Today, I went out with the 6x9 to make some photos around downtown Albuquerque. It is really nice out here and a great day to make some photos. I shot a roll while walking around and then got in my car to leave. On my way back home, I swung by to Albuquerque Bus Station to remake a photo I did before, but this time with a film camera, instead of the digital p&s. (the photo can be seen here)
No sooner do I get back into the car, two men and a woman approach me, flashing their badges. One guy and the woman are from the FBI and the other guy was an APD detective. They wanted my ID and to know what I was doing. The male FBI agent politely explained that since 9/11 they are watching who is photographing public transportation buildings. Since I was standing in the middle of the public street with a rather large camera, I was easily seen. He also made a comment about me doing half the work (photographing) for possible terrorists.
I told them I was a local photographer who is doing a project on Albuquerque, the place in which I live. None of them quite got it. I offered my camera to them so they can see what I was doing. The female agent acccepted, took my camera and she too stood in the middle of the street to see what I saw. She kind of got it, but not really. I also asked if I could take their portraits, they all declined.
Then they asked why I was still shooting film since every one else has gone digital. Without getting into it too much, I explained that I like film and have a home darkroom. They seemed to get it.
Before they walked away, we all exchanged business cards and full names. That was appreciated. They also told me that if I ever see anything "suspicious" while out making photographs, that I should take a photo of it, and then call them immediately. Fair enough.
All in all, it seems like a harmless encounter but it can sure rattle the nerves. I packed up my stuff and went for lunch. I'll develop the film tonight to see if all of this was actually worth the photo.
No sooner do I get back into the car, two men and a woman approach me, flashing their badges. One guy and the woman are from the FBI and the other guy was an APD detective. They wanted my ID and to know what I was doing. The male FBI agent politely explained that since 9/11 they are watching who is photographing public transportation buildings. Since I was standing in the middle of the public street with a rather large camera, I was easily seen. He also made a comment about me doing half the work (photographing) for possible terrorists.
I told them I was a local photographer who is doing a project on Albuquerque, the place in which I live. None of them quite got it. I offered my camera to them so they can see what I was doing. The female agent acccepted, took my camera and she too stood in the middle of the street to see what I saw. She kind of got it, but not really. I also asked if I could take their portraits, they all declined.
Then they asked why I was still shooting film since every one else has gone digital. Without getting into it too much, I explained that I like film and have a home darkroom. They seemed to get it.
Before they walked away, we all exchanged business cards and full names. That was appreciated. They also told me that if I ever see anything "suspicious" while out making photographs, that I should take a photo of it, and then call them immediately. Fair enough.
All in all, it seems like a harmless encounter but it can sure rattle the nerves. I packed up my stuff and went for lunch. I'll develop the film tonight to see if all of this was actually worth the photo.