[Leica] was:news photos on private property, now: confronted by police.

[tedgrant@islandnet.com (Ted Grant)]

 I'm sure this has been a very interesting topic for everyone, even though
it isn't absolutely Leica specific.  In todays world with so many people
carrying cameras it is a good thing to have some idea where & when you can
take pictures.

I thought you might find this an interesting story of what not to do and
what to do, if confronted by the police at a scene.

This wll,be one of the stories in my next book on photgraphy.
======

Cruiser Back Seat:
==================

There are times' news photographers, a few of them, because of their
perceived idea of the "public has a right to know" attitude,  have a run in
with the police.

There are photographers when told to move back or told "you can't take
pictures here," become belligerent and mouthy with police officers, who are
merely doing their job.  The next thing the photographer knows, he or she
is in the back seat of a cruiser and part of the news event.

Watching your compititon shoot your ass off while you are locked in the
back of a cruiser due to your stupidity of arguing with a police officeris
dumb, and could possibly get you fired, depending whom you work for.  You
may have difficulty explaining why the next edition of the compititon paper
has a great spread of photos and your paper doesn't have any.

Photographers who do argue with police having setup a 'no picture'
location, are usually in a NO WIN situation.  While you are wasting time
bitching, your compititon has kept his/her mouth shut and is shooting the
good stuff with long lenses.  By the time you realize you can't win, the
main action of the news event is over.  This puts you on the defensive with
your editor who doesn't understand why you do not have front page pictures
and the other guys do.

Too many photographers think they have to be right in the blood to get
their pictures, but being arrested doesn't get you any.

Avoid your mouth, "It is a no win situation."   Use your brains, use your
eyes and imagination, start looking for a spot to shoot from with long
lenses and extenders, that is why you have them.

Long lenses are for:  more than shooting sports!

Don't argue; get out of the way.  Do an end run, Look for height if
available, look for windows to shoot into or out of.  Any place that keeps
your attention focused on covering the assignment and not crying in the
back seat of a cruiser.

And possibly fired.

Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant