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05/10/2008 12:06:28 AM · #1 |
First some facts about me:
I am, somewhat, heh, anti-social. I don't have any real life friends and am not, or haven't been that great with people in the past. Mostly an isolated child I grew up in that kind of environment and even as an adult I've made every attempt to avoid people until the recent few years. I am slowly learning how to interact with people without panic attacks, and to even sometimes carry on a conversation.
I am also somewhat, heh, out of shape. I can sprint if I need to but not very far.
Yesterday I got home from shopping and noticed the sky was trying hard to put on a show, so I set up to take some photographs. The only good place is the front corner of the yard to avoid power lines. We are a corner house on a cross-street. A main street runs north to south next to our house, and a much less busy road east-west.
I was about 20 minutes into photographing, when a red pickup truck with a single male inside, slowed down on the road, he pushed out of his window and yelled something about not doing that, and made a rude hand gesture at me, then slowed down his truck further before deciding to just leave.
I did not understand what he said, however it was highly negative from his town and gesture. I was not in a good position to run nor defend myself. It was a tense moment, and pretty much ruined my enjoyment of the sunset wondering if he was going to turn around or come back with buddies.
I am not used to people, confronting me, about anything. Especially not with only a D300 and $12 tripod between us. It has me worried about this happening in the future.
I would like advice on how I can, improve my odds against oddballs in the future. I've thought that I really should always have my cellphone on me, even when just in my front yard. I've thought about a taser or baseball bat but that sounds stupid even to me, but is it really that stupid?
Should I just pack up and leave at the first signs of trouble in the future? Doesn't that reinforce to whoever that I was in the wrong in the first place?
I just dunno, I always got the crap beat out of me in school because I could never figure out what to do and didn't want to kill someone by mistake, I kinda feel the same now. I don't want to end up in jail for smashing someone without any proof they attacked first.
Help!
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05/10/2008 12:16:34 AM · #2 |
Mono-pods -There like metal lightsabers!
no really going out at night with a camera bring a buddy find a photography buddy to go with. |
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05/10/2008 12:20:03 AM · #3 |
The best thing to do would be to buy a Canon 1 series and a nice L lens. When they approach you smack them with the camera and lens(it can take it) kick them out of the way and reframe your shot and get back to shooting.
In all honesty that was probably a very odd occurance and I wouldnt worry about it too much.
Matt |
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05/10/2008 12:26:07 AM · #4 |
I understand how you feel. I like to do night shots and go to remote places sometimes late at night normally after midnight. The places I go to are not in the safest of places and I often ask myself what I would do to protect myself. After much thought I figured out how. My tripod is pretty heavy and with my E3 and a battery holder attached is very heavy. If I ever feel that my life is threatened I will use my tripod and camera as a baseball bat and swing away like crazy.
I've thought of bringing my pellet pistol with me sometimes and I have but don't like to. It's legal to have one in your car but it needs to be in the trunk and in a box, unloaded. So that wouldn't give me much time if anyone were to attack me without warning. I also carry a baseball bat in the back seat, always, and I have this piece of wood that my father carved out of some super hard wood. It looks like a mini baseball bat but not sanded down, that's kept underneath the driver's seat in my suv.
As for the pick up driver, maybe he thought you were a peeping tom or something. Or maybe he owned the sun and didn't want you to photograph it. ;\
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05/10/2008 12:26:39 AM · #5 |
that's too bad that this happened. Although there's lots of rude people out there, I really can't image anyone doing you physical harm in this kind of situation. Try to relax and enjoy what you want to do. By letting this kind of thing bother you or worry, you will never be able to live normally. You should take reasonable precautions in unusual situations but you can't be on continuous alert for any bad thing that might happen. Relax and just be friendly to everyone and try to have fun with yourself.
Mean people suck. |
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05/10/2008 12:26:53 AM · #6 |
Oh, was that you? Sorry about that. (kidding)
Anyway, just remember the expression all bark and no bite. The guy yelling out of his truck is probably venting some frustration because he couldn't perform with his girlfriend the night before (if you catch my drift). It is unfortunate but alas, there are those types of people. If you keep your cool and don't engage them, they just go away to carry on with their pitiful lives.
Back when I used to ride my bike a lot, I can't tell you the number of guys that felt the need to scream or honk as the passed at breakneck speeds only inches away. Every time, it startled the hell out of me and a few times, damn near wiped me out. But as soon as I recover my composure, the only thought is gratitude that I am not him. It must suck to have such a pathetic life to need to do stuff like that for entertainment. |
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05/10/2008 12:32:48 AM · #7 |
I hope you are all right about that, though I do feel I should do something to protect myself if I need to. A friend suggests mace. Another thing I need to do, is insure this thing so I don't feel I need to put myself between it and someone else.
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05/10/2008 12:50:00 AM · #8 |
Definitely have a cell phone. If you feel intimidated, call someone or pretend to call and be talking to someone.
Pepper spray is legal in some places and might serve as your best defense in the unlikely event it escalates.
Many of us are out by ourselves photographing. I have felt nervous when I've seen someone weird hanging around one of my more "remote" locations. I use the cell phone trick to make me look less alone and vulnerable. (And it makes me feel better.)
But most likely, people like that are just stupid people doing stupid things. I've been on bridges shooting the river, and I'm surprised by how many times people shout as they drive by. Not sure what they were hoping to accomplish--scare me so I'll fall over the guard rail? But it just makes me say, "stupid people".
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05/10/2008 12:51:10 AM · #9 |
| Martial arts training would get you in shape and build your confidence. |
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05/10/2008 12:56:04 AM · #10 |
| Had similar experience with such jerks, but while riding a bicycle. Some nitwit always thinks it's fun and original to lean out the window and scream "YAAAAAHH!", as they go past with a narrow clearance. Never really surprised me, as I could hear the car coming 100 yards off. I think most of these idiots just get a low-IQ thrill out of it and are not really looking for a fight. That said, I agree that a monopod (or a tire pump) makes a decent weapon if it comes down to it. |
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05/10/2008 12:58:00 AM · #11 |
| well, this is what i been thinkn about doing to anyone who is a d-bag. i got stink bombs in my truck on hand, you pop the bag inside and in 5 seconds it blows up and releases nasty smell, lol so, if in driving and someone is a reall tool and i get aside of them, i just pop a stink bomb and toss it in there car,:P very funnie, i havent done it yet but it would be so awsome to do. (im awaiting the time when i get to do it:))))) ) |
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05/10/2008 01:01:58 AM · #12 |
| Speaking as a female, as a normal routine I take care to always be aware of my surroundings & always make sure I have an escape route. Always be courteous but be prepared to run away. Be prepared to die right there on the street rather than get into a car w/a stranger. Yes, insure your camera so you don't have to feel like defending it. Yes, keep your cellphone in your pocket. Oh & one other thing--I have learned that nobody, not even obnoxious public-nuisance people like you encountered, nobody wants to deal with a crazy person. So, in an iffy situation, all you have to do is start talking to yourself & humming off-key (easy for me to do). Like any predator, they are looking for easy prey. Don't act like easy prey. |
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05/10/2008 02:46:15 AM · #13 |
I'm shocked that this would happen!
A D300 on a $12 tripod! Just shocking... |
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05/10/2008 02:57:37 AM · #14 |
| Hahaha, yes, indeed it is true and yes it is a sin and I will burn in Nikon hell for it. However perhaps there is hope for me, in that I am currently seeking a new tripod, however am stuck on what type of head to get. :) |
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05/10/2008 03:22:35 AM · #15 |
First off, you should be very proud of yourself for telling your story to everybody here and asking for help. That takes A LOT to share some of the very personal attributes you have. Bravo for coming out and asking for advice!
Secondly, you did the right thing by not doing anything, especially since it was in front of your home. Remember, the best defense is NOT to offend.
What Mick said is very sound advice. A martial arts class would be very beneficial to your body and mind, and you'll get the added benefit of closely interacting with other people on a regular basis. A win-win situation for you. Best of luck to you. |
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05/10/2008 03:37:00 AM · #16 |
| You should hang out with me... being former law enforcement I have a right to carry a concealed firearm and guess what? I do. So after I shoot you I'll shoot you! Get it? |
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05/10/2008 03:43:00 AM · #17 |
Sorry to hear about your experience, Scott. A few thoughts come to mind:
- I'm disappointed you didn't get a picture of the guy. Even shot from the hip. ;-)
- Even a $12 tripod probably has 3 metal spikes at one end
- Guns, get 'em while you still can. At least until you get your black belt.
Seriously though - I feel like I am missing part of the story. A guy driving down the street sees another guy taking photos of the sky, slows down, rolls down his window and yells stuff, flips him off or something. I guess I've heard stranger things. Do you live in Florida? Cuz that would explain it better. ;-)
edit to add: ROFL! I just saw your other thread where you mentioned you live in Florida! Haaahaaa - Whenever something bizarre, horrific or totally out in left field is covered in the media, 9 times out of 10 it will be in Florida.
Message edited by author 2008-05-10 03:47:28. |
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05/10/2008 04:30:23 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
edit to add: ROFL! I just saw your other thread where you mentioned you live in Florida! Haaahaaa - Whenever something bizarre, horrific or totally out in left field is covered in the media, 9 times out of 10 it will be in Florida. |
I have to agree, especially central Florida. Ever see the movie Bully? That pretty much sums it up.
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05/10/2008 05:09:52 AM · #19 |
I guess I can relate in a different way, I am not kidding when I say strangers just walk right up to me no matter where I am and what I am doing and just start talking to me about the strangest things.
I always err on the side of caution mostly but random acts of violence are rare and as such I dont worry too much.
Maybe he thought you were taking photos of vehicles driving down the street? Maybe you heard him coming and trained your eye on him like an eagle and he didn't like it? Either way I am sorry you feel so anti social and scared of society.
All you can do is err on the side of caution plan what you would do if someone did approach you and live and love life. It's too short to stay inside!
I wish you well. |
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05/10/2008 05:13:05 AM · #20 |
Gotta concur with some of the other posters. Some people are just idiots, and need to react to anything unusual they see to show off, if only to themselves - and the fact that he needed to react from the safety of his car shows he's not really brave and not really looking for a fight. Except when there is alcohol or drugs involved, most adults would prefer to avoid a fight, despite any posturing to the contrary - although given your schooltime experiences I can understand why you'd have trouble with believing that (kids are different, simply because of hormones and peer pressure and parts of their brains not being fully developed).
I don't think fighting fire with fire is effective, except for burning everyone involved. Carry a phone if you feel the need to - and as a last resort, a tripod's not bad as an improvised weapon. But only as a last resort - if you react by threatening people with a tripod (or gun or baseball bat or whatever) then it could be you charged with assault, even if you're only threatening.
I once had someone yell at me "what the are you doing?" when I was doing some panning practice at an intersection near where I live. But he just drove on, didn't turn around and come back. Any time you're out doing photography you're bound to get some stares, especially if you have an SLR or a tripod or both, because in this era of ultracompacts and mobile phone cameras a "proper" camera is a bit of a novelty. Generally it's just curiosity, not bad intent.
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05/10/2008 06:47:43 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
Whenever something bizarre, horrific or totally out in left field is covered in the media, 9 times out of 10 it will be in Florida. |
Ya got to stop reading Fark Art. It'll fark up your mind. |
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05/10/2008 06:53:28 AM · #22 |
| I would have taken his picture and ticked him off real good. When he got out of the truck...pepper sprayed him and kicked the crap out of the loony tune and took more pictures.....no really, carry pepper spray and go to a self defense class. The nut was probably all hopped up on goofballs! Anyway, You keep on getting your photos. |
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05/10/2008 07:13:03 AM · #23 |
Hey now, what's with all of the Florida bashing?? Don't you know that Mickey freekin Mouse lives here? This is the happiest place on EARTH! Geez! (Actually, Orlando was voted as the angriest city in America last year. :-)
But to the OP. I wouldn't worry about things like this so much. I know that's easy for me to say, but based on the rest of your post it seems that you take these things to heart a little more than is probably healthy. I've been shooting a ton of candids for the May side challenge, and was really tripped out about people catching me taking their picture. Turns out most people assume you are shooting something else, and apologize for being in your way. :-)
Enjoy what you do, and try not to focus so much on life's spoilers. |
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05/10/2008 07:22:53 AM · #24 |
Always carry your cellphone even at home! And really call someone you can trust or if you cant pretend to and describe the car/person/etc in a very loud voice throwing in a few yes officer you got it for good measure.
but seriously dont try and protect your kit insure it but if they want it let them take it your life is worth more. Too many people are killed or injured here trying to protect their possessions. Thats why most propertys are surrounded by razor wire and electric fences here.
As to the antisocial problem, take it one step at a time join some group that interests you don't force yourself to interact with the others but do participate, soon you will find yourself interacting.
I know I was brought up in very isolated African Bush surrounds as a child, didn't even go to school until senior school where I was petrified of the other kids! and the above worked for me!
Sandy |
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05/10/2008 07:40:35 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by togtog:
First some facts about me:
I am, somewhat, heh, anti-social. I don't have any real life friends and am not, or haven't been that great with people in the past. Mostly an isolated child I grew up in that kind of environment and even as an adult I've made every attempt to avoid people until the recent few years. I am slowly learning how to interact with people without panic attacks, and to even sometimes carry on a conversation.
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Scott, having checked your profile pic I've discovered the issue - you actually appear to be some sort of Blackbird. This would explain why you are wary around people, and grew up in an isolated environment.
The guy in the truck probably called out because he was shocked to see a Blackbird taking photo's !!
. . what ?? That's not your real picture ??
Oh ok.
In that case the guy was probably just a jerk - but yes, always carry a cellphone. |
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