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  4. Can someone off the street force you to stop taking photos?

Can someone off the street force you to stop taking photos?


5 years 6 months ago #610692 by Fishtaco
I was taking photos of buildings and cars going by on the street and someone came up to me and told me to stop taking photos.  I asked who they were, and they stated nobody I needed to know.  I asked why didn't it bother them that I was taking photos?  They said "just don't argue me, stop taking f###ing photos here, don't be an @$$hole, no one wants you taking photos here!!!"

I told him I was taking photos of the buildings and cars driving by, that this was public space, I was not putting anyone in harm, or endangering anyone.  Nor was I doing anything wrong.  I went on to say I have not taking 1 single photo of someone who was the focus point of my photos.  "I don't care, you don't need to be here!!".

What would you have done here guys?  
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5 years 6 months ago #610697 by Troponin
As long as you are not on private property, taking photos in a manner that invades privacy (through a window, perhaps), or of s minor that you don’t have persmisson for, there are little or no other legal reasons he can stop you.

Some people are just weird and feel they are entitled to make up laws. Try not to cause a scene, but you are allowed, by law. 

He answered with “no concern of yours” because he has no authority. Authority figures will folks will identify themselves to you or have a badge etc
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5 years 6 months ago #610699 by effron
Yes, they can "force" you...but not legally. How much trouble do you want over a picture? There were times I'd have shrugged and moved along, then there were also times I'd have set my gear down and said, "come and get it, sucker"....Now, I'd probably pack my gear and wait for the dork to go away, then start taking pics again. I doubt a cop would have cared as the dude was threatening you.....When I was younger I backed up for nobody, now I'm 69 and Harry Callahan's words ring, "A man's got to know his limitations"....
Your call!
Why so serious?
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5 years 6 months ago #610705 by icepics
Just because someone can't doesn't mean they don't think they can... and might try. Or something like that! lol What can I say, it's Friday.

It might be better to drive around a few blocks or whatever til the person is gone. Who knows what's going on with the guy; maybe he isn't that stable, and it wouldn't be worth getting into it with him (even if you know you're right).

Depends on the neighborhood, at least in the city where I worked. Even being a woman, when I'd be doing home visits I'd get some apprehensive looks sometimes. Often a parent would say to a neighbor/passerby 'this is my kid's teacher/therapist' to explain who we were and why we were there. They know you don't live in their neighborhood and may be not too trusting or are downright suspicious of a stranger.
Sharon
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5 years 6 months ago #610707 by Fishtaco
And what if they grab at your camera?
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5 years 6 months ago - 5 years 6 months ago #610712 by effron

Fishtaco wrote: And what if they grab at your camera?


Like I said, your call. You feel like fighting for a photo or you don't. Some people can't be dealt with logically. Its probably best to just walk away, but I don't always take my own advice....And nobody grabs at my camera for free.
So, it depends......:dry:
Why so serious?
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5 years 6 months ago #610713 by garyrhook
I might have stated, "It is perfectly legal to take photos in this country in public, at any time. You have no authority to say otherwise. But suit yourself."

And I would have moved along. And come back later if i wanted to.

Or you could call 911 and report an assault.
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5 years 6 months ago #610731 by No Show
I would tell them to beat sand
D300| Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 | Nikkor 70-200mm VR 2.8 | Nikkor 50mm 1.8 | Nikon 2x Teleconverter | Sigma 105mm 2.8 | Tokina 12-24
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5 years 6 months ago #610740 by NewavaMike
ANTIFA !!  
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5 years 6 months ago - 5 years 6 months ago #610746 by Troponin

NewavaMike wrote: ANTIFA !!  


haha!!

Someone mentioned that how you handle this is based on your ability to “handle your business”. I agree. I am a pretty big guy (weight lifting for 17 years), 3 years of BJJ and judo, as well as a concealed carry firearm, but my first reaction is to always attempt to de-escalate a situation first. Remember that police sometimes arrest first, ask questions later. Having an arrest on your record alone would suck and I don’t want that at all. Second, I don’t want my equipment damaged. Lastly, I am reminded of a situation recently in the news, in which a man began yelling at a woman for parking in a handicap spot. The woman’s husband came out and found this older man yelling at his wife and shoved hin to the ground. The older man pulled s gun and shot and killed the man, claiming it was self defense. He was later charged with manslaughter. 

We also find out later this man had a pattern for this behavior and even threatened to shoot people for the same thing. Had this man not been armed with a gun, I am quite sure he would not have been so bold. 

So, the next time a non-threatening looking person becomes so bold (or anyone really), think about what could be producing this confidence the aggressor has and think about how to handle it safely, but effectively. Speak non-threatening, confidently, and possibly call the police if ou feel the situation might get out of hand.
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The following user(s) said Thank You: KCook, NewavaMike
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5 years 6 months ago #610837 by Greg Friedman
:agree:   Great post and advice.  

If we are being honest, back in the day, if someone would try to grab my camera, I would have reacted much different.  MUCH different.  Today there are to many crazies out there shooting up and hurting the masses.  You just don't know what people are willing to do today. 

So going back to what Troponin said, that is damn good advice.  
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5 years 6 months ago #610843 by Greg Friedman

NewavaMike wrote: ANTIFA !!  


What does this stand for?
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5 years 6 months ago - 5 years 6 months ago #610852 by Troponin

Greg Friedman wrote:

NewavaMike wrote: ANTIFA !!  


What does this stand for?


ANTIFA stands for anti fascist and is a far left movement that doesn’t seem to understand what fascism really is. Ironically, the movement is fascist itself. 
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The following user(s) said Thank You: NewavaMike
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5 years 6 months ago #610856 by fmw
Can someone off the street force you to stop taking photos?

It depends on how big they are.
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5 years 6 months ago #610870 by NewavaMike

Troponin wrote:

Greg Friedman wrote:

NewavaMike wrote: ANTIFA !!  


What does this stand for?


ANTIFA stands for anti fascist and is a far left movement that doesn’t seem to understand what fascism really is. Ironically, the movement is fascist itself. 


Exactly !!  Here in the states, at least some places like Portland Oregon, there are mobs of unruly left wing activists who cover their faces, take over streets,  riot and destroy property.  Basically they are criminals using a political situation to be disruptive.  

Troponin gives sage advice I think.  Especially the "having your gear get damaged" part 
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