Photoshop Insider

1. ^#1

   I guess I’ve only got these joys to come - I’m looking to buy a tripod in the near future. I’ll be using it when I go hiking, so it needs to be reasonably light, and I’ve not won the Lottery recently, so reasonably priced too!

   Does anyone have any recommendations?

   Thanks

   Rich

   Richard O'Brien on May 6th, 2008 at 8:08 am
2. ^#2

   Check out this occurence:
   http://www.blogto.com/city/2008/02/tripod_prompts_lockdown_at_sheridan_college/

   Mike on May 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
3. ^#3

   Well clearly Scott, you have that “McGuyver” look to you and so it’s only safe to assume that the security guard thought that you had fashioned a three-barrled grenade launcher out of your Gitzo. Can you fault the guy for that?

   Dave Lloyd on May 6th, 2008 at 8:27 am
4. ^#4

   Maybe it’s just that there was a super mega star sleeping next to your door and that they were trying to prevent you from paparazziing without letting you know in case you did not know.

   Or maybe they thought that it was a sniper rifle tripod and that you were going to shoot down the street from your windows !

   Be aware of frustrated photographer !

   Sebastien on May 6th, 2008 at 8:37 am
5. ^#5

   welcome to America…

   … a post 9/11 america were every middle eastern looking person is a terrorist, were every security guard thinks they need to prevent the next presidential assassination and were paranoia rules.

   The sad thing is that the only people Americans can blame for it are their stupid leaders who managed to screw any reputation the US might have had abroad.

   Get used to it… cause it’s only going to get worse.

   tom on May 6th, 2008 at 8:38 am
6. ^#6

   Scott it would be really interesting to take this subject up a notch and involve someone (like a public relation official) from the National Security (or related organizations) and have them comment on your post, or maybe even have a complete interview!

   We would love to know WHY the camera tripod is suddently related to terrorists.
   You know, automatic rifles are sold in packs in retail store in the US, yet the tiny tripod is the only one that makes everyone shake (except the camera!).
   You gotta love that last sentence! :o)

   Alex

   Alex Campagna on May 6th, 2008 at 8:39 am
7. ^#7

   Scott,

   you obviously haven’t been in New York in a while. Years ago at PhotoExpo, Tamron took people on a trek down the west side of New York from the Javits Center with Don Gale. The group got stopped twice, once by the NYC cops about to arrest everyone for using a tripod without a permit, and then in a small park, which is a state park, with the park police. When the Gates were on display in Central Park, I actually tried to get a teipod permit. You have to specify excatly where you are shooting two to three weeks in advance to even be considered. I said Central Park, and got rejected as it was too vague, and they wanted the exact location. I guess we have to previsualize our concepts. I shot it hand held. It is getting really tough.

   PS. Don’t even think of shooting a bridge with a tripod. A friend had a 4 by 5 camera out to shoot the Brooklyn Bridge, and it took several hours of explaining that the “weapon” was actually a camera.

   Welcome to New York,

   Bill Bogle, Jr. on May 6th, 2008 at 8:42 am
8. ^#8

   i was walking into a building here in CT with my gear and tripod for a boring corporate headshot, and they looked like they were going to call the FBI after taking a gander at my Gitzo!

   robert on May 6th, 2008 at 8:54 am
9. ^#9

   Well, being a hotel owner, there is another concern most people don’t realize: a bunch of guys going to a hotel room with gear might mean they’re going to shoot some porn.

   Did you have *that* look??

   Iron Flatline on May 6th, 2008 at 8:57 am
10. ^#10

    How’s this for a lovely poster to come across in Manchester (UK) when out taking architectural shots:
    http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/counter_terrorism/ct_camera_2008.pdf

    There are also:
    http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/counter_terrorism/ct_door_2008.pdf
    http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/counter_terrorism/ct_phone_2008.pdf

    Look out for that suspicious house, people!

    Paul Hunter on May 6th, 2008 at 8:57 am
11. ^#11

    Whoa.

    Let’s be realistic for a second. A tripod DOES look like a weapon. Extended or not; black or chrome - especially if you have it slung over your shoulder. (That being said. those big tubes architects carry blueprints around with look like anti-tank missiles to me. Too much Terminator, I guess.)

    Let’s all take a deep breath. You want these guys to NOT do their job? Alrighty, then. Welcome to the U.S. of Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

    Jeremy Sale on May 6th, 2008 at 8:59 am
12. ^#12

    Hi Scott,

    I had a similar case in a hotel in the Netherlands, but that was for a different reason. In that hotel it was forbidden to take professional pictures (you had to pay rent for that location (about $ 2000,- )). Perhaps this guy thought the same about your hotel. But never the less, a strange situation.
    There is a lot of over reaction in the world since 9-11.

    Greetings from Rotterdam, Netherlands.

    Twan de Veer on May 6th, 2008 at 9:03 am
13. ^#13

    Which monopod do you recommend for the “scam” method of avoiding this problem?

    Keith W on May 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am
14. ^#14

    They may put on the guise that this is a security issue but let’s talk about what it’s really about, MONEY! Just like shooting at the Burj, everyone wants to protect themselves from commercial use of their property’s image without compensation or approval. In a location like NYC, I am sure that most commercial properties have copyrights that cover the use of their building’s likeness. And since we know that only “commercial” photographers would ever dare to use a tripod, you must be out to make a buck from their building. It’s sad but true that great photos of interesting or beautiful architecture can only be taken for a price. I am sure if you were laying $50 on every “guard” that approached you that you could shoot with your tripod from almost any vantage point in the city.

    Jeff on May 6th, 2008 at 9:14 am
15. ^#15

    I and my two assistants travelled to Jerusalem in Israel a time ago. At the airport the checked my stuff (Ligths, 8Tripods, and camera gear 4 times. It took us 4 hours from 2 in the morning to 6 in the morning, and even had luck to get our plane. alltough we had of course all permitts.
    Taht was also very “funny”.

    Heinz on May 6th, 2008 at 9:18 am
16. ^#16

    I have seen fuzzy photos distinctly showing several tripods on the grassy knoll.

    Rick Moore on May 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
17. ^#17

    I agree with that Jeff that it’s probably a matter of commerce. I am trying to build up a portfolio in architecture and get harrassed by safety-officers once a while. If you ask them why your not allowed to take pictures they never know the reason. If it is because of commercial reasons then i guess they have a load of better jobs to do then harassing innocent photographers. Everybody has a camera in his pocket these days. How long is it gone take before they realise that the are trying to close the dike with there indexfinger?

    John Verbruggen on May 6th, 2008 at 10:31 am
18. ^#18

    I take project photos for a civil engineering firm and I have been harrassed numerous times by security even after I produced documentation. I am not bothered usually until I pull out the dreaded TRIPOD!

    Kim on May 6th, 2008 at 10:47 am
19. ^#19

    You could always wear this:
    http://www.cafepress.com/buy/photography+terrorist/-/pv_design_prod/p_storeid.36969676/pNo_36969676/id_9444127/opt_/pg_/c_/fpt_

    (but maybe this will bring on more problems.)

    As long as people of law are uneducated about the laws of Photography; It will continue down this road.

    -Dan
    http://danfrancisphotography.com/

    Dan Francis on May 6th, 2008 at 10:49 am
20. ^#20

    Try doing night photography or architectural stuff. You get the police called on you.

    Paul on May 6th, 2008 at 10:52 am
21. ^#21

    Scott - one thing you do not want to do in this city (NYC) is use your tripod as a monopod. The shape that the tripod takes when you only lower one leg down is that of either an assualt shotgun or assault rifle, depending on the model of tripod. I’ve been harrased by security and police long before 9/11 when I did this, especially if I forgot to fold that one leg up. Once, I was on an island in Greece and was carrying my tripod, slung over my shoulder with one leg extended, and an old man looked at me and pointed his hand like a gun and made shooting sounds at me. I looked at him and then showed him my camera. He nodded. I then decided the bes thing to do was to keep my tripod in its bag.

    Antonio Rosario on May 6th, 2008 at 10:58 am
22. ^#22

    Scott,
    Sorry to hear that things got a little frustrating for you. Seems you really hit a nerve with your readers. Hope the rest of your visit goes well and you find more to enjoy than regret. It certainly seems times have changed and that we all have some adjustments to make to what was “normal” just a few years ago. I live in Mojave Desert and with the exception of military bases, there are plenty of vistas to be captured with a tripod free from worry.
    Blessings,
    Doug

    Doug Zeliff on May 6th, 2008 at 11:23 am
23. ^#23

    Hey Scott,

    Firstly i am a long time reader first time poster, that being said when i seen this i was thinking Fluoro. Why do tripods have to be black. make them stand out. so when your walking around (NYC) with them people/ tripod police know what they are

    are terrorists going to have a fluoro orange Tripod / weapon my guess is no

    Cheers
    Kyle from Australia

    P.S when you comming to OZ????

    Kyle Jenkin on May 6th, 2008 at 11:34 am
24. ^#24

    Carry it in a olive drab colored canvas bag, maybe that will help…

    Joost on May 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
25. ^#25

    Sorry folks, but there are generally two reasons: commercial interest, as folks have noted; location security.

    Most guards and police are not stupid enough to mistake a tripod for a weapon, as evidenced by the fact that upon demonstration they are still wary or adamant. The connection to terrorism is that security organizations believe people planning attacks will use photographs to help identify locations, vulnerabilities, and ingress and egress routes.

    Of course, we all know that terrorists won’t go to the trouble of obtaining a permit. /sarcasm

    Guards will not tell you the real reason because that in itself could imply a vulnerability. They themselves don’t know which spots would be of interest or not, so they come down on everyone. A large part of any security plan is to withhold information, and this has worked well over the millennia (no snarky comments - this is a general statement and is true).

    When it comes to x-rays and airplanes, the story changes. Many tripods could be used as clubs, and apparently we are all in danger from knitting needles, Bic lighters and 3.1 oz of any given liquid (because 3.0 is safe). I’m quite surprised there is not a bigger marketing push to have “airline safe” clothing and travel accessories… but I guess that may eventually be reduced to paper suits.

    Scott Valentine on May 6th, 2008 at 11:56 am
26. ^#26

    Yeah, I’ve been there done that. One more reason to get IS lenses.

    One explanation I’ve heard is that security guards have been warned of shady looking people photographing key locations. I wonder, if you are going to be photographing a location with bad intentions, would you be carrying your tripod and gigantic DSLR or just use a camera phone?

    Minse on May 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
27. ^#27

    Scott

    Maybe you should have a “professional photographer, not a terrorist” t-shirt printed?

    Deb

    Deb on May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
28. ^#28

    Maybe it was the photog’s vest you were wearing with the grenades attached to the pockets.

    Looking forward to your PS seminar in Hartford next week.

    I’ll be the guy without the tripod.

    Dave Aldrich on May 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
29. ^#29

    Scott, do you think maybe the security guard wasn’t sure it was a tripod and wanted to get a better look? Maybe, could be?

    He could have just been trying to do his job. Wouldn’t we want him to err on the side of caution?

    I’ve was in Law Enforcement for 28 years. You have a split second to decide if you should investigate something. God forbid you don’t investigate and something terrible happen.

    Of course you could investigate and it turned out to be innocent, as it usually does. The worst that could happen is some goober writes a blog post.

    Joe on May 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
30. ^#30

    Typical. I had the police stop me for using a tripod in Grand Central Terminal a few years back. I didn’t have the permit. Stupid rule.

    Thomas Hawk on May 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
31. ^#31

    Hey Scott!
    Yes this is indeed the way it’s going to be in a post 9/11 world!
    Every city, state, country has its own distinct, disjointed and sometimes perplexing approach to security, not to mention hotels, retail stores, office buildings…etc.

    NewYork has this slogan “if you see something, say something”.
    So no one wants to be the scapegoat and blamed for seeing something and not speaking up about it (should something happen)

    I was in fast-food restaurant in France last month and was aggressively accosted by a couple of managers because I had my DSLR hanging around my neck. They told me that pictures were forbidden inside their joint. I had to put my lens cap on and put away my cvamera in its bag.
    I guess I looked like some kinda corporate spy or a Dateline reporter!
    Meanwhile there were other people around with compact P&S cameras and cellphone who were left alone.

    Weird!

    karl on May 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
32. ^#32

    Had a similar incident happen to me in Reno, CA. Was at a hotel to shoot a wedding. Got on the elevator with camera strapped around my neck and my tripod in its carrying case strapped to my shoulder. Two old ladies got on the elevator with me, I smiled at them, but before we reached our destination, one them looked at me and asked, “Could you tell me what you have in that bag.” She was pointing to the tripod. I smiled bag, and said it’s a tripod, while also pointing to my clearly visible camera hanging above my waste. I didn’t take it offensively, but just thought about how sad that we live in this type of fear. This is no way to live.

    Bakari on May 6th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
33. ^#33

    Did this hotel have a view? I was recently in San Francisco and looking for places to take photos and a site had recommended the view from the top of a number of hotels.

    With this information, some hotels could become a high tourist attraction for non-guests.

    Stephen on May 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
34. ^#34

    I second the ” “professional photographer, not a terrorist” t-shirt ” idea. Makes a lot of sense these days if you’re trying to shoot in a big city like NY.

    Bakari on May 6th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
35. ^#35

    HAHAHA, Scott the terrorist!
    insane!

    Jon Rune on May 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
36. ^#36

    Next time wear a red or yellow T-shirt saying ‘Yes we carry tripods!’, ‘Tripod Alert!’ or ‘Yes I am happy to see you’

    I had the same experience in an old French Cathedral (now museum) where tripods were not allowed….anyone knows why (dangerous for people to trip?)

    Joeri El Hazimi on May 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
37. ^#37

    Maybe we can paint or tape the tips of our tripod legs in day-glo orange like they do for toy guns so there’s no mistaking the tripod for a “real” weapon!

    I’ve only been approached by security once about a tripod, and per the security guard, they were more concerned about patrons tripping over the tripod than anything else.

    Jon Haverstick on May 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
38. ^#38

    Does anybody really think that the “no tripod” and “no camera” approach actually does anything for security? Look on Google Earth (aerials and street-view) and Microsoft Live Local! With those resources available world-wide, are terrorists really going to lug around tripods and expensive cameras? Or, are the terrorists going to have p/s cameras and blend in with the tourists?

    The next terrorist will likely be wearing a Disney or I Love NY shirt, have a mid-level p/s camera, and each ingredient for a bomb in their pockets.

    No, I am not a terrorist.

    /Andrew

    Andrew on May 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
39. ^#39

    Maybe I am in the miniority, but was this really that big of a deal?

    Even prior to 9/11 many places in NYC had a no tripod policy. In places like Grand Central, could you imagine if anyone could just setup whenever they wanted where ever they wanted — the liability is that someone will trip and fall and cause other types of problems. Same is true for many side walks. Many museums have this rule as well including govt. buildings and courts houses. Some reasons are for security some safety and others are even for the privacy of the guests. I would hate to go into some of the great houses of worship in NYC and have tripods everywhere.

    In many cases, its just to prevent a nuasance. Using a different example, I hope we never get to use cell phones while in flight, could you imaging everyone blabbering for the whole flight.

    When asking for a permit of a specific location, the reason you are often asked to be very specific, is because so that the local patrol can be informed of where you are going to be.

    In many instances, I have been able to get away with taking a photo with a tripod without a permit by approaching the officer and explaining what I wanted to do. Provided he is not the 100% by the book type of person, I usually get, “you got 2min” or “just one snap and move outta here” or “go quick before the sarge comes back” unofficial ok.

    At the end, someone is just trying to do their job and photographers do not have unlimited rights to do or go anywhere they please without consideration for their others safety, privacy or security concerns.

    While a pain, I usually keep my tripod and monopod in a bag and that simply avoids all issues or curiosity. It adds about 1min to my standup and breakdown but that is as complicated as it gets.

    Enzo on May 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
40. ^#40

    Heaven forbid they see one of us with a tripod AND a Bushhawk shoulder stock :O

    Jim Poor on May 6th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
41. ^#41

    Last fall while my wife and I were traveling to Spain, I had borrowed a friend’s $20 tripod for the trip and it made it as carry on luggage with no problems or questions at both O’Hare and Logan airports. We carried on everything as we only were traveling with a few carry on items and backpacks between us.

    We made it through the trip without incident until returning home. While passing through airport security in Madrid, the tripod was taken by airport security. My Spanish isn’t up to par, but according to the violent gestures coming from the woman in security, it appeared that the problem was rooted in the tripod’s ability to extend. Had it not been for the language barrier and short time until departure, I would have fought for it.

    My advice - if you want to bring a tripod on a flight that you can’t bear to part with, check it in or at least ask at the baggage counter if they anticipate any problems.

    Brian on May 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
42. ^#42

    Haha, tripods do look like weapons. I remember when I got my first professional tripod for video(manfrotto). A friend and I were joking around about how it actually did look like a big cannon or something.

    Tyler Melendez on May 6th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
43. ^#43

    Actually, no one has mentioned what I think to be the reason.
    The tripod I attach to the bottom of my XT looks remarkably like the tripod I attach to my .223 when I’m at the shooting range.
    Same basic purpose just different *ahem* target audiences

    Mike on May 6th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
44. ^#44

    It is much like this incident that happened to my friend and I.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n32kIi_SbS8

    A small pink box thought to be a bomb.

    Billy Chase on May 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
45. ^#45

    LOL on Rick Moore’s post….(fuzzy photos of tripods on the grassy knoll) - perfect!

    Seriously - it’s not just tripods. Taking pictures can get you arrested but sometimes civilians win.

    http://www.boingboing.net/2008/01/23/seattle-police-recei.html

    Maltbyman on May 6th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
46. ^#46

    I applaud the security officer for doing his job.

    Get over it; it is a small hassle and you missed your elevator but is it really that big of a deal? It’s a small price to pay for this guy trying to do his job….making sure every guest in that hotel is safe. I’m not saying a tripod is the new terrorist tool of choice but who would have ever guessed that a handful of box cutters could take down two 1000 plus foot concrete towers. The security officer saw something different and wanted to make sure you were legitimate guests. I wonder if you are the same type of person that still complains about taking off your shoes at the airport security line.

    I love your blog just not this post.

    Olin on May 6th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
47. ^#47

    Scott,

    A little harsh, he was only pointing out that the little Gitzo is not really up to supporting a D3 and perhaps you would like to borrow his 5540LS.

    Ian

    Ian Spector on May 6th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
48. ^#48

    You know I had already posted a comment but after reading those paranoid “they just do their jobs” people I just can’t hold myself.

    Most of the problem isn’t the tripod. It’s actually the culture. Patriotism here, army here, army there, militia here, terrorism there, protect yourself etc.

    We don’t have these problems here in canada. Just look at these facts:

    - We can leave our doors unlocked at night (haven’t you seen “Bowling for columbine” by Michael Moore ?).
    - We don’t sell automatic rifles/handguns at a regular retail store.
    - We don’t have these school/university shootouts every year ( the last one was like 25 years ago).
    - We can count on our hand the number of homicides in the last year.
    - We don’t have terrorists ramming our skyscrapers with Jets.
    - We can shoot with a tripod in town almost anywhere and without a permit (I’ve never been bothered by security, even with police passing by me)
    - We don’t sue each other for ridiculous reasons and we don’t make TV ads like “It’s YOUR money! Use it when YOU need it” from JG Wentworth.

    …..to name just a few.

    I agree this was HOPEFULLY more of a liability issue than a security issue. Since you can hurt yourself by tripping over a tripod and since everyone sues each other, he was probably right to stop you for a checkup.

    Alex

    Alex Campagna on May 6th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
49. ^#49

    Alex Campagna wrote:
    “- We can leave our doors unlocked at night (haven’t you seen “Bowling for columbine” by Michael Moore ?).
    - We don’t sell automatic rifles/handguns at a regular retail store.
    - We don’t have these school/university shootouts every year ( the last one was like 25 years ago).
    - We can count on our hand the number of homicides in the last year.
    - We don’t have terrorists ramming our skyscrapers with Jets.
    - We can shoot with a tripod in town almost anywhere and without a permit (I’ve never been bothered by security, even with police passing by me)
    - We don’t sue each other for ridiculous reasons and we don’t make TV ads like “It’s YOUR money! Use it when YOU need it” from JG Wentworth.”

    Really? So the shootings at Dawson College in 2006 only occurred in my imagination?
    Also, we don’t have “human rights commissions” reminiscent of the Soviet gulags. Just ask Mark Steyn, MacLean’s magazine, and Ezra Levant about said commissions.

    You hardly have any reason to be so smug.

    Jim Brown on May 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
50. ^#50

    In august/september I will be visiting New York and I was hoping to make some long exposure night shots of the city skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. So I was thinking of bringing a tripod.

    Reading this post and searching the internet I am wondering if bringing and using a tripod is even possible or wise? I read something about needing a permit (for some but not all locations)? Do I actually need a permit even if I am an amateur photographer. Is this also needed on the New Jersey side of the Hudson?

    Never realized making photographs could be this much hassle. Any tips for me and my trip to NYC?

    Pieter on May 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
51. ^#51

    Scott and Alex could be right.

    Maybe America is just a bad place to live with really bad people.

    Scott are you moving to Canada with Alex?

    Joe on May 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
52. ^#52

    Scott,

    Don’t feel too badly, Brother. I work in Two Penn Plaza right above Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. Last spring I was shooting a picture of a pigeon and her baby, which were on top of a bank’s sign. One of the security guys I walk past several times a day came out and asked me what I was shooting. I told him I was taking pictures of a pigeon and he told me that photography was not allowed there without permission.

    Interestingly, there are tourists shooting pictures of Madison Square Garden and Penn Station all the time and none of them seem to have a problem. I was shooting hand-held, and had a camera bag. I was using a medium zoom lens–maybe I should have had a point-and-shoot.

    I guess this is what has to pass for freedom these days. As Americans we can’t have true freedom and the ability to sue someone else every time we get hurt.

    Sorry you had a problem. Thanks for saying so. If no one does that any hope of change is lost.

    Larry Eiss on May 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
53. ^#53

    Blah…. i am traveling to Denver this weekend.. wondering if i should just leave my tripod behind. sigh.

    shanna on May 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
54. ^#54

    @Jim Brown:

    Don’t let Alex get you worked up. He’s just another jealous Canadian full of misinformation fed to our gullible northern neighbors by kooks like Michael Moore.

    There’s plenty of crime in Canada, but it mostly goes unreported. In over 60 years of living in the US, I have never been the victim of a serious crime. In my first month of living in Canada, my home was invaded while my wife and I were sleeping. Two weeks later I moved back to the USA where it’s safe.

    The myth that we sell automatic weapons in the U.S. is widely believed by the left wingers. Of course, it’s simply not true.

    Don’t give the Canadian point of view a second thought. It’s just another third world country with cheap labor that we can exploit to our advantage.

    Bob on May 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
55. ^#55

    This is what we get when our blustering chicken-hawk leaders ask the population to inform on each other. There have been numerous events like this in Seattle where photographers have been hauled off to jail for taking pictures. Many of the above posters have said “get over it’ or “this the price for keeping us safe”. No, this is the first step to a totalitarian state. Get used to that!

    Larry Larsen on May 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
56. ^#56

    Actually you don´t even need a tripod to be “harassed” at Grand Central Station in NYC. I was taking a couple of photos of a friend and my family against a neutral background, seconds later I was asked by security not to use my camera. It´s really sad to see this happening to people who love to take photos,

    B Forsberg on May 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
57. ^#57

    I am just glad this had nothing to do with the real police. I can honestly say that in 12 years of being a police officer, neither I or anyone I work with, has ever given anyone trouble for having a tripod.

    RStokes on May 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
58. ^#58

    Jeez, why does everyone start frothing about tripods and terrorism?

    The reasons for permits/restrictions in NYC with respect to tripod use are not terrorism-based. Zero, nada….

    Brad E on May 6th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
59. ^#59

    Alex Campagna wrote:
    “- We can leave our doors unlocked at night (haven’t you seen “Bowling for columbine” by Michael Moore ?).
    - We don’t sell automatic rifles/handguns at a regular retail store.
    - We don’t have these school/university shootouts every year ( the last one was like 25 years ago).
    - We can count on our hand the number of homicides in the last year.
    - We don’t have terrorists ramming our skyscrapers with Jets.
    - We can shoot with a tripod in town almost anywhere and without a permit (I’ve never been bothered by security, even with police passing by me)
    - We don’t sue each other for ridiculous reasons and we don’t make TV ads like “It’s YOUR money! Use it when YOU need it” from JG Wentworth.”

    According to Canada’s National Statistical Agency, there were 605 Homicides in Canada for 2006 — Only Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Nunavut had number that can be counted on one hand. Perhaps you have a hand with hundred fingers for the rest of the territories.

    There was a school shooting in 2006 and 2007 in Canada as well as in 89, 92 & 99 and several in 75

    Information was given to me thanks to my friends who live in Canada — they have a few words about the perfect healthcare system there as well, but that is for another day and a different blog

    Enzo on May 6th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
60. ^#60

    Alex Campagna wrote:
    “- We can leave our doors unlocked at night (haven’t you seen “Bowling for columbine” by Michael Moore ?).

    Um, yeah that is one of the most laughable moments in the film. Living just across the border from Windsor I can tell you that people lock their doors there too. In fact I could take you to some parts of Windsor that you wouldn’t want to walk around at night any more than Brush Park or Boston Edison in Detroit.

    Don on May 6th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
61. ^#61

    Come on Scott. Please remember we are so use to seeing tripods because we are in the business it’s second nature to us.
    Did you think that just maybe:
    a) He asked you where you were going not becuase you had tripods but becuase it’s his J.O.B. and he was simply doing it and checking.
    b) Sniper Rifles are generally rested on tripods, not like in the movies. Have any idea how many VIP’s travel thru New York Streets?

    As one of the above commets read, Get over it. Was it really that important?
    Tom

    tom on May 6th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
62. ^#62

    Scott… you should join NAPP… they give you a spiffy membership card that you can flash to the security guys. We’d be honored to have you as a member.

    ron on May 6th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
63. ^#63

    Maybe it is because I live in Indonesia where just about anything goes, but I am really surprised to hear that tripods cause such concern…

    People keep mentioning permits…where do you get a permit? The local police station? Is there some kind of NY Tripod Law Enforcement Group that you must see? Where would a tourists traveling to NY get a permit to use a tripod?

    Cheers,
    Scotty

    Scotty Graham on May 6th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
64. ^#64

    Hey Scott… Don’t even start… I know very well what you are talking about.
    Once I was hired to shoot a graduation, and you can not even imagine the complications that I had just because I had my tri-pod with me.
    Anyway… This week I was playing with some pictues that I took of a T-ball game and If any of your readers want to check this cool Video Show that just posted in my blog.. here is the address:
    http://paulopics.com/blog/2008/05/07/baseball-t-ball-video-show/
    Thanks
    Paulo Jordao

    Paulo Jordao on May 7th, 2008 at 1:25 am
65. ^#65

    I think this sort of eventuality was covered in a recent Homeland Security announcement. I can’t remember the exact wording of the announcement, but I’m certain this is pretty close:

    “OOGA BOOGA! OOGA BOOGA! BE SCARED! OOGA BOOGA!”

    Simon on May 7th, 2008 at 3:16 am
66. ^#66

    Hi,
    In this case could it not be that the security guard mistook you for photographers of that give all aspects of photography a bad rap? The Pavarotti… (insert sound effect here; like dun,dun,duuunnn.)
    Maybe he saw some guys with pro-like gear walking into his turf and was just thinking of the privacy of the other hotel guest?

    Just a thought, we should not be too quick to assume that all people are tripod-haters.

    Cheers

    kelly on May 7th, 2008 at 3:20 am
67. ^#67

    I thought this situation is valid only in middle eastern countries !!

    Khalid AlHaqqan on May 7th, 2008 at 4:23 am
68. ^#68

    I’m from Maldives. Maldives has been awarded the best tourist destination in the world several times and yes one of the most photographed countries in the world. I personally use to run around with my full gear on shoots with tripod. I never ever had a problem. There are like 1099 islands in Maldives, you can go to any of the islands and shoot with tripod, no one will bother you.

    The most secure buildings in Maldives will be the Presidential Palace and the Police HQ. Those are key tourist spots, there are guards, security cameras 24/7, they never stop anyone from shooting, let it be a local or a tourist.

    Still i have to agree that there are times that things go ugly here too but thats only due to disobedience. I saw one guys D2x being smashed to the ground for disobeying order during some police investigation. But thats a different case, no problems with tripods!

    I would also agree with Tom, we use tripods and camera’s everyday and they are like part of us but others might not be too familiar with all the gear used.

    Shinaz on May 7th, 2008 at 5:50 am
69. ^#69

    Just had a funny idea about tripods after reading about your experience. What if they were available in a white finish or some non-threatening colors like pink or light blue? How about putting Teddy Bears or Flowers on them. Yes, I know it would draw a lot of attention, just not from the security folks.
    J. Paul

    J. Paul on May 7th, 2008 at 7:36 am
70. ^#70

    Wanna carry a tripod? Also carry a gun. The tripod won’t get a second glance.

    Problem solved.

    Earl on May 7th, 2008 at 7:46 am
71. ^#71

    Scott - I blame your troubles on that black Zildjian T shirt that you like to wear. The font looks…well…foreign…and kind of scary. Also all security persons are well aware of the havoc a drummer can cause in a confined area.

    I would suggest that you immediately switch to one of those fake tuxedo T shirts accented with a keyboard tie. Then the security folks will leave you alone although the rest of us might give you a poke.

    Les on May 7th, 2008 at 9:01 am
72. ^#72

    Living in North Dakota where we carry guns in our back windows, tripods are the last thing people look at.

    I have only been stopped once and was took aside into another room at Las Vegas Airport. Hauled off by two guards. That was fun!

    Sheldon on May 7th, 2008 at 9:15 am
73. ^#73

    Scott,

    I share your frustration. I’m always looking over my shoulder when I’m out and about shooting anywhere urban these days. There are far too many photographers being hassled & threatened. Thanks for bringing attention to this issue.

    Dale on May 7th, 2008 at 10:11 am
74. ^#74

    Yes, Dawson college. I totally forgot about this one. My mistake i’m sorry.

    When I said you could count homicides on a hand it was more like a comparison to the US homicides.
    Just have a look at this link:
    http://www.statemaster.com/graph/cri_hom_tot_num_of_vic-crime-homicide-total-number-victims
    15029 total USA homicides in 2002 only. Do you get the point now ? 605/year in canada (according to a post above), about 15000/year in usa. That’s what I meant by count on my hand.

    I did not say USA is a bad place to live! I simply said that here, it’s safer and it starts with the way you choose to behave. Yes, there are criminals here too, yes there are school shootings (Dawson, polytechnic etc.), but there are simply LESS.

    I am not jealous about anyone, and there isn’t anyone that could convince me to go live the rest my life to the united states. That said, I have a lot of friends that live in the US, i go there sometimes and I have a lot of fun, there are a lot of nice places that I WILL visit soon, but I can tell you that way people behave is totally different from here. Especially when it comes to security guards and police.

    I sympathize deeply for immigrants living in the united states. Especially those from middle-east. They must have a HELL of a hard time living normally these days……

    Hope this settles any confusion.

    Alex Campagna on May 7th, 2008 at 10:50 am
75. ^#75

    i once heard that tripods also hold rifles steady for a direct shot.

    Bb on May 7th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
76. ^#76

    @ Alex. Maybe there is simply less of everything because there are simply less people living in Canada. 33,390,141 compared to 301,139,947.

    NYC population is 8,250,567, almost 25% of the entire Canadian population living on one small island.

    Sorry, but your whole Canadian holier than thou approach is wearing thin with me.

    Les on May 7th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
77. ^#77

    Haha I kinda knew that the “population” argument would come

    Anyway, the problem isn’t just the security, it’s WHY would would need such security. You will tell me “to prevent disasters like 9/11 or columbine etc”.

    I completely agree.

    But why would people want to ram jets in building and kill hundreds of innocents? I cannot answer that question nor think of any reason. But there must be a reason right? Why all this anti-americanism?

    Why not use all these resources and focus on that mysterious “reason” instead on focusing on photographers with tripods. It’s a good thing to want to prevent a disaster, but I think it’s better to prevent people from wanting such a disaster to happen.

    Alex Campagna on May 7th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
78. ^#78

    Land of the free, home of the brave?

    Peter on May 7th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
79. ^#79

    If you really want to create a stir with your photo gear, try these Nikon holsters:
    http://www.skytoptrading.com/hofornidisl.html

    Martin Tolley on May 7th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
80. ^#80

    Hi Folk:
    Just a reminder; this was a post about tripods; not crime in the US and/or Canada.

    We’re all friends here, no matter what country, so let’s move on to something else. Like Camera Bag terrorism.

    Thanks for understanding.

    -Scott

    Scott on May 7th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
81. ^#81

    Sad commentary about the paranoia that permeates our daily lives. However, look on the bright side of things. If you do get hauled to court, you’ll have three…not just one…legs to stand on!

    Ken on May 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
82. ^#82

    I also was a victim of “Tripod Takedown” here in New Mexico when I was shooting texture photos of walls at some fashion shops. The security police held me against my will while they got on their radios and called in for backup. They eventually let me go because their ‘corporal’ was a student photograher and new what my equipment was.

    Matt Timmons on May 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
83. ^#83

    RE: Tripod terror alert.
    After arriving back in the states from Nam back in 68, and boarding my flight home to NYC froms San Francisco, I too carried my tripod on the plane. Being in Uniform, and America’s feelings about the Vietnam war at that time, the stewardesses were staring at me and my tripod, The Head stewardess approached me and asked, “Did you ask the pilot for permission to bring that weapon onboard?” I replied, “it’s not a weapon, its my tripod. She seemed a little off, and maybe I was snotty about it, you know, like implying she was stupid. But turnaround is fair play. When it was time to eat she asked what “entree” would you like, and I replied, “what’s an entree”. That’s whe she got snotty and said very slowly ” Which meal would like to be served?”: She got me. The point is that in these times, just as back in 68, it doesn’t hurt to ask. It’s good security, and not personal. Just don’t be Snotty about being asked, cuz it may come back to haunt you.

    CarlosIshamel on May 7th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
84. ^#84

    I am constantly hearing from my photography friends in the UK about the constant harrasment that everyone is getting there it makes me not want to go visit, cause what good is it going to a place like London as a photographer if you cant properly take pics…On the flip side, I have my tripod out all the time here in Boston and never have a problem, so you are more that welcome to come up here for a shoot

    Jeff Tamagini on May 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
85. ^#85

    Guys,

    You are all aware that before 9/11 the group came to NYC and shot pictures tripods and all off all the buildings pano style as many different security cameras pointed out. This way they could measure their damage later.

    John V. on May 7th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
86. ^#86

    It is really troubling to me that we as photographers feel so entitled and get so worked up over someone asking us not to take a photo or not to use a particular piece of equipment in order to take that photo. True professionals (not necessarily in the sense of just deriving money from an activity variety) tend to accept the fact that they need to go through the extra hassle of securing permits or obtaining permission, in writing, often a good deal of time in advance, whether it be a model or property release, etc. just because those are the rules of the game.

    We all need to learn to accept these rules and play by them without having Lou Pinella style erruptions just because someone has the audacity to tell you not to use a tripod or take a picture of them, their property, their children or the property of their employer, whether or not there is any good, valid or logical reason for that request.

    I think that we really all need to put this into perspective and start taking ourselves less seriously. The majority of us that get really upset are hobbyists who happen to have made a conscious choice to purchase certain equipment. Our choice, like choosing the red sports car instead of the brown station wagon and wondering why we are always getting pulled over by the police… If we have made the choice of buying the big camera with the big lenses and the big tripods then we should accept the fact this choice is going to attract attention, and at times that attention will draw the unwanted scrutiny of authorities or their agents. And it really isn’t the size or complexity of the gear that makes the photographer anyway. As Bill Fortney is fond of displaying in his workshops, he has made several publishable images with his Nikon point and shoot. We get attached to our gear, but the true skill of a photographer is their vision. The ability to see the image before they ever place camera to eye, not their ability to exercise their credit limits and haul the heft of “serious” gear.

    I recently had the pleasure of going on a photo workshop in Tennessee with Matt K and the GAPW. I went a little bit overboard with equipment, which I wasn’t going to put on as checked luggage, so I was carrying a rather large computer bag, a large photo backpack and photovest. All of this and I overslept and was rushing to make my plane at La Guardia. Well I guess that all of this stress attracted the attention of a TSA supervisor and I received extra special attention. Every single piece of equipment I was carrying, every pocket every bag was searched, swabbed and analyzed, right down to each credit card in my wallet.

    Now I had several choices in that moment. 1. I could have chosen to bring a lot less gear, most of which I would never have missed. 2. Not overslept and gotten to the airport early and been organized and calm before I got on the TSA line. I also had the choice of bitching at TSA, but I decided in the moment that wouldn’t help. I chose to be polite, helpful, volunteering information on why I had all of this equipment, where I was going and other small talk. For their part TSA was very professional. They did the job they were supposed to do, thoroughly and as quickly as they could, given everything I was carrying and when it was finished, they got me on my way. I had a choice. I chose to understand and cooperate graciously and I think as a result, they were able to do their job faster and I was still able to make my flight with a few minutes to spare.

    There are far more important injustices that we could direct our energy towards and generally the people who are collecting Pultizers every year are focused more on illustrating these injustices than griping about how someone wouldn’t let them use the equipment they wanted.

    And back to the fact that we have made this choice of equipment that attracts such scrutiny; there are plenty of people who face inconvenience and discrimination on a daily basis far more henious than this. In NYC, most Subway stations are not handicap accessable. Wheelchair bound people don’t have a choice in the matter; either they have to attempt to find much less direct bus routes or much more expensive modes of transportation. African Americans and Latinos often draw unwanted attention for color of their skin. Law abiding citizens get harassed by the simple fact that they are profiled for their race. The list goes on and on, and we are worried that someone asked us about our Gitzos? Seriously.

    I think that the best approach to get what you want was suggested by Enzo. Just ask. Just the courteousy and acknowledgement often will be enough to get someone to bend the rules, just a little. But don’t have any expectations, especially if bending those rules could cause the person to be disciplined or fired. They probably need their job more than you need that image anyway.

    Alessandro Rosa on May 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am
87. ^#87

    I think you’re making something out of nothing. If the guard recognized you he wouldn’t have stopped you. Your tripod likely had nothing to do with it.
    Can’t get past most hotel security unless they recognize you or you show a room key. I’m not sure there is anything in what you described that would lead me to conclude your tripods were what triggered the question from the guard.

    Mike on May 8th, 2008 at 1:28 am
88. ^#88

    Get over it, Scott! You’ve wasted blog space ranting insignificant petty diatribe that has no merit to this site. You were not denied access to your room and you were not detained for further interrogation. What’s the big deal? The hotel security guard felt it was his duty to act on his suspicions to protect the guests. Kudos to the security guard!

    yimi on May 8th, 2008 at 9:13 am
89. ^#89

    Yimi wrote “Get over it, Scott! You’ve wasted blog space ranting insignificant petty diatribe that has no merit to this site.”

    I think you are wrong in that respect Yimi. This is Scott’s personal blog. He is allowed to personally rant and complain about whatever he wants to. He has no obligation to the expectations of his readers on the content of his site. It is topic relative to what Scott’s blog is all about. It isn’t like he is complaining that the hotel carried Diet Pepsi and not Coke. This is a relavent issue to photographers, whether or not we agree with Scott. To his credit, he has given us the forum and the opportunity to voice our opinions about this topic whether or not we agree with him. He could have easily turn comments off on this so we couldn’t reply for or against his point of view.

    Alessandro Rosa on May 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
90. ^#90

    They probably became suspected terrorist devices about the time Ken Follet wrote “Day of the Jackel” where the device used to assassinate Charles DeGaulle was disguisted as a cripple’s crutch.

    Bev Sykes on May 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
91. ^#91

    Thank you for your blog Scott!

    Thinking about buying a good sturdy tripod anyway for my camera.
    - It´s good to be prepared for what might happen while using it though. By the way, it would be very interesting to know more about where and how to apply for “tripod/photo permits” for different locations. Some kind of list maybe or a new book? I´m sure that visitors to different locations in the US can save time by beeing prepared.

    B Forsberg on May 9th, 2008 at 3:21 am
92. ^#92

    Sadly, Scott, it has nothing to do with terrorism — sometimes I wish it did.

    They’re freaked out about you shooting the “private property” and publishing the photos. Cuz you knoww those damned journalists (of wwhich I’m one) are so sneaky, they might want to take (gasp!) pictures of things that you don’t think they should be ablee to.

    I actually had a bank security guard LEAVE his little office, LEAVE the bank, and then walk out onto the public sidewalk, to tell me I couldn’t take pictures of the bank’s driveway. I politely told him to bite me, but he honestly believed he could call the cops and have me removed for not heeding his advice and leaving the PUBLIC sidewalk (which he said the bank owned). Seriously, howw freakin’ stupid are people??

    Will on May 11th, 2008 at 2:14 am
93. ^#93

    John V., was your statement that “before 9/11 the group came to NYC and shot pictures tripods and all off all the buildings” intended as satire or an assertion of fact? And if factual, can you provide a link to the evidence?
    This is something I haven’t heard before.
    Thank you, John.
    And thanks, Scott, for your story.

    NoelArmourson on May 12th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
94. ^#94

    Wouldn’t a terrorist taking pictures to study a target use a small inconspicuous point & shoot camera rather than a big DSLR & tripod that would attract attention?

    mike cohen on May 12th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
95. ^#95

    Why are you putting a gratuitous apostrophe before the ’s’ in the word ‘tripods’? You’re saying that tripods are doing the fearing rather than being feared.

    PJ on June 26th, 2008 at 5:36 am

Drop me a note

You can use the small form below to leave a comment on this page.