help me get my courage back

[zebulus]

About a little over a year ago, I was held by four police officers for photographing a model in a public place. Though this may not seem serious, this has scarred me more than I realized it would at the time.

I have noticed that I am now scared to take out my camera in public. I went out yesterday just to take pictures and saw many things that I would have liked to photograph, but couldn't get up the courage to pull over and take out my camera...so I drove on by.

Im scared of being accosted by police officers. They have frightened me into giving up my rights.

Now I am wanting to start a street portrait project that I have wanted to do for some time, but it would require me taking many photographs in the public eye.

How can I get my courage back?

[CFord]

Zeb,

I shoot in public all the time around our area and have never had an officer do more than make sure I was doing something I shouldn't like shooting on RR tracks, interfering with businesses or parking where I shouldn't. I don't know why some people have issues and others don't but the majority of time I attract interest is when I am using a light setup. I get permits when I need to and always check before I shoot if I need them. If I am just shooting for fun most of the time the officers just want to see what I am getting. I am always polite to them and they tend to respond in kind. Just remember they don't know who you are and are always a little defensive up front but once they realize you aren't some mass murder they usually relax and can offer good ideas for where you can shoot. Call your local station and ask them if there are any issues with what you want to do and if there is anything you need to do to stay in compliance. Makes for a much better experience when you start off on their good side.

[texxter]

This may be a good read and worth carrying with you - Rights of Photographers

There are two rules to shoot in public places - be inconspicuous, or be prepared (or both) -

By being inconspicuous I mean carrying the least amount of gear to get the shot done, e.g., using natural light with a camera and a single lens. It's best to ask politely and casually for permission when shooting in private property, even when being inconspicuous. When confronted be polite and comply, no point in getting a cop mad.

Being prepared is what commercial photographers do when they do a shoot on location - they pay, possibly big fees, for shooting anywhere they want, stopping traffic, whatever it takes. They get a permit from the city after paying whatever fees City Hall deem appropriate, depending on how big of a production it is.

So in orde to get courage, I'd go the inconspicuous route, and start by shooting in obvious public places, not private. Avoid subjects that may make you suspicious, like bridges and large buildings. Simply take a friend, find pretty light and a small camera and shoot away. That should build up your courage. When in doubt smile and ask "Do you mind if I photograph my friend here? I'm a student practicing taking pics" or whatever.

[zebulus]

I want to photograph the Homeless around houston.

I was planning on using my Sony A300 with the grip *OFF*, to make it smaller, with the 50mm 1.7 mounted on it. Its a pretty small little setup.

[CFord]

If you are going to do that stop and talk to them first. Tell them what you are doing and ask them if it is ok. Most of the time they are looking for someone to talk to and you'll get to meet some nice people who are down on their luck. Less likely that someone will report you and if the cops do show up you'll have plenty of people to support you when tell them what you are doing. Do be careful though, while some of them are nice some of them are not and can a little off balance. Take a friend with you. Just remember that the cops aren't there to make you feel special they are there to protect and serve the community. Be polite and you will be surprised at how many officers will ask you their questions and even be friendly once they establish your identity and motives and some may even hang around to make sure nothing happens to you.

[zebulus]

Take a look at this guys work,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stoneth/

Its inspiring. I was thinking of starting off downtown. I have shot there before many times and I always make it a habit of bringing lots of change with me because I am always approached by homeless asking for spare change.

Though I have never asked them for portraits in exchange. So this is new to me. But ive never had one be hateful to me.

[johnastovall]

Think about a Ricoh GR-DII. They are going very cheap now. With its snap focus and an optical viewfinder it is a very fine street shooter and won't attract notice. Once you turn of the lights and LCD you can shoot it just like film.

[zebulus]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

Think about a Ricoh GR-DII. They are going very cheap now. With its snap focus and an optical viewfinder it is a very fine street shooter and won't attract notice. Once you turn of the lights and LCD you can shoot it just like film.

Wasnt really planning on buying anything at the moment...if the sony isnt low profile enough, Ill just load my old Mamiya ZM with some Ilford Xtra Super 400.

[texxter]

Photographing the Homeless Banned

it's satire, folks!

[zebulus]

I cant stop looking at this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stoneth/3788199428/

I wonder what he does to get the image so sharp?

[bryanlindsey]

Maybe the Wizard can give you some courage. I'm going to Emerald City myself to see if he'll give me an FX body. **We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!**

[zebulus]

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

Maybe the Wizard can give you some courage. I'm going to Emerald City myself to see if he'll give me an FX body. **We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!**

Wow, that was totally inappropriate. I didnt find that funny at all.

[JohnT]

The most effective way to overcome a fear is to face it head-on by doing what it is you fear doing. You've been given some good advice here. Now, go and shoot.

(I still have some fears myself: some rational, some irrational. Just gotta face them one at a time.)

[Brains]

#1 rule when the cops show up --- BE FRIENDLY! Remember, they're people too, and their job is to assess the situation to see what's up. If you're open, polite, and cordial you will tend to not look mischievous. If you're abrasive, fidgety, nervous, or downright defensive -- well just think how you would react in the cops' shoes. It should be pretty much common sense.

If you know you're not doing anything illegal, you have nothing to worry about - so why fear the guys showing up just because they're wearing a badge? Knowing your rights and protecting your rights is very important, but that does NOT mean you have to act like a jerk in order to accomplish it. How does that old saying go -- you catch more bees with honey?

[Roy]

If you want to get your courage back, you are going to have to stand up for your rights yourself.

That link to the photographers rights is a start. Some officers don't know the law on this issue. It appears it's not a thing that gets covered in the police academy. If you are in compliance with the law then get the officers name and badge number and complain to his superior. One of these days all officers will understand the law. The police are not the bad guys but some of them are mistaken about photography issues.