Well, it was only a matter of time!

480sparky · Apr 25, 2014

Before IT happened. IT being what happened to me tonight.

I got a nice used copy of a Nikkor 20/2.8D AF in the mail the other day, and decided to take it on a test run at a nearby courthouse. I like this one because it's full of detail and is a good test subject. It's also in my home town, so I'm prejudiced.

As I'm taking the second image, a guy walks up and asks why I'm taking photos. I tell him I'm testing out a new lens I just got.

"But you can't do that! It's against the law!"

Me: "Huh? It's a public building, and I'm on public property. There's no law against taking photos like this......."

Him: "They passed a law making it a crime to take photos in public like this......"

Me: "Are you a lawyer or a law enforcement officer? If so, let me know what law I'm violating."

Him: "Well, I can't quote the law because I don't have it with me, but............"

Me: "Actually, you can't quote the law because it doesn't exist."

At this point, I start to walk away and continue shooting. He follows me.

Me: "Look, I'm not asking you to quote this 'law' verbatim. But is it a city, county, state or federal law?"

Him: "I don't know, I just know it's......."

Me: "Well, then you'd better call Google up and tell them they need to take their Street View web site off the internet."

I walk away again, and he just stands there. His wife was standing by their SUV, talking (to the local constabulary, no doubt!) on the cell phone. They continue to watch me until I finish and get in my truck and drive away.

OK, rant over.

BTW, I love this lens. I had a 20/2.8 back in my film days and boy does this classic piece of glass take me back.

sm4him · Apr 25, 2014

:lmao: at that story. Somehow, it never ceases to amaze me, the level of ignorance some people can attain.

On another note--dang, now I think I'm liking that 20/2.8. I was thinking more the 28, just for the price, but...I just don't know! Well, I took the leap and bought that Tammy anyway, so the wide angle will depend on whether I find ANY of them for a really good price...we're talking REALLY good here. ;-)
Unless I don't like the Tamron and return it.

Braineack · Apr 25, 2014

Next time tell them you're doing surveillance

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

vintagesnaps · Apr 25, 2014

Call Google - now there's a response! LOL

You know, I think people might see something somewhere online and don't really know what it's all about. Obviously there are concerns about public buildings that I don't think used to even occur to us before some of the things that have happened in the past 10 or so years. (I mean, who could have imagined the kind that when you first hear about it, it seems unbelievable...)

I think being informed yourself is the best thing to do then you can inform someone who's asking about it and help educate them as to what is allowed or what isn't.

robbins.photo · Apr 25, 2014

480sparky said:
Before IT happened. IT being what happened to me tonight.

I got a nice used copy of a Nikkor 20/2.8D AF in the mail the other day, and decided to take it on a test run at a nearby courthouse. I like this one because it's full of detail and is a good test subject. It's also in my home town, so I'm prejudiced.

As I'm taking the second image, a guy walks up and asks why I'm taking photos. I tell him I'm testing out a new lens I just got.

"But you can't do that! It's against the law!"

Me: "Huh? It's a public building, and I'm on public property. There's no law against taking photos like this......."

Him: "They passed a law making it a crime to take photos in public like this......"

Me: "Are you a lawyer or a law enforcement officer? If so, let me know what law I'm violating."

Him: "Well, I can't quote the law because I don't have it with me, but............"

Me: "Actually, you can't quote the law because it doesn't exist."

At this point, I start to walk away and continue shooting. He follows me.

Me: "Look, I'm not asking you to quote this 'law' verbatim. But is it a city, county, state or federal law?"

Him: "I don't know, I just know it's......."

Me: "Well, then you'd better call Google up and tell them they need to take their Street View web site off the internet."

I walk away again, and he just stands there. His wife was standing by their SUV, talking (to the local constabulary, no doubt!) on the cell phone. They continue to watch me until I finish and get in my truck and drive away.

OK, rant over.

BTW, I love this lens. I had a 20/2.8 back in my film days and boy does this classic piece of glass take me back.

Actually that helps a lot believe it or not. I was wondering why homeland security called and asked for your address. You might want to order extra pizza tonight. That usually puts them in a little bit better mood. Or so I heard.. lol

runnah · Apr 25, 2014

Big brother is us! Everyone with a cell phone is waiting to rat each other out to the law.

robbins.photo · Apr 25, 2014

runnah said:
Big brother is us! Everyone with a cell phone waiting to eat each other out to the law.

Well I'm just really thankful that we have such concerned citizens that they are willing to take even laws that don't exist into their own hands. It's like, vigilantes with Alzheimer's really. Brings a tear to my eye.. lol

480sparky · Apr 25, 2014

robbins.photo said:
Actually that helps a lot believe it or not. I was wondering why homeland security called and asked for your address. You might want to order extra pizza tonight. That usually puts them in a little bit better mood. Or so I heard.. lol

Dammit. I brought home a couple dozen Kripsy Kremes instead.

robbins.photo · Apr 25, 2014

480sparky said:
robbins.photo said:

Actually that helps a lot believe it or not. I was wondering why homeland security called and asked for your address. You might want to order extra pizza tonight. That usually puts them in a little bit better mood. Or so I heard.. lol

Click to expand...

Dammit. I brought home a couple dozen Kripsy Kremes instead.

Well if nothing else toss them in the air if you have to make a run for it. No better distraction than flying cop food.. lol.

bribrius · Apr 25, 2014

That is a pretty building. Anyone ever keep track of the architects for the buildings they shoot? i looked up a couple ive done that's it.

PropilotBW · Apr 25, 2014

did you snap a quick shot of him too? That would have really rattled his cage.

nzmacro · Apr 25, 2014

PropilotBW said:
did you snap a quick shot of him too? That would have really rattled his cage.

Yeah, be careful, I know where you live, I have Google earth. I wll beeee backkk

pgriz · Apr 25, 2014

Sparky, you should have asked him - Are you Little Brother? Can I call your Big Brother for you so that you can feel safe again?

480sparky · Apr 25, 2014

bribrius said:
That is a pretty building. Anyone ever keep track of the architects for the buildings they shoot? i looked up a couple ive done that's it.

Well, let's just say the original architects aren't around any more. It was patterned after this.

As a sidebar:

Back in the early 80's (when I lived a block away from this building), I was walking by it and an older man on a bicycle was taking a photo of it. As I walked by, he asked me if I'd take his photo with the courthouse in the background. I happily obliged, and commented on his French accent.

He, indeed, was from France, taking a bicycle trip across the US. This courthouse was very special to him as he told me some of his ancestors helped build the French chateau it's patterned after. Stopping to see this building was the highlight of his trip. I invited him to have lunch with me on the spot, and we spent over 2 hours together. I have long since lost his name & address, but I'm sure he enjoyed the photo I took of him.