Compton by day

Although Compton is a city with highest crime rates in Southern California, the city has shown drastic improvements throughout past few years. I still wouldn't want to drive by the streets during nights, but it's not too bad when there's daylight.

1.

You're braver than I. I don't think I'd feel too comfortable walking around with my camera regardless of the time of day. Cool photos though, shows the not so fabulous, glitz and glamor side of LA quite well.

joonrhee wrote in post #11629832
Although Compton is a city with highest crime rates in Southern California, the city has shown drastic improvements throughout past few years. I still wouldn't want to drive by the streets during nights, but it's not too bad when there's daylight
3.

compton is only so upset because they use comic sans on their buildings.

mbbye wrote in post #11630152
You're braver than I. I don't think I'd feel too comfortable walking around with my camera regardless of the time of day. Cool photos though, shows the not so fabulous, glitz and glamor side of LA quite well.

You know, I was mainly shooting from inside my car with the 200mm. I only got out of the car a few times for very brief moments. I would never ever just walk around with my gear in Compton, even during daytime...

mikekelley wrote in post #11630167
compton is only so upset because they use comic sans on their buildings.

I couldn't even imagine taking night classes at that school (it looked more like an illegal mill)...

Great shots and interesting too see. Would love to see more from there. Both day and night. Is there any photoblog or something from someone shooting there, that you know about?

Best regards/Daniel

There are quite a few places where it is safe in Compton. Although it is still wise to stay in your car and stop and shoot when you can. The "photographer's drive-by." I do that a lot in parts of LA too.

Several years after the LA Riots in 1992, a friend of mine was taking pictures at Florence and Normandie (where the riots started). He works for LAPD, but was taking these for a photography class. Several unsavory people walked up behind him while he was taking the pictures They asked him, rather aggressively, why he was taking pictures there. He told him it was for LAPD and asked them if they wanted their pictures taken. He said they were almost running away after he said that. They knew they weren't going to get his camera gear that day. hehe

An interesting set. We only ever see the glitz and glamour side of LA over here. We read about the other side, but rarely see it. I find it quite different that you say you are barely game to get out of your car even during the day, yet there is an image of a family with their kids in the park. I guess it is a case of what you are used to, to them, the danger is probably just part of their everyday lives.

DanielSPhoto wrote in post #11634409
Great shots and interesting too see. Would love to see more from there. Both day and night. Is there any photoblog or something from someone shooting there, that you know about?

Best regards/Daniel

Thanks for your comments Daniel. Unfortunately, I do not know any photoblogs or photographers specializing in the Compton area.

You know, I told my wife I went driving for pictures during my lunch break in Compton, she freaked and told me never to do that again... even during daytime. LOL. If I ever get a chance to take pictures at night, I'll definitely post. But quite frankly, I wouldn't really want to...

CalPiker wrote in post #11634456
There are quite a few places where it is safe in Compton. Although it is still wise to stay in your car and stop and shoot when you can. The "photographer's drive-by." I do that a lot in parts of LA too.

Several years after the LA Riots in 1992, a friend of mine was taking pictures at Florence and Normandie (where the riots started). He works for LAPD, but was taking these for a photography class. Several unsavory people walked up behind him while he was taking the pictures They asked him, rather aggressively, why he was taking pictures there. He told him it was for LAPD and asked them if they wanted their pictures taken. He said they were almost running away after he said that. They knew they weren't going to get his camera gear that day. hehe

That's a great story CalPiker, and you are right about Compton having some safe places, like the recently built park that I photographed. Compton these days are nowhere near Compton from the old days. Ever since Mayor Eric Perrodin took over in 2001, Compton has steadily grown into a better(?) city with much improved residential housings (although only on visible main streets / hidden residentials are still the same) and business developments. However, Compton is Compton. Few years ago, there was a shooting in the city hall, which led to installing metal detectors and scanners for reinforced security.

L.J.G. wrote in post #11634500
An interesting set. We only ever see the glitz and glamour side of LA over here. We read about the other side, but rarely see it. I find it quite different that you say you are barely game to get out of your car even during the day, yet there is an image of a family with their kids in the park. I guess it is a case of what you are used to, to them, the danger is probably just part of their everyday lives.

Thanks for commenting Lloyd. You are absolutely right. I'm sure danger is just part of their everyday lives... unfortunately...

Great pics Joon. You don't see pics of Compton too often. Were these shot with your lens you posted on the S95 thread?

DH22 wrote in post #11634898
Great pics Joon. You don't see pics of Compton too often. Were these shot with your lens you posted on the S95 thread?

Thanks DH. Yes, I had to give it a street test.

DanielSPhoto wrote in post #11634409
Great shots and interesting too see. Would love to see more from there. Both day and night. Is there any photoblog or something from someone shooting there, that you know about?

Best regards/Daniel

I agree. Id like to see more from there also. I just cant imagine a place being so dangerous. Where i live we have a couple of burbs that you wouldnt want walk through at night, but i dont imagine they would be as tough as Compton...

Thanks for sharing.

And interesting comments. They reminded me of the other epic thread in these forums about what gun to pack when shooting in urban areas. I live a charmed life even though my city has over 4 millio inhabitants.
Even on another thread there was mention of how even in the nation's capitol D.C. it would be unwise to photograph around the National Mall alone late at night....I thank my lucky stars my city (Toronto) contains NO areas that I'd be afraid to carry my camera in at any time of the day and night.

CalPiker wrote in post #11634456
There are quite a few places where it is safe in Compton. Although it is still wise to stay in your car and stop and shoot when you can. The "photographer's drive-by." I do that a lot in parts of LA too.

Several years after the LA Riots in 1992, a friend of mine was taking pictures at Florence and Normandie (where the riots started). He works for LAPD, but was taking these for a photography class. Several unsavory people walked up behind him while he was taking the pictures They asked him, rather aggressively, why he was taking pictures there. He told him it was for LAPD and asked them if they wanted their pictures taken. He said they were almost running away after he said that. They knew they weren't going to get his camera gear that day. hehe

I´m going to follow your blog
It seems interesting.

Best regards/Daniel

joonrhee wrote in post #11634841
Thanks for your comments Daniel. Unfortunately, I do not know any photoblogs or photographers specializing in the Compton area.

You know, I told my wife I went driving for pictures during my lunch break in Compton, she freaked and told me never to do that again... even during daytime. LOL. If I ever get a chance to take pictures at night, I'll definitely post. But quite frankly, I wouldn't really want to...

I can understand your wife
But if you get the chance, be sure to post them here

It doesn´t have to be just compton. Any area alike is interesting. So if any one know a blog or something let me know please. The reason I´m interested is that I have been working several years with security/law enforcement here in Sweden, and I have been working in the worst possible areas Sweden has to offer. It´s interesting to see other parts of the world like that and worse.

Best regards/Daniel

supernova74 wrote in post #11638618
I agree. Id like to see more from there also. I just cant imagine a place being so dangerous. Where i live we have a couple of burbs that you wouldnt want walk through at night, but i dont imagine they would be as tough as Compton...

Hey Mark, thanks for the comments. When/if I get a chance, I will definitely try to get some more photos (not too confident about getting dangerous photos though...ops.

philmar wrote in post #11638872
Thanks for sharing.

And interesting comments. They reminded me of the other epic thread in these forums about what gun to pack when shooting in urban areas. I live a charmed life even though my city has over 4 millio inhabitants.
Even on another thread there was mention of how even in the nation's capitol D.C. it would be unwise to photograph around the National Mall alone late at night....I thank my lucky stars my city (Toronto) contains NO areas that I'd be afraid to carry my camera in at any time of the day and night.

Hi Phil, you have some inspiring photos in your website!! I am also glad and thank God for providing my residence in the safer part of Southern California.