The war on photographers

How many of you have been questioned, harassed or threatened while taking pictures in a public place? It seems that we are increasing looked upon as weird or creepy or 'up to something' if we're simply out shooting pictures.

Here's a link to an article by a computer security expert who addresses the problems that photographers face, and some reasons why. I thought it was in interesting read:

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/06/the_war_on_phot.html

BTW, I happened to find several links on google for T-shirts that attempt to address the topic, with phrases that are a variation on a theme. Many say things like "I'm a photographer NOT a terrorist." I guess I'm going to have to get a couple before I go out shooting things, the interest for which is seemingly lost on the casual third-party observer.

Tags: law, rights, security

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Permalink Reply by digitalhavoc08 on October 7, 2008 at 6:19pm: Yea I agree people are paranoid like no other when there is a camera present. The thing is its your right to to photograph in public unless there is a sign that states no photography here then everything is fair game. Common kindness is to ask b4 you snap someone. However if its a structure or statue why does it matter? I have never had the exp of being attacked verbaly or phisical while shooting but I have herd of this.

Stay safe online and in the real world.
- Digitalhavoc08

Everyone who does photos should look up your rights as a photog and carry them with you if questioned. Make sure you know the rules of what earea your shooting in. Other then that its fair game if its public as far as I know.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Tai on October 15, 2008 at 11:13am: This was exactly the topic of the talk I went for a few months ago held in Seattle. The pervasiveness of digital cameras, sites like Youtube and social networking and Photoshop has just spooked everyone because who wants an unflattering picture of themselves to appear online or worse, a pic of their kids landing in the hands of a predator.

In the past, photographers wouldn't just shoot a stranger unawares for kicks. They did it for art, for work or what have you, a noble purpose. For one, it COST them to take a picture because it involved developing film. That itself made you very conscious about what you shot. Not today, where people don't think twice about clicking that shutter. This puts anyone with a camera - and sadly, legitimate photographers - in a bad position. It's unfair but it's the times and we have to roll with it. We need to find a way to exist and thrive in this environment of paranoia and I believe with enough tact and integrity, we can do it without sacrificing our art.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Charlene Wroblewski on October 23, 2008 at 7:28am: I haven't noticed that. But I usually take pictures at home of my cats.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by robbo on January 1, 2009 at 5:33am: well the only time its happened to me and im 14 so i expect it alot i was at croft racing circuit in England and my mam works there so she got me a track side pass and still even though i had a pass the track supervisors still shouted at me to get off track side until i showed them my pass but i missed so much that day becuase of them but it happends; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by torroid on January 2, 2009 at 10:41am: Personally, I've found that it helps to carry a business card with the address of my flickr account. In situations ranging from protests to people in the park, I've been able to defuse a potential situation and continue taking pictures by simply being up front about who I am and what I'm doing, and telling them if they don't like what I post, I will take it down.

On the one hand, yes photographers have a right to take pictures. However, what we are talking about is people reactions including the reaction of authorities, which is different than what is ultimately legal. I would claim that creating a scene or altercation because you have the right to take a picture where people are objecting to you taking a pictures ultimately does more damage. Unless any of us are taking pictures of something really important, we don't want people walking away with the thought "damn photographers" in their head.; ▶ Reply to This