EVENT: post upcoming events!

[Abel]

if you guys dont mind, post some interesting upcoming events that are happening in the area since other photogs may be interested as well...

I hate it when I find out a really cool event just happened during the previous weekend and I missed it!

hehe

[Chris911]

Abel,

You wanted upcoming events so here we go. The George Washington festival is a two week long celebration held every feburary. There is a parade, beauty contest and The Jalapena Festival(Listed by AL Roker as one of the top ten festivals in the country). While you are in town I would recommend a trip over to the market place in mexico. There are lots of good photo oppportunities of the Rio Grande River. Be careful however not to take any pictures of the Bridges while you go across or Customs officials while take your film/camera. I am unsure of the exact dates, but the parade is Feb 19th at 9:00 am. I would suggest going to the city of laredo website or checking out www.lmtonline.com

I hope you and everyone else can make it.

Chris911

[Abel]

wow. they will seize your film and/or camera!

ouch

[swanny338]

question, do they have signs up saying you cant take photos of the bridges?

is it a state law? is it a law at all?

if the answers to all that are no then I would refuse ;-)

[Abel]

well customs ranks over the state, so that a Federal issue... thats a bit tougher...

[Steelsun]

They can't really take your camera/film legally. Even they have to follow due process, and the basic law is if it is visible from plain sight, then you can photograph it.

Alot of law enforcement and rent-a-cops have a holier-than-thou and nkow-everything mentality and think they can get away with it, and often do through lack of knowledge by the public or intimidation.

Here's a great resource: http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

[gpgyo]

Originally Posted by swanny338

if the answers to all that are no then I would refuse ;-)

I'd like to see some pictures of that!

Greg

[Abel]

yeah they dont mess aorund after 9/11...

[Abel]

I thought I remembered seeing something about a middle eastern guy here in Houston photographing buildings and such in downtown and some feds detained him… I thought man this guys is getting harassed but then they find out that he had a ton of photos from different big buildings, landmarks, powerplants etc that he was emailing to some bad doods overseas…

[Chris911]

heres how it works. If you have a film camera they will just take the film, if you have a digital camera they will just erase the frame/s. If you have a disposable camera it will be seized/destroyed. They do not do this to be mean. There is a very real threat to most customs officers on the border. It is not uncommon for officers to be followed home after work, have there cars vandalized and families threatened. Currently, there is a $20,000 BOUNTY ON THE HEAD OF EVERY FEDERAL WORKER ON THE BORDER BY THE TAMILUPAS DRUG CARTEL. Many times pictures of officers are taken from afar and sold to the drug cartels. All of this was going on before 911. Things have only gotten worse since then. The best advice I can give you if you are stopped is to be polite. IF they ask for an Id, give it to them, chances are you will be on your way shortly. If however, you give them an attitude I guarnetee you will get one back. In case none of you have figured it out, I work for US Customs in Laredo,Texas. If you ever have any questions, gripes,complainants I will be happy to try to answer/ explain them for you.

[Abel]

wow...

:shock:

thats crazy... i dont blame them for not allowing photos...

[Chris911]

Sorry
I forgot to include this. Swanny, No there are no signs posted stating not to take pictures. I wish there were since this would help eliminate a lot of problems. Customs officials can seize just about anything deemed to be contraband. We do not need probable cause to search or detain anyone. This gives us a great deal of authority. I f you refuse you will be arrested for failing to comply with an inspection. Here are some websites for you to look at that may explain they process better. www.cbp.gov and www.DHS.gov.

I hope I diidn't scare any of you about crossing the border, it sounds alot worse than it really is.

[swanny338]

jeez, didnt realize how bad it is, I understand now, and in the first place, I would comply I would just want to know if its legal before they take action. I would politely ask if they actually have that authority, of course they would say yes, and I would let them do their thing.

I really dont like the idea that you dont need probable cause, I understand why you have the authority, but just doesnt seem right to me. But if its for the best(most certainly is) then good, just dont hurt me lol

[Abel]

Originally Posted by swanny338

just dont hurt me lol

LOL :lol:

[Chris911]

no problem guys, I realize most people don't understand the inspection process. I am happy to explain it. Enough shop talk, let's talk pictures. Anyone got a festival/fair/event coming up?
Chris911