This photo I took was a polemic one.
There was some minor street fight and I started taking pictures. The friends I was with told me not to.
– Why? I replied.
-It is not safe.
-So what?
-Maybe police won’t like being photograph while they arrest the guy, they may take the camera away or the memory card.
-But why? What about if I were to photograph firemen putting off a fire, would that be acceptable? They are doing their job.
-Well, yes
-Then what is wrong with taking photos to the police doing their job??
Next, I was grabbed away by my friends. Too stuburn they said I am.
What would you have done?
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Ahhh – there are parts of the world where it’s unwise to photograph police/military personnel, it’s just asking for trouble … even if, like here, the officers’ faces are unrecognisable!
well… yes. What an elegant word you just used: “unwise” My friends used other set of words, less nice but worked. You are right, it will be better not to do it again. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I always enjoy your world, Cedric 🙂
Thank you *smiles*
I always enjoy popping in to see your world, Cedric 🙂
hmmm. i would have taken photos as well, though i agree, it might not be too wise.. members of ‘prensa’ are often killed in latin america – especially in your country and guatemala and honduras!!! glad you got the shots!
…mmm… A thought to be kept for future reference. And yes, you are right, we are running out of reporters. On the brighter side, it was a good nite shot! yeiiii!
Thank you for stopping by!
It’s interesting I just read this post, and here’s why: Two hours ago I was doing my usual weekly grocery shopping. As I drove away from the store, I passed by a gas station – where 5 police cars had surrounded the entrance, their lights flashing. Two officers had their hands on a handcuffed man, and three more officers stood close by. While part of me was very curious and wanted to take a picture, a stronger part of me wanted to get away quickly. Why? I wasn’t exactly “afraid”, but thought it would be wise to let the police do their job without any additional interference. I mean, how would they know that I wasn’t an accomplice to the suspect? I want them to feel as safe as possible as they do a very dangerous job, so I chose to stay away and not give them any more people (or situations) to worry about.
I think it points to “not-to-do-it” kind of thing. This is the most convincing reason I have heard from all. Yes, police should feel safe when doing their job and not to put them nervous for our own sake. 🙂
I’d be torn, wanting to photograph it but knowing it’s asking for trouble! Instead I’d possibly just watch, remember as much as possible and write a poem instead.
🙂 …yes.. I agree. I will think some lines about to do or not do do and how not to get caught! hahaha!
Oh I def would have taken pics! Sadly though, i know it leads to trouble with the police who don’t take kindly to citizen journalists.
My son took pics of my other son (his younger bro) when the cops were arresting him after a bar brawl. When the police realized what was happening they threatened him with arrest if he didn’t stop filming..and then they seized his smartphone as evidence. The photos WOULD have been GREAT evidence of the threats (and prior beating of the brawlers) if they hadn’t been conveniently “lost” ! My son’s lawyer really pushed the issue too, but to this day that smartphone has never turned up!
It seems there are good reasons to do it and good reasons why not to do it. I hope free will and intelligence can show us the difference! Thank you for stopping by!
street photography i imagine is riskier in some places more than others. since you carefully posted a photo without an easy way to identify the people in the photograph, i think your intuition served you well. thankfully you have good friends watching over you – bless their hearts.
😦
well yes.. but is more fun otherwise! 😀
First rule, be safe, right? I might get one of those big telescopes just to keep a safe distance. 🙂
that’s a better idea – telescopic lens. less worries for you and your friends. 🙂
I’m sure your friends were quite correct. I once wanted to photograph two security guards on their electric scooters, but they wouldn’t let me. 😦
that is maybe right… but not fun! 🙂