Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

digitalbanzai · **Shoulder stops -** 11-02-2006, 07:41 PM

Do any of you make shoulder stops to catch a picture of landscape or what not? If so, with what frequency? I always see a nice shot or two as a drive and think about stopping back there sometime, but some of these aren't accessible via side roads and are just right off the highway.

Anyone know the legality of pulling over to get out and snap a picture? I assume on a small, rural road it's probably no biggie, but what about in the city? On the highway? On a service road?

Besides the authorities questioning my going-ons, I'm always scared some 18-wheeler will barrel down the road over me

Anyways, your thoughts?

Duffy Pratt · 11-02-2006, 08:14 PM

In Houston, safe-clear would come and take your car after six minutes.

In most places, if you put on your flashers, get out when its safe to do so (or on the passenger side) and don't dawdle, I doubt you would have any problems at all. If there is alot of traffic and 18-wheelers flying by, I wouldn't risk it. It's one of those things where its probably best to use your judgment and to err on the side of safety.

I don't know what the applicable laws are on this, but unless you were doing something totally stupid, I doubt any cop would ever give you anything more than a warning, assuming it is illegal.

Duffy

tiffany · 11-02-2006, 08:28 PM

one time a friend and myself drove down I 10 and parked her car just outside the HOV ramp entrance as it was around 12am and closed off of course. we were parked just before the taylor street exit so we had a pretty nice view of downtown from there. it was somewhat scary because it was late and houston drivers are f'ing nuts. we didn't have any problems that night. the only bad thing was i forgot my cable release and my tripod + my hands are not stable enough so most of the shots came out blurry. grrr. will have to go again though with my cable release this time.

johnastovall · 11-03-2006, 07:59 AM

All the time. In fact I have a section of 377 which I work all the time coming into the office and in the evening returning. And it's the only way to do roadkill.

kenw · 11-03-2006, 10:04 AM

"and houston drivers are f'ing nuts"

well, they aren't the ones stopping and taking pics on the freeway....... ;)

seriously, I've done it a few times, but NOT in the city or where it might be even remotely dangerous. no way jose.....

And more than once I've simply pulled out the camera and shot as I drove by.....more drive-by shooting than shoulder shooting, tho....and more than once had to exit and turn back and approach it again...all at highway speeds. set it wide and let'er rip.

now if you want to see crazy people taking pics from moving cars, see what happens the next time a steam engine (train) comes anywhere near a population center..........

digitalbanzai · 11-03-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenw

And more than once I've simply pulled out the camera and shot as I drove by.....more drive-by shooting than shoulder shooting, tho....and more than once had to exit and turn back and approach it again...all at highway speeds. set it wide and let'er rip.

I don't think I drive near well enough to take a picture AND drive. However, I have considered having my wife drive while I take a picture from the truck bed. Not sure I trust her driving enough for that, though.

kenw · 11-03-2006, 11:31 AM

adam, you don't have to use the viewfinder. Having a sunroof helps.

But being in the truckbed in a moving vehicle (on most roads in Texas) is against the law. pics or not.

johnastovall · 11-03-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenw

adam, you don't have to use the viewfinder. Having a sunroof helps.

But being in the truckbed in a moving vehicle (on most roads in Texas) is against the law. pics or not.

Only if you are under 18 it was 12 until 2001.

tiffany · 11-04-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenw

well, they aren't the ones stopping and taking pics on the freeway....... ;)

shush you!

TXhummer2 · 11-04-2006, 10:53 AM

Rurally, I back up, even. H-town, SHE drives/slows/stops/guns-it, I take photos.

babybluetx23 · 11-04-2006, 11:56 AM

I make shoulder stops ALL the time. I will however make sure that I am far enough off the shoulder that way I dont risk getting hit, I also stand "Down wind" From my car that way if someone DOES strike my car, I am not in striking distance. I also turn on my blinkers, And I also DO NOT do it at night especially on Friday or sat nights due to the increased risk of drunks on the road.