Photographers are not a terrorist threat

[joedlh]

In this era of "Global War on Terror," how many photographers have had second thoughts before they pointed the camera in some settings? Here's an interesting article in The Guardian UK that puts this in perspective:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/jun/05/news.terrorism

[digirebelva]

So far minus a few episodes here in the states that have been posted here on POTN, they really seem to be overdoing the whole terriost thing in England concerning photographers..Govt run amock...hope it doesnt get that bad here.

[gjl711]

Boy, how do you respond or even discuss this without getting political. So many of the things we are doing post 9/11 are completely retarded and I believe are designed to give the appearance of action without really addressing the issue. Go after the easy targets, tell everyone you’re on it and hope it gets you re-elected. Maybe one day we will have leaders who actually want to solve problems instead of just enrich themselves.

[Bill Roberts]

It's well worth having a look at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=468850&highlight=EDM

And then contacting your MP to ask him/her to sign the Early Day Motion on photography in public places.

So far 219 MP's have signed which isn't bad. The more we're heard about this kind of thing the better! And it's not political, it cuts right across all parties.

[Wazza]

Thanks for the link, a good read

[lookatlife]

i have not really had any problems here in new york like that! Sometimes a weird look or two though :/

[Mum2J&M]

In this era of "Global War on Terror," how many photographers have had second thoughts before they pointed the camera in some settings? Here's an interesting article in The Guardian UK that puts this in perspective:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/jun/05/news.terrorism

I think a lot of the disdain for photographers originated after Princess Diana was killed. The papparazzi were following them into that bridge and, unfortunately, their driver was drunk as a skunk. It also didn't help that no one was wearing seatbelts. But we don't like to think that someone like Diana is mortal and imperfect like the rest of us. All those photographs and films we love to see of her were brought to you care of the papparazzi. And there are good and bad photographers like in any industry.

What makes me laugh is that you're okay using a point and shoot camera where you have little to no control over how many people you have in your image. Whereas, if you use a dslr with a longer lens, you are targeting certain people/things. So, in effect, you are less likely to be bringing outsiders into your shots. People tend to think larger lenses = bad, as if it's some sort of spy device.

[Stoosh]

I was shooting around my local area and walked past Kirribilli House (where are prime minister lives) on my way down to a wharf to shoot a landscape of the city, as i walked past, 3 federal police officers felt the need to follow closely behind me and then overlook as i shot the landscape and then follow me back to my car