I was confronted by this man

When I did my part time jaunt as a photojournalist today. I decided to take a test shot. I took a photo of a woman and then I was confronted by this man claiming to be her husband, say "I had no right to photograph his wife" I told him I was press, and he insisted on asking me my press card to which I have every right to refuse to show him, since he wasn't the a police or a person in authority. He continued to harass me until I asked a police nearby to intervene.

I explained as to what I was doing, the man continued to bark at the police because I had taken a photo of his wife, the police told him since his wife was in the public domain I could take a photo of anyone included the police themselves (unless there is a security matter of course). I showed the police in order to diffuse the matter, my press card. I felt so damn irritated by this idiot who confronted me, but totally vindicated by me wanting to take the test shot and refusing to show this idiot my press card. He had no right to ask me to show my press card to him, unless he was in authority to do so

Maybe next time take a test shot of something inanimate? I saw a PJ once take shot of someone's kid and the parent confronted him. The PJ in his face with his rights and the dude knocked him out and took his CF card and left.

Press pass or not, its your right and even the police confirmed that. Just walk away next time or delete the file in front of him if you feel like defusing the situation and the pictures of no importance.

Kronie wrote in post #16215952
Maybe next time take a test shot of something inanimate? I saw a PJ once take shot of someone's kid and the parent confronted him. The PJ in his face with his rights and the dude knocked him out and took his CF card and left.

I see your point

You made one person mad. Then you escalate the conflict to the level of police intervention. Instead of showing your card, which is given to avoid situations like this.
Guess who is the only idiot in this story.
Sorry, if you guess it right.

kf095 wrote in post #16216097
You made one person mad. Then you escalate the conflict to the level of police intervention. Instead of showing your card, which is given to avoid situations like this.
Guess who is the only idiot in this story.
Sorry, if you guess it right.

I agree.

Rich, you brought up the fact that you were press. The other gentleman had every right to ask to see your press card as proof and you should never be hesitant to display it. While it really doesn't give you special privileges in this scenario it may have diffused the situation.

Yes, you have every right to take the photograph and the policeman affirmed that right. You sir missed the first two opportunities to avoid having to contact the policeman at all.
1. Test shot of an inanimate object.
2. Display your press pass.

Live and learn.

Wow, I really can't believe a mod would stick up for person who is insulting me as an idiot, but there you go

And no I won't display my press card to members of the public, thank you

I don't think and of the street shooters in this video worry about folks on the street.

I shoot on the streets all the time and getting harassed is just part of it. I have every right to be there and doing what I am doing.

Here and check out Bruce Gilden. A bit more aggressive than I will ever be but he does illustrate the point. The trailer for an upcoming film.
http://vimeo.com/70639​661#

RichSoansPhotos wrote in post #16216420
...And no I won't display my press card to members of the public, thank you

I do not agree with this, I think you should have shown the card and held on to it tight to rip it out of his hands if he grabs it. It could have been handled many different ways but I stand by showing your card. You have the right to disagree (I know you do) but I am only voicing my opinion without name calling.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #16216446
I don't think and of the street shooters in this video worry about folks on the street.

I shoot on the streets all the time and getting harassed is just part of it. I have every right to be there and doing what I am doing.

Here and check out Bruce Gilden. A bit more aggressive than I will ever be but he does illustrate the point. The trailer for an upcoming film.
http://vimeo.com/70639​661#

I know you have every right, but it's stupid, they think they have the law on their side all the time

Just because it is lawful, doesn't make it polite. I can legally call someone a son of a beach right to their face, but that doesn't mean they will like it.

tkbslc wrote in post #16216480
Just because it is lawful, doesn't make it polite. I can legally call someone a son of a beach right to their face, but that doesn't mean they will like it.

Well Said

tkbslc wrote in post #16216480
Just because it is lawful, doesn't make it polite. I can legally call someone a son of a beach right to their face, but that doesn't mean they will like it.

Maybe, but I had no intention of keeping any test shots

Sometimes our sense of entitlement gets in the way of our dealing with things in a non-confrontational manner. It might be your right, but flaunting that position ends up being interpreted as confrontational...righ​t or wrong.

RichSoansPhotos wrote in post #16216494
Maybe, but I had no intention of keeping any test shots

There is no way that guy would have known that. Your best card then was to apologize and show him you deleting the picture....A test shot is not worth the argument

I am an aviation photographer in NY Post 9/11 world... Just imagine the crap I get!