Being Followed

[ACDCROCKS]

Hey all had a case last night Shooting varsity foobtall where a guy would follow me every footstep I made,even a few feet. I felt very uncomfortable, I just turned 18, Im sure he just turned 48 (earry isn't it?), I honestly felt scared with him around me.I told my boss who was their with me, but on the other side of the field, he said it was the lens causing attention, but I honesly don't feel it was the lens. I've gotten attenion, but not to the point where this happens. Im not sure If I can say anything or something other than keep moving. Maybe it's just being paranoid. Have any of you guys/ gals have this problem? What should I do if this happens again?

[Wilt]

If you were that uncomfortable, I would have gone directly to Security if I wanted to be obvious and scare off the guy. Or I would have written a note and hand it to an associate with a verbal request that he/she get the note to Security promptly because you think you are being stalked, and they could observe him to determine whether or not his actions were suspicious and warranted having him assessed by someone in authority.

[cdifoto]

Call him out on it. Ask him what he's doing.

[JaertX]

turn and take his picture.

then tell him you're going to get his NAMBLA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nambla) card revoked if he keeps messing with you.

I get freaked out by creepy people like that too.

[Wilt]

Call him out on it. Ask him what he's doing
Someone with ill intentions may simply have the knee-jerk action of suddenly carrying out their intentions! Someone with ill intentions does not want others to see what they look like, since they can help to identify and convict them if something terrible happens to their intended victim! Direct controntation is NOT the wisest thing to do!

[cdifoto]

Someone with ill intentions may simply have the knee-jerk action of suddenly carrying out their intentions! Someone with ill intentions does not want others to see what they look like, since they can help to identify and convict them if something terrible happens to their intended victim! Direct controntation is NOT the wisest thing to do!
OP has a camera. He can take so-called stalker's picture. Or beat the snot out of him with big lens. :rolleyes:

And by calling him out on it all I mean is say "why are you following me?" This isn't some dark back alley we're talking about...

[Wilt]

OP has a camera. He can take so-called stalker's picture. Or beat the snot out of him with big lens. :rolleyes:

And by calling him out on it all I mean is say "why are you following me?" This isn't some dark back alley we're talking about...

In that case, if you make a spectacle and shout to the guy so that everyone else around you turns and looks at the confrontation taking place!... :)

[ACDCROCKS]

I found 3 ways that would be most effective possibly knocking some one out with / crucial pain a 20d and 70-200mm IS tonight in like 10 mins. I haven't tried it but, I know how to now

[BruceC]

Call him out on it. Ask him what he's doing.
+1, I would just say "hey, what are you doing?" just go from there.

[rhys]

Lol. Take his picture and ask him if he'd like a copy.

[Adam T]

I would like to direct you to this thread for some help on the matter:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=211333

[ACDCROCKS]

Lol. Take his picture and ask him if he'd like a copy.
My luck he say yes and most likely something preverted. He seemed creepy, nothing but, I didn't even want to talk to him

[Steve Parr]

It's amazing what everyday objects can do.

A measure of personal safety may be in order. A set of car keys, held between the fingers, is a pretty effective weapon. I don't care where you hit him, it's gonna' hurt. Also, I don't care how big a guy is, if you hit him, hard, on the side of the knee, he's going down.

Now, since you're shooting football, I assume some of these guys are bigger than your average 18 year old. Perhaps you could enlist their assistance, offering prints in exchange for having four or five of them having a word with the guy at some point...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I've had people doing that. It could backfire if you're not careful, though. I had someone follow me all over an event I was covering, and I finally turned and said "...You need something?" To my surprise, he said "Yeah I'm sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if I could get your card (business card)."

Don't be too mean..it could mean money. A lot of times, people look over my shoulder (which is tough at 6'2" :lol: ) to try and see my shots. Pretty tough with the lcd off, though. I have people wonder why the heck I look through "the little hole" when I could use the LCD. "I can't. I didn't have enough for the nice camera."

[Col_M]

I'd agree with Ronald to a degree, don't be rude not only because it could lose you a business chance but that fact is it could turn nasty if you confront someone. Something along the lines of "can i help you?", "i noticed you following me, is there something you want?" or anything like that really whatever you want.

I think what i'm trying to say i'd be interrogative but not rude, that way if he is being sketchy you may catch him off his toes and he'll get flustered, then you have reason to be suspicious, if the guy is interested in your camera or photography you won't come across as rude and you're less likely to get lamped on the nose.

[rhys]

Rethinking it. People are right. Ask questions first. "Can I help you" is usually pretty good. Don't forget also that appearances can be deceptive. As an outrageous example, you wouldn't expect bin Laden to come from a rich Saudi family or to have had a degree from Oxford university nor that he would speak fluent English. All of that is (from what I've heard) absolutely true.

[drparker]

At any game I've been to there is plenty of security around ranging from teachers, school security, police, paramedics even parents. Just ask security if they know who the guy is following you around. If they don't, ask if they could keep an eye on him. If you want to try subtle, just go stand close the cheerleaders. If the 48 year old creepy guy joins you to hang out by the young girls it won’t be long before he's on securities radar. He'll be lucky if a cheerleader dad doesn't interrogate him. As one of those dads I’m constantly scanning for anybody creepy or hormonal. :evil: Just be careful were you point that lens when by them.;)

[PhotoJourno]

I have found best results -best to try and practice in populated areas- to use non aggresive confrontation. It is an art to have a verbal exchange, in which you find out the intent of the other individual, all the while maintaining control of the situation.

So I approach it casually, but powerfully. Be assertive. Turn around, take a casual photo (from the hip or whatever), and then walk up directly to the individual. "Hi, You are following me. Wanna buy some photos?"... First thing to to in order to gain control of a situation, is to keep the other person from making desicions "Come over and stand over here for me, I can't hear you where you are at". I have had people put a hand in their pocket for no reason, but just to keep control of the situation I have blurted "Do me a favor, and keep your hands out of your pocket, just for my safety. I am a scardy cat".

Then sort of mix the casual comments with the serious ones "I thought you were following me to steal my camera !"... Does one of your kids play here?... "

This last 4th of july -after celebration and fireworks-I had a drunk man puking and sitting almost on top of my car, but it was late, and the police was definitely busy trying to control traffic and other issues. I had to take charge of that one, without impersonating or getting myself into a fight.

I just assured the person I was there to help, but also made them sit on the ground, kept their hands out of their pockets, and had them do silly little chores until someone did show up for the assist. "I want to be of help if you pass out, do you have an ID?" they take it out "Ok, keep it for me, do you live in this area?"... "You look like you had lots of fun... do you have anything on you that could hurt me while we wait for help?". "Tell me your name, do you live here? Did you come alone?" all questions that keep them thinking of answers, rather than options. (You will look dumb if the individual is of no threat, but in the slim chance, you will have a better chance at letting him know that you won't just let him do anything his style).

And I kept telling them "No, I am not a cop or anything. Can't you see the camera?" I was taking photos of the fireworks"...

Poor fellow ended up getting a back-seat ride home with the boys, since he was not doing anything wrong.

I guess my whole point is don't always avoid confrontation. Everyone knows not to walk into a dark alley, but if some dude follows you during a game, tap another guy on the shoulder, and say "excuse me, I might need your help" and then face the individual and ask point blank "Are you following me?"...

The person may be a dad trying to get you to take some photos of his kid but does not want to interrupt, or he is just an afficionado trying to figure out what lens you are using. More often than not, you will realize that it isn't all bad. Sometimes stuff looks awkward, but not necessarily does it translate to a direct threat.

Cheers,

[MikeMcL]

there is no risk in asking him "hey whats up?" or "can i help you?" or "do you mind giving me a bit of space?" or something like that at a football game. I like the idea of "taking it from there" as said above. you could have a false feeling of being threatened... maybe he was a poster here trying to see if you might have a POTN strap. lol

as said before, calling a bit of attention would not be a bad idea, just make sure he is really a weirdo first, and not just coincidentally standing near you.

i personally would have turned and walked a good 50 feet all at once to get a shot. if he follows, then you need to confront him nicely and see whats up.

dont hit someone with your equipment. thats a serious law suit, all joking aside. it can be construed as assault with a deadly weapon. you dont want to get sued over something stupid. Holding a monopod like a club will make someone think twice though. haha

[ACDCROCKS]

hehe "Deadly weapon", it's only magnesium. But if he were to touch me then it's different ( I assume) I know it's wrong to assume. A kid (fellow class mate) at prom shoved his hand over My bosse's 17-40mm and shoved the camera into my face, thus....he was the son of the principal, his word against mine. Im thinking about getting that book wear Photographers have rights etc lol.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I keep a paper from the corpus juris secondum that states rights of a photographer in this country, and their right to photography in public places. comes in handy when people try to "tell you off" when you take a shot of their dog in the park. :rolleyes: You can find local papers for your state on the web. There've been numerous papers published that have been posted here as well. If someone gives you hell...whip it out (so to speak).

[Steve Parr]

If someone gives you hell...whip it out (so to speak).

You don't honestly believe anyone would be impressed with that, do you? Seriously, a photographer pullinig out a piece of paper saying what his rights are will probably only receive laughter as a result...

[Mark0159]

You don't honestly believe anyone would be impressed with that, do you? Seriously, a photographer pullinig out a piece of paper saying what his rights are will probably only receive laughter as a result...

At least if the guy laughs, he's not going knock you over the head and steal your camera. And then it would break the ice, which once broken you can then find out what the guy wants.

[Steve Parr]

At least if the guy laughs, he's not going knock you over the head and steal your camera. And then it would break the ice, which once broken you can then find out what the guy wants.

True, I suppose.

I just get a kick out of people who carry that thing around as though it means something...

[GilesGuthrie]

I keep a paper from the corpus juris secondum that states rights of a photographer in this country, and their right to photography in public places. comes in handy when people try to "tell you off" when you take a shot of their dog in the park. :rolleyes: You can find local papers for your state on the web. There've been numerous papers published that have been posted here as well. If someone gives you hell...whip it out (so to speak).

You shouldn't need to whip anything out. I see a lot of posts here from militants claiming that they have a right to photograph anything and that nobody has a right to complain, and it's just not true. As a photographer, you have to be sensitive to people's opinions of you photographing things, and you have to consider whether your photograph is worth the trouble it's going to cause you and the subject.

I do suspect though that a lot of the militancy here is just chest-swelling, and that actually most of us are sensitive to our surroundings when shooting. Most suspected confrontations are easily avoided with a bit of compliance from the photographer, and there is always scope for commerce out of it. Think of it this way, the "free pic" given out to avoid a fight carries your contact details...

[sandro9mm]

I had case when couple of youngsters tried to take away my camera... I remember it was in Russia, Peterburg...bunch of crazy skinheads...peef

p.s. remember nose is the place which disorients ur oponent in seconds...

[ACDCROCKS]

Well, to say the least, it has happened again... Though differently. This required a vehicael. I was walking home froma game. I saw guy in a primer finished truck sees me. He keeps going straight. While at the street corner I make the usuall left toward my street. Once I get down toward my street I see him at the other side of the stop sign, as if he turned around.He stares at me for a 3 seconds while driving infront of me. I walk towards my house and I see him go back make a right, making it near where we first met. Now Im thinking. A voice tells me to RUN. My house was 70 feet away, I get to the back porch, I here him once again, I look and see him driving by. Please guys, what should I do?

[Jaymz]

Well, to say the least, it has happened again... Though differently. This required a vehicael. I was walking home froma game. I saw guy in a primer finished truck sees me. He keeps going straight. While at the street corner I make the usuall left toward my street. Once I get down toward my street I see him at the other side of the stop sign, as if he turned around.He stares at me for a 3 seconds while driving infront of me. I walk towards my house and I see him go back make a right, making it near where we first met. Now Im thinking. A voice tells me to RUN. My house was 70 feet away, I get to the back porch, I here him once again, I look and see him driving by. Please guys, what should I do?

Get the plate number, description of the truck and call the police.

[Permagrin]

Well, to say the least, it has happened again... Though differently. This required a vehicael. I was walking home froma game. I saw guy in a primer finished truck sees me. He keeps going straight. While at the street corner I make the usuall left toward my street. Once I get down toward my street I see him at the other side of the stop sign, as if he turned around.He stares at me for a 3 seconds while driving infront of me. I walk towards my house and I see him go back make a right, making it near where we first met. Now Im thinking. A voice tells me to RUN. My house was 70 feet away, I get to the back porch, I here him once again, I look and see him driving by. Please guys, what should I do?

Definitely report it and use a "buddy system" for a while at the games...places like that. One person mentioned saying "back off" loudly (or something like that)...that's what they tell you to do in self defense classes first. To be loud...get the eyes of the people around you on the person...an identifying moment...but it is best if you report it. If you see him again, go straight to security. If you have a cell phone, call the police right then.

[PhotoJourno]

That vehicular incident is completely different than the following on the sports field. You need to be careful. Do you have a camera bag? do you put all your equipment away before heading home, or do you just let it hang on your neck al lthe way home?...

Can you get a friend to walk with you? Can you drive back and forth?

Usually it is best -when you have identified foul play- to avoid direct confrontation. The dude on a truck coming around the corner and scouting you is definitely weird. It does not sound like you would be prepared to deal with such a situation.

Next time, just try to take someone with you, or talk on the cell phone while on your way home, something like that. and if worse comes to worse, losing your camera is a lot better than ending up on a ditch, without the camera.

But in a case like the one you described, just getting home and calling the local PD should send someone to check things out. Do not mock or lure the subject, but do get help ASAP. They will need to know what he looked like -clothes, hat, glasses, hair, etc- as well as car, make and model, license plate, and most importantly his actions. You can then explain he is stalking you, and you feel unsafe. They will immediately dispatch someone to check things out.

Best wishes to you, man.

Regs,

[LBaldwin]

Always make sure that you make friends with and get to know the security personnel at any event you can!!!
Know them by name and even bring them a 5x from time to time. It always pays to know either the cops at the event or the security staff. Keep business cards handy and hand them out so they know who you are.

Is it possible that he was watching out for your safety? I have to confess that when I was in HS I did the same thing to a (then) Virginia Pilot Ledger Star photographer named Lui Kit Wong. He even remembered me when I ran into him at a NPPA meeting 17 years later, I was a pesky kid but intensley curious about photography even in the 10 grade at HS football games.

There is no reason to fear the guy unless he make some sort of threatening gesture or verbal attack. He is probably just some goober that likes to be ont he field. Trust me you have yet to have a drunk dump a beer on you AND your gear (it happened to me at Candlestick Park)

The best defense is a great offense, never back your self into a corner so that you only have one escape. Always use the buddy system when you can. Stay and park in well lit areas and try to stay situationally aware at all times.

In this case if you have a flash push the test button and tell him that the 8x prints are $25 each. Humor diffuse many potential problems. But in our world and specifically at sporting events emotions run high so be ready to run and or defend yourself.

[Wazza]

Has someone put a sticker on your back??

Yeah seriously, it's not nice to be stalked.
They're after one of your assets. Maybe camera gear? Maybe something else.

I've seen some hobbyists on the side following me around.. I think they're just looking for a new friend.

[A01]

Some people are jsut creepy, start following him around and hopefully it scares him off!

Or you can always get the heavier 2.8 IS and club him with it :lol:

[Becca]

This sounds like a scary situation. I would definately follow the advice of others to call the police if you see him again. Even if it turns out to be completely innocent, you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable.

[TeeJay]

Was the person in the car the same person who was following you at the game?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

You don't honestly believe anyone would be impressed with that, do you? Seriously, a photographer pullinig out a piece of paper saying what his rights are will probably only receive laughter as a result...


I would think a paper from New York State, or the federal government for that matter, would do a whole lot more than my words. It sure beats nothing.

[ACDCROCKS]

Was the person in the car the same person who was following you at the game?
nope.

[catsith]

always work on your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, do something about it. If u don't wish to confront the guy, head for security staff etc. Another thing that i think would be very good is to do some sort of self defence course. Be aware of your surroundings, and potential danger spots, and think of how to re-act should someone come up behind you etc. If someone hopped into my car at lights i would drive the car into the lights! Crash it on his side!! (never happened, but i feel vulnerable at times, and think of my options) If i think somone is following me, i do not drive into my driveway, i'd do the block first to see if i am being followed, and should i be, then i would head for a service station or something like that. It's a sad world sometimes! But definitely learn some self defence techniques!

[ACDCROCKS]

I think this should be a reason for me to get a All Magnesium Mark II;) and Self defense courses

[mdm]

I was thinking of fellow POTN members being there to help weed out the bad apples.

[Steve Parr]

I would think a paper from New York State, or the federal government for that matter, would do a whole lot more than my words. It sure beats nothing.

I don't think either would have much of an impact.

If I asked someone to stop taking pictures, and they pulled out something on State or Federal letterhead, I'd laugh at them...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

That's just your personality, though. Some people would know, then, that they had no business telling me to stop. If they didn't, I'd simply find the nearest law enforcement officer.

[EllenC]

Do you live in a neighborhood where old dudes go trolling?

It's possible you have hustlers in your neighborhood and the creep in the truck was trying to figure out if you were for hire. Or maybe he was just lost. Or maybe he wanted to steal your gear.

Best advice I can give you is to hold yourself with great confidence. If you look afraid the creeps will always find you.

If you do get confronted by one of these losers, be forcefull. Put your hand out and say BACK OFF, of STOP etc. loudly. You better mean it when you say it. You'd be surprised how the schmarmy will go running with just that.

Be safe.

[Jon Foster]

I'm old enough now to trust my gut instinct and suggest other people do the same. IE: If something seems wrong, no matter what the circumstance, if you get that gut feeling something isn't right, trust your feeling(s). In this case, ACDCRocks was creeped out by the guy. That's all I needed to hear. It doesn't matter where he was, who he was with or what he was doing. The dude creeped him out period. Was he a potential client? Hell no! The guy creeped him out, enough said. First things first. Get away from the guy then get somebody involved like a LEO if you truly feel unsafe or think that person is potentially dangerous.

Jon.

[Steve Parr]

That's just your personality, though. Some people would know, then, that they had no business telling me to stop. If they didn't, I'd simply find the nearest law enforcement officer.

"Some people" would know no such thing. They might, however, be intimidated by some that looks official...

[surfologist]

Nobody likes to be stalked. I dont either, sometimes people follow me, i have had a guy follow me in my car for a long time. I think he saw my camera gear, and me get into my car (mercedes :)) and followed me. i did wierd turns, and circles, he followed me for about 5-10 minutes. I was at the beach, plus he looked on the wierd side... haha
So after this crazy cat was following me around, it kinda pissed me off. A lot of thievery has been going on at our beaches, and i slowed down in my car, got a good look at him and gave him the "get off my ass" look, and floored it. i lost him in about 10 seconds, weaved thru traffic, no way he would catch up to me, and never saw him agian.

Anyway, point of the story, people can be real stupid. Just keep your eye out, dont be naive about anything, and dont let people screw you over.
IF there is a problem:
get EVERYONES atention around you, he wont do anything in front of an audience.
Or, say im calling 911, and get on your phone in front of him. he most likely wont touch yo uif you are on line with 911.

That is only IF there is a problem. that first guy could have been some loser that cant afford your nice gear, and was too shy to introduce himself to you while he was drooling everywhere.

Anyway, keep us updated on this man! if there is a problem, you got a few thousand POTN members behind you that will com up there and open a can of 'whoup ASS' fer ya!!

be safe....