Comments on: Breaking News Alert: Photographers on the Loose in Philly

By: Gary Baumgarten

Gary Baumgarten — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:56 +0000

Interesting, the reference to the security cameras that were covered and not yet working.

So it’s OK for SEPTA and the cops to take pictures of citizens on the platform but it’s not OK for citizens to take pictures of trains?

By: Dina

Dina — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:28:32 +0000

I too emailed Walt with my disappointment in his article.
Never got a response. Did anyone?

By: NYCPhotorights

NYCPhotorights — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:45:45 +0000

We used to severely criticize the Soviet Union for prohibiting public photography yet we are slowly becoming more and more like they used to be.

“In the Soviet Union there are certain things you should not photograph. They are (long list), and bridges. Especially bridges. Never photograph a bridge under any circumstances. Don’t even take along a photograph of your favorite bridge back home”
– William F Buckley

By: Aces High Eddie

Aces High Eddie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:16:55 +0000

Sure there is a basis for this policy MrMe11…. getting people more acclimated to a police state.

After reading articles on Blacklistednews.com, I think more and more of the urban environment in the TV show Dark Angel and how we are getting to that point rather quickly.

By: MrMe11

MrMe11 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:50:07 +0000

I agree completely. There is no bases for this policy. As it has been pointed out many time around here, a person can go online and find plenty of pictures of these sites. The police have plenty of other things they to do.

By: NYCPhotorights

NYCPhotorights — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:25:33 +0000

That paragraph is a bunch of BS! Railfans are sick and tired of being questioned and otherwise harassed each and every time they engage in the lawful pursuit of their hobby.

No terrorist has ever used a camera as a weapon!

By: MrMe11

MrMe11 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:14:12 +0000

NYCPhotorights don’t forget this paragraph

SECURITY
Worldwide terrorist attacks against public transportation facilities in recent years has required a tightening of security procedures at all SEPTA facilities. Security experts consider photographing and sketching public transportation facilities as possible pre-indicators of terrorist activity.

While this unfortunate reality has not resulted in a prohibition of photography, SEPTA Transit Police and other law enforcement are under orders to question anyone taking photographs or sketching transit facilities.
Obviously, these activities are almost always legitimate and that’s the end of the issue. However, anyone conducting these activities in unauthorized areas of SEPTA property may be charged and detained for further investigation.

By: NYCPhotorights

NYCPhotorights — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:38:53 +0000

Gotta love SEPTIC’s er…. SEPTA’s website though:

http://www.septa.com/inside/customer_service/photo_policy.html

As one of the oldest and largest multi-modal transit systems in the world, the SEPTA system is graced with beautiful, historic and unique architecture and a wide variety of vehicles that attract the interest of visitors from the four corners of the globe – many of whom capture their visits in photographs or in sketch books.

SEPTA welcomes photographers and artists. In return, we simply request they use common sense and courtesy to others in pursuit of their pictures.

I guess they want to locate the photographers to give them a proper WELCOME…..

By: Brendan

Brendan — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:05:07 +0000

I immediately thought of you when I saw this story, Carlos. Glad you noticed it too.

God knows, if taking pictures inside train stations, airports, etc., is terrorism, then I’m Osama bin Laden.