where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
NikoDoby said:
Go to your local mall and bust out the DSLR on a tripod. Then count how long it takes until security comes riding up in a Segway.
One thing is for sure, I won't be walking through any US city with my 13 pound Sigmonster slung over the shoulder since it is very likely that I would get shot on sight :-P
NikoDoby said:
True nau, but in the US even things that you would think you can photograph you can't. Military instillations, bridges, power stations, Federal buildings.
This intriques me. Do you have any authority (law, regulation, etc.) confirming this? I'd like to look into it a bit. I don't believe that there is any law that it is illegal to photograph a building from a place open to the public.
See http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf for some info about photographing from public areas.
Warprints it might not be technically illegal just like it's technically not illegal to walk into Walmart and start taking pictures inside the store, but if you do you will be approached by "security" and asked to stop or leave the area.
How do you think this "confrontation" would have ended if the guy would have busted out the Krages "paper" and told the cop to go F off?
It's a different world we live in today :^(
Here's an even worst scenario. The building you think is totally safe to photograph could be a "secret" military/government installation like a DARPA research facility. You won't know it until the cops approach you!
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2007/07/secret_buildings_you_may_not_p.html
Here's what happens when you are defiant and proclaim your "freedom". This happened in NY city and actually resulted in the photographer being arrested and spending 6 hours in jail!
http://carlosmiller.com/2009/08/20/homeland-security-arrests-man-for-filming-fbi-building-in-nyc/
On my last trip to London, England I was going to take a look at the huge Harrods store, You know the owners son was killed in that car with Diana.
Anyway with my camera around my neck I walked into the store, security stopped me at the entrance and said NO cameras are allowed inside this store. So I could either give it to him, walk out again or have my camera placed inside a sealed bag, which I did. Anyway I told to not try to remove my camera or I would be arrested/charged. And there were security everywhere
Anyway I think it was to protect there Customers from getting their picture taken, royal people, movie stars, sheiks etc shops there, wow what a store. One sheik had a personal sales person helping with buying perfume, I standing close by he must have placed a high 5 figure order in the few minutes I stood there
Pete
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 he is shopping for bigger pants, suspenders or something
Pete
Sorry ND, didn't mean to hit a nerve. Yes, getting hassled for taking photos is a pain if it happens to you, but in my current profession whether something is actually ilegal or not does make a difference.
It may not be much worth it to the individual photographer, but a 1983 action or two against the misguided law enforcement officers may wake up some of the cops that "detain" people wrongfully.
I guess I will start dressing like a tourist. I'll buy a Leica which will complete the package and I'll walk around subtlety taking snapshots of whatever I please.
On a serious note.. I don't get harassed much if I am walking with my Nikon in hand. It's when I break out the tripod that I start attracting harassment. 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. :)
Niko, for everyone's sake could you please just post links to images like that? Disgusting! ;-)
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 ;).
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. :)
Brandonium - let me know where and when :-)
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! :^(
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:)
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!
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
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.
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.
??? Don't take it the wrong way Bland.
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
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