Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2010/03/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>>Yet, the issue of whether or not "we" can photograph on the public streets does interest me quite a bit.<<<<<<<<< Hello George, As it does mine. Because I still receive assignments to "document certain open air subjects on the streets and parks." Throughout the 60's and early '70's I shot a great number of documentary assignments, some months on end for the National Film Board of Canada as I travelled across the country. Throughout rural areas, towns, villages and cities candidly photographing the day to day life ...... no permission asked. But when and if questioned? I replied politely what I was doing and who for! Never had a problem any where, nor anytime. Rarely, if ever was I challenged in a miserable gruff manner and certainly never with any threats of.. "Calling the cops or police!" However, that is a time long past. Sadly! Today due to the weirdo's in our societies and unfortunately the attitudes of many people in our society, along with some of the so called "street photographers" who believe without question, they can barge around the cities and country side shooting whatever the hell they want, even when questioned! Sure they can! However, if they are disrupting or making a bloody nuisance of themselves interfering with people, then they deserve what they require! A damn good boot in the ass and sent along the way out of town before sunset! Unfortunately when challenged, they don't even have the manners to respond politely! So right there is part of the problem for those of us who quietly go about doing our thing. However, due to these uneducated illiterate SOB's with no manners of a verbal fight " that they can do whatever they want because it's a free country!" They of course in their dimwit minds make it a major difficulty for folks like us who have legitimate assignments to document the many aspects in the life of our Nation these days! Yes I travelled the open country side without asking permission to photograph anything. If challenged I explained politely whom I was and who I was shooting for and never had a problem. On the odd occasion I was asked, I immediately responded with courtesy and generally courtesy was given in-return. I believe a major difference in society then and today! :-( A very sad loss in communicating with each other. Polite begets polite! ted