Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Recently I have been reading about urbex photography and have been searching around my area for old, maybe abandoned buildings, warehouses, etc.
Today I was out shooting at a not really remote place and came across some old farm houses.
I wasn't on private land, but parked off the road to take some pictures. Don't know if it was coincidental, or someone saw me driving and pulling over several times to get out of the car and shoot some photos.
A Sheriff, you know the kind!, stopped next to my car and asked me what I was doing. I merely said, "I'm just an amateur photographer trying to take some interesting photos".
He replied, "oh okay, didn't think you were a spy or some weirdo with that small camera." Okay as long as you ain't snooping."

Really? Well, my little camera I had was my Sony a6000 with the 55-210 lens. I wonder what he would have said if I had the Nikon with the 55-300mm lens.
I am printing business cards as we speak.
Just another interesting day in Northern Georgia.
:)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Good that they are looking out for the neighborhood. You handled that in a very cordial and professional manner.
--Bob

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I have to think any competent spy would have some fake business cards printed up. And I guess the sheriff didn't know that spies like to use very small cameras.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Funny, I walked into my local camera shop yesterday and a customer was trying to sell an old 400mm pistol grip lens on a Pentax (about 24" long) as we were talking he said he could feel the stares and was worried someone would call in the local PD and become surrounded by S.W.A.T.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

In September and October we took a car trip from Connecticut to California (and back); we stayed off the interstates as much as possible. We were on US 40 in Ohio when I saw a beautiful landscape. By time I pulled over, I was about 1/4 of a mile from the site. As I walked back to take the photo, two people stopped and asked if everything was okay, if I needed help. I just explained that I wanted that shot and they gave me a thumbs up and were on their way. My wife's reaction, "People are really friendly here."

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I am not a pro; but I had a business-like card printed to give me some legitimacy when I am carrying a camera with a big lens, and am questioned by anybody. The card is simple, is meaningless; but does indicate that I am a serious photographer---not a pervert.
Although any serious pervert can print a similar card.
Vistaprint.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I like having my personalised business cards to give out to folks who are both questioning who I am and what I'm doing but also to help keep in touch with other photographers I meet while out shooting.
Harvey in the Sierras

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Yes I often wonder about being in a situation where a Law Enforcement officer might confront me asking my intentions or why I was taking photos. I do realize we as Photographers have certain rights, but we must be alert and cautious we do not infringe on other's privacy rights too. In the Days we live today, people in general maybe suspicious of people taking Photos. Thinking, Who are these people, Why are they taking photos, etc.
So we as Photographers must investigate and be aware of all of our legal rights which others may question or be objectionable too, so we may answer those who might question our activity knowledgeably,wisely,peacefully.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I live near a Reservoir and where bald Eagles come to have they're young, so yes there are quite a few photographing the young being taught how to hunt etc....being it's next to the refinement plant, turn your lens towards the plant, and security is all over you. A good thing...Once your known, all is good.

Ted Liette Loc: Greenville, Ohio

Us Ohio folk we try to be friendly and hospitable to people just passing by and we try to look out for each other. I'm glad the people who stopped left you with a good impression as I've had the same thing happen to me while my wife and I were on our travels.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

So if one is a serious photographer, and also a serious pervert, does one need cards printed on both sides?

It has been alleged that David Hamilton might have needed some of those....

whitewolfowner

You could have told him that you were a Russian spy who was scoping out the old building because the Democratic party had a server in there that you were about to hack. This wasn't a camera but a server detection devise. Also, you were protected by a couple of snipers who had him in their scopes right now and if he makes a wrong move he'll be history. Tell him to just walk away, slowly, and drive on and forget he ever stopped to talk to you. It was his only chance to see the sun set. LOL, now being a real stinker for sure!

LundyD43 Loc: Dayton, OH, USA

I'm also an amateur photographer and have often thought of having business cards made, but never get past the thought of designing one. :-(

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Having a business card can help or hinder. I was with a group in Jackson Square, in New Orleans. I was approached by Park Police person asking "Who is the professional in this group, or the leader?" I told the officer I was leading a amateur photo walk, and produced my business card, which only had my name, phone number, and photographer printed on the card. I was taken to the office, in the French Quarter Market area. Only on the evidence I had a business card, it was decided I was a professional, and had to pay a fee to lead the group to the sites in the "Quarter". I was then cited for not having a tour license from the City. After a day in court, the citation was deemed erroneous, since I was not disseminating any historical, nor other information about the sites, other than photographic technique. The problem with the Park Service was also covered, that by just having business card, does not make a person a business, nor having in his possession a large camera, with a tripod. My experience with many legal instances, just having a lawyer register with the Court Official prior to Court, will make them think if they want to move forward on any such charges.

B

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Perhaps your card should have said "Pirate" not "Photographer", then you could have had a glass of absinthe while they were questioning you in more comfortable surroundings and less far to walk!

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