Being Approached

[dbvirago]

This was way before 9/11. Can't imagine getting away with it today.

 

[ronlane]

That's what I was thinking too. (Not that I would be mistaken for a Pro Photographer)

 

[spacefuzz]

I think the biggest problem with the NFL trick would be getting past security at the general admittance gate with a Pro looking lens. Once in, I think it would still be possible to get to the field, just act like you know what your doing. If you look like you belong, you belong.

I may have "hypothetically" bluffed my way into getting a security badge from one of the biggest computer companies on the planet last week, its amazing what a little self confidence will do.

 

[fjrabon]

I had a mom once tell me that I needed her written permission to photograph her son.

Well, even though that's not correct as long as they're in public, it gets better.

This happened while I was photographing a high school football game. Her son was a runningback. I was employed by the school to take photos of the game. She would then alternate between yelling at me from the stands to get shots of her son, and saying I needed to get her release (with the not so subtle implication that I needed to pay her for the release). Finally the school had her kicked out for drinking alcohol she had snuck in during a high school game.

 

[480sparky]

......... Finally the school had her kicked out for drinking alcohol she had snuck in during a high school game.

Didja take photos of that?

 

[fjrabon]

......... Finally the school had her kicked out for drinking alcohol she had snuck in during a high school game.

Didja take photos of that?

Ha, actually yes, but I deleted them. They were just kind of for short term fun, before I turned the images in. I dont imagine the school would have been too happy if I had given them images of their star player's mom being escorted out. Felt bad for the poor kid.

 

[kathyt]

Usually when I go to the Chicago Cubs games I stay after and take pictures when they all come out and sign autographs. The last game I went to Tony Campana was being a real jerk face. He is really cocky for such a young pup. He was not wanting his picture taken at all. I still got some good shots, but he left a really bad impression on his fans. Oh well, my main true love is Dale Sveum. Sorry for the logo.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Wondering if anyone has any funny, strange, interesting stories about being approached while taking photos.

Last month I was was taking some hdr shots of a gazebo in a local park and was approached by a middle aged lady who started quizzing me about who I was and why I was taking photographs. She was not polite about this and somewhat demanding. I just gave her polite one or two word answers and couldn't figure out her issue. As I was wrapping up I noticed she approached a swing set and collected her children. this was at least 50 yds away from me and not in frame. I understand the whole "Mother Bear" thing but come on. I'm sure the mustache I was sporting didn't help matters much, but I'm not shaving it off just to look less creepy.

lolololololololol

This coming from a guy with the screen name Bob Saget.

 

[Mike_E]

I had someone follow me around when I was taking photos of wildlife in Banff. After about 20 minutes he approached me wanting to know why I felt it was necessary to take photos of the local animals where there are plenty of photos on the internet. When I told him it was for my own collection he asked if I was going to be selling them and wanted to see my "Filming License". I told the guy I don’t need one, even if I was planning on selling them. It was at this point he got in front of me and my camera and demanded again to know why I was photographing them. I snapped a photo of him quickly and said I planned on putting his face on the next moose I found. He didn’t like that too much and stormed off in a huff.

Funny thing is, in Banff if you meet up with other photographers, they act sort of similar as if they own whatever they are photographing.

You should have told him that there is a lot of porn on the internet too but you still like having your own sex.

 

[BobSaget]

This coming from a guy with the screen name Bob Saget.

I didn't tell her my name was Bob Saget. When asked, I told her "Mr. Friendly." Didn't seem to help matters much.

 

[bhop]

I think the biggest problem with the NFL trick would be getting past security at the general admittance gate with a Pro looking lens. Once in, I think it would still be possible to get to the field, just act like you know what your doing. If you look like you belong, you belong.

Having shot some racing events, i'd say you won't even get close in these modern times. Security is super tight and look for badges/vests at those events.. i'm sure NFL has insane security.

As far as being approached.. not much has happened. A couple times i've gotten "did you just take my picture?" to which I may have replied.. 'no, but you just got in my way' or something.. I once got called an a$shole for shooting a pic of some drunk girls standing around on Hollywood Blvd after the clubs/bars let out with my flash.. turned out blurry anyway.. *shrug

 

[TruckerDave]

Years ago when i was in the Navy, a buddy and I drove up to LA from San Diego one night. We (after a few beverages) were walking down Hollywood Blvd and saw this girl with spiked blue hair. My buddy wanted a pic with her, so he asked her. She said for $10......his response rhymed with duck glue. So we walked off. After walkkng about 10 ft he stoppped turned around and called to her, she turned around and click, he had his pic. She was NOT happy with us as we took off down the sidewalk. He kept that pic in his locker for years and we always had a good laugh when thinking back on how we got the shot. (And prob luckey we didnt get shot in LA in the earlt 90's)

 

[TATTRAT]

I wish I had a nickle for every time I have been questioned as to "why you takin' my picture". . . .good God.

Shooting somethings, like say the Underground in London, the METRO in DC, the Subway in NYC, it NEVER fails that someone will think that I am singling THEM out to "steal their soul" as I once was told.

I am a big fan of night shooting, and long exposures. . .as is common in a city, people walk around, people pass through your shots, people are just well, everywhere, especially in an urban setting. I have had quite a few people that seem pretty interested, and a few that I thought were going to try an d murder me because my lens was pointed in their general direction. The most "aggressive" situation was when I was approached by a young kid, I would venture to say 19 at the oldest, come from somewhere that I didn't even see where he was, and start in with the whole "Why you clickin' that at me?" Dumbfounded, I replied back, "Uhhhh, what?", WHY YOU CLICKIN DAT AT ME, he screamed, and stepped in a little. . .this kid couldn't have been more than 5ft9in and 135lb soaking wet. . . I'm built like a rugby player at 6ft 2, 285lb, I laughed him off and said I was just taking pictures. He was asking why I was taking HIS picture. . . without getting into the explanation of how a wide angle lens captures a scene, and if I were to be taking HIS picture, he would know it as I would be all up in his face. . . so I just said I am NOT taking YOUR picture.

Scoffing it off, and not thinking much of it, he then tried to grab my gear out of my hand. . . it didn't end well. Because the kid had been causing a bit of a scene, and the DCMP not being too far off, one watching, I was in no trouble when I simply face palmed the kid flat to his ass and gave him a pretty quick, WTF do you think you are doing? I am NOT a violent person, but this kid was certainly more into my personal space than my lens EVER was. I just don't get it. . .

 

[Ilovemycam]

Yep, many times. Just tell people I'm a hobbiest. Tell them this or that caught my eye. One guy was upset I was taking a pix of his front door of his apt. Then he did not mind after I talked with him.

 

[Nicah]

I haven't gotten anything too hostile or funny. But I do have some curious people and that's when I just say "I'm doing this for a school assignment." I'm not sure how long this excuse will work, but I will enjoy this simple answer for as long as I can.