I don't blame them!

[jamusu]

Suspicions Warranted?

Nearly a year ago I started the post: "Is Photography Dead", due to the fact that I was nearly arrested for taking night shots of a building being constructed on the grounds of a hospital/medical college. A woman saw me taking the pictures and called the campus police, which I thought to be a drastic overreaction as well as totally unwarranted. I had another instance that was somewhat similar today, but no police were involved.

While using the Bank of America ATM drive thru, I noticed an object next to the ATM machine that I thought would make for an interesting photograph. Ironically, this was the one day that I did not have my camera with me in my vehicle, so I went home to retrieve it.

Upon returning to the bank, I promptly entered and showed my Bank of America ATM ID to the bank manager while explaining to her that I am a documentary photographer and would like to photograph the particular scene. She gave me the go ahead.

As you would imagine, I received suspicious looks and glances from individuals outside of the bank. Strangely they were not from those using the ATM machine, but rather those who were using the drive thru banking services. In fact I believe one guy tried to run me over.

He was watching me intently while at the teller window, which was at least 30 feet away from the ATM machine. The entire time he never took his eyes off of me. He was making me feel uneasy so I had no choice but to use my Pentax-K1000 as thought it were a rangefinder so that I could keep an eye on him.

After finishing his transaction, he sped around the corner erratically in the direction I was standing/photographing, tires screeching, and truck wobbling. I calmly stepped to the side and started back photographing.

Needless to say, as I was loading my camera equipment to leave after finally feeling that I captured the image I wanted, the bank manager approached me and asked, "Are you still taking pictures of that scene?" I told her that I was just wrapping it up. She replied,"Good because the people are starting to complain." I told her that I noticed there looks and glances, but I shoot film and the process is a bit slower than digital." I thanked her and with a smile she said, "You are welcome," and re-entered the bank.

It took much longer that I thought it would to capture the shot (20-25 minutes) due to the many individuals who were using the ATM. Had it not been so busy I believe I could have captured it much quicker and not worn out my welcome.

In this case I do not blame the people for complaining and acting suspicious of my presence. In fact, I expected their reactions which is why I asked for permission before hand. I must admit had I been on the other end of the situation I would have thought it odd to see a man standing outside of a busy bank taking pictures of an ATM machine between the hours of 2:00-3:00 in the evening.

In my view this is the total opposite of how the woman at the hospital reacted. I do not blame the people in this instance, (minus the crazed guy in the truck), for reacting in the manner they did. I believe their complaints were valid, their suspicions to be warranted.

Do you?


Thank you,
Jamusu.

 

[sidearm613]

It would be easier if I knew what the interesting object was. I have also tried shooting people at ATMs because I think it is a mark on our society and I love to photograph the materialism of my hometown. I am equally scared that the people will be angry at being photographed while conducting a private transaction, but the fact is that as long as you are standing on public property, you are allowed to photograph by law and people can only object to a point. That's how the paparazzi do it, and what you do is certainly much more "noble" than paparazzi, so I would go on shooting.

As for me, I shoot 35mm so it easy for me to set up a place to shoot and move around. Choose your angles carefully, and if you are afraid of complaints use a telephoto. It's also good to look for a camera with a quiet shutter, like a Leica rangefinder.

Keep on shooting

 

[MattKing]

Although it may not be realistic, I bet some people are worried that you are somehow recording their PIN or other banking information.

Then again, they may just be worried that their spouse will find out that they are making another withdrawal

Matt

 

[ron110n]

Good Samaritans perhaps not complaining about your good intentions but "reporting" a Security Bridge within the ATM Machine area. Since it's B Of A, you have to be careful with the banks generosity. Check your account if the the bank charged you for costumer hospitality access fee.