At what point do you risk your life for great shots??

AUZambo · Apr 10, 2007

There's an old abandoned train station thing here in Birmingham, AL, I drive by rather frequently. Even when I was in high school before I was interested in photography I wanted to get out of my car and go take a few shots. There's an old locomotive just sitting there rusted through (completely immobile), a large warehouse-looking building with windows broken out, and many other things that would be incredible shots. I could probably spend an entire day taking pictures.

The problem is, that it's right next to a terrible section of town (Ensley for those familiar with the area). I've seen stories on TV where drug dealers will use abandoned buildings as offices, so I'm pretty scared to go down there without a bullet-proof vest. My brother-in-law is a policeman...maybe I can get him to escort me down there!

IT'S SO FRUSTRATING!! I WANT TO TAKE THOSE PICTURES!

EOS_JD · Apr 10, 2007

You will certainly need to go there with backup. Personally if I wasn't making money from it I'd just stay away.....

Christie Photo · Apr 10, 2007

I've done some legal stuff for an attorney. He wanted to show how a particular neighborhood looked after dark. It was the scene of a shooting. I brought a cop.

Cameras attract a bunch of attention in a setting like this.

AUZambo · Apr 10, 2007

Here's a visual for you.

Don Simon · Apr 10, 2007

I would have thought the more likely risk is of losing your camera, phone, wallet, possibly some teeth... none of which is really worth it either. As has been said, cameras attract attention... so if you're really interested in getting some shots in this area then do so with something that doesn't look like a big fat SLR

Preferably something cheap. Oh and wear good shoes for running. :lol:

RMThompson · Apr 10, 2007

Take SOMEONE with you... even if it's not a cop, take a group of people. Criminals are more likely to strike a loner, then a group.

Then again, if you have 5 and they have 10.... leave!

As to your question... depends on how much I'm getting paid!

ashfordphoto · Apr 10, 2007

go stake it out in a car for a while. every now and then over a week or two period just go drive by and see what kind of activity is around - especially during the times you'd be there shooting. if it really is abandoned, get in and go. but if you see sketchy people ever around the place - then forget about it.

rmh159 · Apr 10, 2007

ashfordphoto said:
go stake it out in a car for a while. every now and then over a week or two period just go drive by and see what kind of activity is around - especially during the times you'd be there shooting. if it really is abandoned, get in and go. but if you see sketchy people ever around the place - then forget about it.

Yeah I second that. If you can do you 90% of your research (planning shots, escape routes, etc.

) from your car you can probably minimize your time in danger by just running in, snapping the shots and getting the F out of dodge. I feel for you though, the most exciting shots to get are the ones that are elusive.

You could also ask your bro-in-law cop for more detailed info on the place. Maybe it just LOOKS bad but statistically isn't too bad of a location.

I'd definitely do my homework first but I wouldn't shy away just cuz it looks intimidating. Maybe we can plan a Forum Meet Up there sometime???

fmw · Apr 10, 2007

Let me know if you need a discount on a bullet proof vest.

RMThompson · Apr 10, 2007

rmh159 said:
Maybe we can plan a Forum Meet Up there sometime???

:hail: :lmao: :clap:

:cheers:

Hilarious.

dewey · Apr 10, 2007

Buy an orange construction vest and look like a surveyer... if you know the area to be a drug hideout it's just a dumb idea. Besides the bad area don't forget about trespassing on the property as well... best case sounds like a daytime only thing.

Iron Flatline · Apr 10, 2007

The best light is early in the morning, and all cops know this is a good time to do busts and raids because the drug dealers and criminals are finally passed out, or relatively subdued. If you can find another person or two to come with you, you should be home-free.

craig · Apr 11, 2007

Certainly investigating the area is a good idea, but not always feasible. If there is a drug scene surrounding the shot and or area stay away. If not then play it safe and trust yourself. If you put too much thought into it you will talk yourself out of it. Consider that you can also get hit by a car tomorrow. I know that is a lame analogy, but fear is the mind killer.

I lived in Brooklyn and Manhattan NY for years. Photographed and lived in some super sketchy areas. Been in a lot of sticky situations. I will always get the shot. I especially do not care if I get paid or not.

Love & Bass