Public?
Ok, pretty angry, but I've settled enough to post. So, Son has been extremely interested in the local (defunct) paper mill for some time. He has some nifty drone photos of it. It is currently in the process of being dismantled and scrapped, but for such a huge complex that is a LONG process.
Also note; the tiny town that supported the mill (and vice versa) is crammed right up against the mill on one side. There is a narrow road with a surprising amount of traffic, a sidewalk, and then the houses start. Son got a nicer camera this week, and has been learning how to use it.
Wednesday was an overcast day with low cloud cover and interesting light conditions for photography. He rushed to the mill after classes, set up his tripod on the sidewalk, and started trying to get some shots.
Remember how it's been a topic of concern lately that 'existing in public spaces' is getting harder? WELL.
A fancy white car came swooping up while he was fiddling with the camera. On a public sidewalk. In a small town. The guy driving stopped his car, blocking westbound traffic (there is absolutely NO shoulder or parking space on this road. Did I mention lots of traffic?) He hopped out of his car and started belligerently harassing my son. Because taking photos of a historic site is suspicious. A couple of older women sitting on their porch called him - the mayor of this TINY town! - because "Suspicious Youth."
I will abbreviate the rest. He was aggressively badgered, threatened, and told he was Not Allowed to take pictures or park his car in town (in a empty lot marked 'visitor') It was ridiculous. All to 'protect' the townsfolk? From someone taking pictures of the mill demo? What WAS a problem there was his car blocking a lane of traffic while big trucks taking wood to Kingsford Charcoal factory had to squeeze around in the opposing lane on a sharp curve. Sunbitch.
I'm more than half tempted to take my $%*$%&^! easel and my paints and go sit in that exact spot to plein air paint. See if McMayor show up. But I'm a middle-aged woman. Seen (erroneously) as 'harmless'. Grrrr.
If any of y'all are photographers and have advice, feel free to lay it on me.
