I was stopped for carrying a tripod (I was taking it to the shop for part exchange) someone had reported it as a gun! Might have got shot! I was stopped at a security checkpoint because my pocket torch had been picked up (by x-rays?) and the battery made it look like a small handgun. Chris mailto:nimbo@ukonline.co.uk http://www.chrissdomain.com -----Original Message----- From: owner-photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu [mailto:owner-photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu]On Behalf Of Qkano Sent: 19 January 2003 09:02 To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Subject: Re: :Re: PF member's exhibits on Jan 11, 2003 > >>>Wow! Chris, it sounds kind of strange over there. I hope these attitudes don't migrate.<<<< > > Want to meet a federal guard ? Take a few pictures of a federal courthouse.....the Golden Gate bridge....cameras are being relieved of their film, people questioned, etc all over the nation. The other day our local "photographer laureate" was stopped by a private security guard from taking pictures of a local building. I have a feeling this is only the beginning. > Luis Thanks for the confirmation of what I already suspected ;o) It's packaged up in the name of "security" but actually it's BS. Terrorists/Criminals you see might take photographs that they can use to plan attacks/robberies. So the answer, you challenge anyone with what looks like an overtly "pro" camera and especially anyone with a tripod. In general disposable cameras appaer invisible to the security guards (same for your federal guards?). What they miss is that for criminal activities you really don't need a high-quality neg ... or should I say in the UK I suspect most of it is they want you to have to buy the "official" photographs ... The part Chris mentioned about photographing children (other people's). Well you heard how it was going with the banning of cameras at nativity plays in Scotland. It's not really a legal problem but more you are likely to get thumped by the parents. An acquaintance of mine (aware of the hysteria) asked the parents of som children if it was OK to include them in a shot. The reply, "F*ck off you pervert". These days I wouldn't bother asking unless the famil were known to me ... I don't think things are gonna get better in the near future. Bob
