelance Media" pass and use it to get into a "secure" area under false pretenses. Though I'm not saying that's what YOU did!

If a photographer use a homemade pass to gain access claiming to be part of a "media" organization when in fact they are not it can get them into trouble. Or if they use it to get into a concert or other paid event. Depending on the event, you usually have to sign up for a pass weeks in advance and they issue one to you so making your own wouldn't help anyway.

I really don't think a homemade ID would be helpful in street photography because it would bring you attention. Though that might be a good thing street photography is all about catching spontaneous moments. If people see a "Press Pass" they might stop what their doing and look at you to see what's going on.

Again don't take this in a wrong way Bland. I have been part of an "official media outlet" so I know how strict or not strict some places can be. I am also very aware of how easy it is to make your own pass and in this day and age it's not something law enforcement takes lightly. I completely agree with all of your other points. Especially being responsible and polite. That will get you farther than any other credential :^)

bmxdad said:
I think we have all sneaked a few pictures of pretty women, (men for the female photographer, not sure what Niko would sneak a picture of). but don't worry about Niko, just keep posting here Bland, your pictures are certainly not reflecting of your NR name

Pete

Thanks, Pete.

And to Niko: I would never suggest to fake a media pass, I said clearly to make your own Photo Id with your own picture and info on it.

Case in point, we had a horrible tornado hit Picher, Okla several years ago. I went to take shots immediately but the Oklahoma Highway Patrol wouldn't let me in because I didn't have any photographer credentials.

I went back home and made a Photo ID giving all of my info on it and stating on it that I was a "Freelance Media Photographer". The next day I went back and was given free access by the OHP to shoot at well, respectively.

Bland said:
Forgive me, I'll just quit posting.

I think we have all sneaked a few pictures of pretty women, (men for the female photographer, not sure what Niko would sneak a picture of). but don't worry about Niko, just keep posting here Bland, your pictures are certainly not reflecting of your NR name

Pete

??? Don't take it the wrong way Bland.

NikoDoby said:
Hey Bland that girl doesn't look like she's "posing" for you! It looks more like she's running to tell the authorities you won't stop taking her picture ;^)

Be careful with wearing an ID badge that you just made for yourself (not official media pass) It could get you into trouble in some instances. The authorities might take it as a "forged credential" even if your not claiming to belong to a media outlet or anything like that.

Forgive me, I'll just quit posting.

Hey Bland that girl doesn't look like she's "posing" for you! It looks more like she's running to tell the authorities you won't stop taking her picture ;^)

Be careful with wearing an ID badge that you just made for yourself (not official media pass) It could get you into trouble in some instances. The authorities might take it as a "forged credential" even if your not claiming to belong to a media outlet or anything like that.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind taking more photos of random people on the street if it weren't so obvious. I mean, I wouldn't like it so much either if some random guy was taking photos of me. I haven't thought of a way to do it respectfully and yet stay incognito at the same time.

I guess just use some really long lenses! :D

I primarily shoot in public because I shoot events and etc. I more than understand the problems you are referring to. Here's some suggestions:

1. The police are your friends, so tell them upfront why you are there shooting and most times they'll even help you out.

2. Photo ID is a huge help and wear it around your neck for all to see. It doesn't have to be a media pass, just a badge with your picture and info printed on it.

3. Always act professional, polite, responsible and respectful of others.

4. Never shoot children in a picture without asking permission from their parents first.

5. Shooting pretty women, they love having their picture taken but wave at them first like you're wanting a smile and trust me they'll pose for you. They may not look directly at you but they'll pose in their own way, here's an example:

6. The only thing else I would add is if you're photographing in public where emotions are running at a high level. Such as a crime scene, wreck, disaster and etc. Expect problems towards you to surface, this is why I don't shoot those types of pictures anymore. These types of shoots are emotionally draining and depressing. Taking pictures of this stuff is a lot different than seeing a picture of it on TV.

Anyways, just some food for thought!

As for my experience it's better to take the snap first and later ask for permission, unless You reqally see that someone doesn't like to be photograped.
As for malls, it's only a metter of who will be faster You or guards:)

warprints said:
Sorry ND, didn't mean to hit a nerve.

Oh not at all warprints. Sorry if it came across that way. I was just trying to let you guys know to be careful out there. Just because you have every right to photograph a building doesn't mean "they" will let you do it! :^(

Brandonium - let me know where and when :-)

Panamon_Creel said:
And who is to say that the sniper spotter on top of the federal building is not calling out "rocket launcher 200 Yards out" when he sees you with your big ass zoom / prime.
Especially the use of a olive green Sigma 200-500 F/2.8 400-1000 could make it a running man challenge ;).

I guess I need to crouch near the corner of a building so when the SCUD comes my way I can dash in the alley. Perhaps a group of photographers should call the cops ahead of time, state their rights and all show up with their camera's at the same time. :)

NikoDoby said:
Yeah that's exactly why I want to take my camera with me inside walmart. Lot's of high rollers go shopping there too, lol

I hope you have stopped your breath while shooting this. Lock and Low ...

Brandonium said:
..... And who's to say that you can't take a picture of a federal building from about two blocks down? They make these things called Zooms! Quite ingenious contraptions. :)

And who is to say that the sniper spotter on top of the federal building is not calling out "rocket launcher 200 Yards out" when he sees you with your big ass zoom / prime.
Especially the use of a olive green Sigma 200-500 F/2.8 400-1000 could make it a running man challenge ;).