Ken Rockwell on photographers and cops

[Murph]

For all the excoriation of KR by the internet masses, he occassionally does have something good to say:

Photoshop Master Ashi Fachler started a Flickr Blog for people who've been pestered while shooting.

As an American, I'm entitled to photograph anything, anywhere, any time, so long as I'm not on someone else's property. Since I've learned how to move fast and how to work with law enforcement, not call them stupid for doing their jobs, I never have any problems.

Cops are there to be sure that everything is OK, which they can't tell until after they talk to you. Open up, be honest, and no problem. Be a pain and argue from the start and you may be the one creating your own trouble. When I'm talked to by the PD, we always have a good time and they tell me their favorite places to shoot, but only after they've run my ID through the system.

If you have an issue, open up, then move on to something else. Your best policy is not to be seen: shoot from the hip and keep moving. The D3 lets me shoot hand-held at night: I'm gone long before any guards even notice me on their security cameras.

[Citex]

I was downtown one time and Officer Murph came up and said "Hey boy what the hell is that on the three legged stand" I replied "sir its a Canon" Officer Murph then proceeded to pull the handcuffs off his belt that looked more like a Nikon neck strap. It was a long night, still don't know what I did wrong, but at least everything was ok! :)

[Cope]

Originally Posted by Citex

I was downtown one time and Officer Murph came up and said "Hey boy what the hell is that on the three legged stand" I replied "sir its a Canon" Officer Murph then proceeded to pull the handcuffs off his belt that looked more like a Nikon neck strap. It was a long night, still don't know what I did wrong, but at least everything was ok! :)

He was just doing his job. Repent your past (Canon) and it won't happen again.

[pepper52]

Ryan - That was hilarious!