Let’s call the cops
Yesterday did turn out to be a fine day after my crazy nightmare of the night before. And I had a decent night of sleep last night, which leaves me feeling more like a human and less like a headache machine.
My mind is turning to the Mother’s Day 10 mile race on Sunday. I don’t think that I can get a 10 mile PR in this race and I feel OK about that–I did very well last year. I am very excited that I’m not running today–I ran the race on Saturday, did a “recovery run” of four miles on Sunday, went out for a run/walk with H on Monday and did my usual Tuesday run yesterday. I am excited to have a badly needed day of rest.
I have taken to riding the same subway train at the same time most days. I like one conductor. He’s the guy who, last week had a passenger knock on the door to his space to let him know that a big roach was terrorizing her and her friends. He smiled and said, “I can’t help you with that…for that you need to call the cops.” Love it.
And for you photographers out there…is it ethical to take candids on the subway or on the city streets without getting permission from/informing your subjects? My friend witnessed an argument between a photographer and an onlooker about this. I just hope that people with cameras who take candids know how to run.
May 7, 2008 at 9:47 am
So, it’s not unusual to call the cops on bugs? Whew, that’s good to know. I don’t feel so weird now.
May 7, 2008 at 9:55 am
Ignoring the ethical question, I don’t believe it’s against the law to take photographs in public places in NYC. (However, in many instances that might not keep the photographer from risking an ass-kicking.) I vaguely remember some to-do about a change in NYC’s filming/photography laws last year, though, so I might be wrong. I think in this country such laws are determined at the state level - again, I may be wrong but I’m too lazy to check. Helpful, no?
May 7, 2008 at 10:18 am
It may be legal, but I think a professional photographer should ask. If it’s some amateur with a crappy ol’ Minolta, maybe not.
May 7, 2008 at 10:22 am
My concern is that usually the amateurs are taking pics of people who lokk “interesting”–if I’m picking my nose, maybe you want to ask me if the photo is OK to publish…
p.s. this is a hypothetical…no one has taken a photo of me picking my nose…I don’t think.
May 7, 2008 at 11:12 am
Hmmm, so I guess I shouldn’t add that photo of you on flickr, huh? I don’t think you were picking your nose. Rather, you’re scratching you butt. On the subway. You never saw me, did you?
May 7, 2008 at 11:15 am
I only remember the one where I was picking the nits out of my hair.
May 7, 2008 at 11:16 am
That one was too blurry to use. Sorry.
May 7, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Don’t worry, I have clear nose and butt picking shots of both of you and would be happy to post them!
May 7, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Oh, and those topless shots, too.
May 7, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I have been left speechless about the photography question. But I am very excited to learn that I can call the cops about the bugs. I think they’re going to need to set up someone on permanent work detail at my house.
May 7, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I want to see the shots of me eating those tasty tasty boogers. Have I mentioned that I’m 39?
May 7, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Lass, you can publish the topless ones of me but let me just say this. I was not amply endowed BEFORE I breastfed two children. You won’t be doing the world a favor by posting those particular ones. Butt picking, sure. But topless? Think of the others, please.
May 7, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Oh Cranky, you’ve come to the right person. I am one of those sneaky, random photographers. I do it constantly. I did it quite a lot in NYC last summer. Never had a second thought about it. It was NY freakin’ City!! Here in the ‘burbs I have gotten caught a couple of times. Twice in a grocery store. The mgr. wanted to know what I was shooting. I told him a self portrait. It was really a deli sign with a horrific typo I wanted to send Letterman. And then once I got yelled at by 2 guys in a kayak of all things. It looked pretty but they yelled not to take their picture. I think everyone is fair game, unless they ask you not to.
May 7, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Thanks for letting me know. I think that it’s an interesting question and depends on how you intend to use the photo.
The deli sign=totally fair game!