What price the cost?
The next post I was going to make was to be about the second part of my journey away last week, and that will follow soon. However, I felt to write this post out of sadness and disappointment in the growing realisation of lost civil liberties in the name of airline safety and security resulting from the catastrophic events at New York's twin towers some years ago. It certainly changed the way we look at many things from that tragic day on.
As it was commented to me by a friend, the price we now pay for safety and security is high. After disembarking from a flight from Sydney to Ballina on the NSW north coast the other day I reached in for my Digital SLR camera and proceeded to bring my camera up to my eye to take a picture of the plane, when I had a woman from Virgin Blue Airlines ground staff run up to me forbidding me to take a picture of the plane citing that it is now illegal to take pictures of airplanes on the ground at the airport. I accepted what she said respectfully and did not take a picture, but was deeply saddened by what I view as the not so gradual erosion of a wonderful art form and mode of expression, as in taking a photograph. I LOVE planes - no ulterior motive. Though I accept that the motives of others may be destructive, where as mine certainly are not.
As it was pointed out to me, the motives I have are different to some people in the world whose political feelings and views have thrust this change upon us in the first place. As a result of their actions, planes can be turned into terrible weapons. This post has had the title change and the tone altered somewhat as a result of a comment in the comments section and also owing to a comment told me privately. I am not a political person, primarily because it can be a divisive subject, when by my very nature or desire, I wish to find the elements that unite us. See the inner conflict I have? I certainly realise that like taking pictures of planes, the motives and impressions of others who read my previous post may appear different to what I intend if the post is too strong. Hence my post has been placed into that perspective and been re-wriiten with a softer tone that is more akin to the person I really am.
The post was written initially in response to a campaign orchestrated by the British Metropolitan Police in England who created a poster and campaign, see below.
Photographer Nick Potter first shared the campaign with us on the internet and I felt strongly that the points he makes below are valid and sad. Hence I ask simply What price the cost?
The campaign is meant to encourage people to turn in "odd" seeming people that they see taking photographs. I wonder if people think I am odd? I worry that this kind of a campaign will result in even more harassment for photographers going forward. In addition to police harassment, I think that this campaign also sends the wrong message to people about photographers and photography. I think it encourages people to think suspiciously of photographers and to add to the climate of fear associated with photography.
Photography is not a crime. Taking photographs is part of a rich tradition of art, social commentary and historical documentation. I'm very disappointed seeing London's Metropolitan Police decide to take this course of action and worry that this sort of backward thinking will continue to spread the boogeyman myth that photographers and photography are the enemy when they very much are not.
I have wanted to include some pictures of planes that I have taken here, why? because as said earlier, i love planes!! How those things can get off the ground is amazing to me. I have a profound respect for the Wright brothers whose small dream allowed other engineers and great people to stand on their shoulders and design and create the amazing planes we see and take for granted today. I stared at the original plane that Wilbur and Orville wright used in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC once and was in awe of these two people who followed their dream. I honour them.
The lyrics I finish on relate to a song from Burt Bacharach about the way the World has become and how he asks whether we can stop the clock and turn it back.
Stop the clock, make it stop
Where'd it go? I don't know
Stop the clock, make it stop
Where is that world? Where did it go?
When I was a young boy, twelve years old
Growing up in New York city
I could ride the subway by myself
and never ever be afraid
Where did it go?
And tell me what happened to the world I knew
Is it really gone?
How did we wind up in this place instead?
Is it really gone?
Now I have a boy whose twelve and a girl whose nine
And a son in college and I worry all the time
Worry bout their future, what will it bring?
'Cause nobody is safe these days
Where did it go?
How do we get back to that other place?
There's got to be a way
How do we undo a thousand mistakes?
Gee, there's got to be a way
Where is that world? Where did it go?
As it was commented to me by a friend, the price we now pay for safety and security is high. After disembarking from a flight from Sydney to Ballina on the NSW north coast the other day I reached in for my Digital SLR camera and proceeded to bring my camera up to my eye to take a picture of the plane, when I had a woman from Virgin Blue Airlines ground staff run up to me forbidding me to take a picture of the plane citing that it is now illegal to take pictures of airplanes on the ground at the airport. I accepted what she said respectfully and did not take a picture, but was deeply saddened by what I view as the not so gradual erosion of a wonderful art form and mode of expression, as in taking a photograph. I LOVE planes - no ulterior motive. Though I accept that the motives of others may be destructive, where as mine certainly are not.
As it was pointed out to me, the motives I have are different to some people in the world whose political feelings and views have thrust this change upon us in the first place. As a result of their actions, planes can be turned into terrible weapons. This post has had the title change and the tone altered somewhat as a result of a comment in the comments section and also owing to a comment told me privately. I am not a political person, primarily because it can be a divisive subject, when by my very nature or desire, I wish to find the elements that unite us. See the inner conflict I have? I certainly realise that like taking pictures of planes, the motives and impressions of others who read my previous post may appear different to what I intend if the post is too strong. Hence my post has been placed into that perspective and been re-wriiten with a softer tone that is more akin to the person I really am.
The post was written initially in response to a campaign orchestrated by the British Metropolitan Police in England who created a poster and campaign, see below.
Photographer Nick Potter first shared the campaign with us on the internet and I felt strongly that the points he makes below are valid and sad. Hence I ask simply What price the cost?
The campaign is meant to encourage people to turn in "odd" seeming people that they see taking photographs. I wonder if people think I am odd? I worry that this kind of a campaign will result in even more harassment for photographers going forward. In addition to police harassment, I think that this campaign also sends the wrong message to people about photographers and photography. I think it encourages people to think suspiciously of photographers and to add to the climate of fear associated with photography.
Photography is not a crime. Taking photographs is part of a rich tradition of art, social commentary and historical documentation. I'm very disappointed seeing London's Metropolitan Police decide to take this course of action and worry that this sort of backward thinking will continue to spread the boogeyman myth that photographers and photography are the enemy when they very much are not.
I have wanted to include some pictures of planes that I have taken here, why? because as said earlier, i love planes!! How those things can get off the ground is amazing to me. I have a profound respect for the Wright brothers whose small dream allowed other engineers and great people to stand on their shoulders and design and create the amazing planes we see and take for granted today. I stared at the original plane that Wilbur and Orville wright used in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC once and was in awe of these two people who followed their dream. I honour them.
The lyrics I finish on relate to a song from Burt Bacharach about the way the World has become and how he asks whether we can stop the clock and turn it back.
Stop the clock, make it stop
Where'd it go? I don't know
Stop the clock, make it stop
Where is that world? Where did it go?
When I was a young boy, twelve years old
Growing up in New York city
I could ride the subway by myself
and never ever be afraid
Where did it go?
And tell me what happened to the world I knew
Is it really gone?
How did we wind up in this place instead?
Is it really gone?
Now I have a boy whose twelve and a girl whose nine
And a son in college and I worry all the time
Worry bout their future, what will it bring?
'Cause nobody is safe these days
Where did it go?
How do we get back to that other place?
There's got to be a way
How do we undo a thousand mistakes?
Gee, there's got to be a way
Where is that world? Where did it go?
Comments
The grounds for this prohibition stems from the 9/11 terrorist attack. Aeroplanes can indeed be turned into devastating weapons.
Consequently, security has been tightened to forbid any kind of photography/inspection of aeroplanes by unauthorised individuals.
I personally did not mind the inconvience. I understood the concern because I was travelling at a time when terrorist concerns were paramount.
Whilst your attempts at photographing at the airport were obviously quite innocent, unfortunately there are others on this planet who intend malice.
The price we have to pay for safety in these troubled times includes restrictions we have not had to experience previously.
It is, sadly, a sign of our times.
V2T
Thanks for commenting.
I am still waiting for your additional questions on adoption you wanted to ask but were so busy to at the time. Whenever you are ready.
You also expressed your consternation at the atmosphere of fear that is building towards photographers globally. It is understandable that you feel this way.
However, to place some degree of perspective on this subject, some comment must be made regarding your photographic "cousins" - the paparazzi!!
In their efforts to secure lucrative photographs their behaviour boarders on criminal at times, particularly with respect to pressing the boundaries of individual privacy.
It has been said that the behaviour of the paparazzi on the day that Princess Diana died was nothing short of dangerous and life endangering.
Their piranha-like behaviour with celebrities such as Brittany Spears and Anna-Nicole also calls into question their integrity as human beings.
Again, to clarify, it is obvious that your ways and means are not in their league. However, their methods certainly engender fear and disrespect in the minds of the onlooker.
Unfortunately, their behaviour gives the rest of your industry a proverbial "black eye."
V2T
Your comments on the paparazzi are well deserved. Their behaviour is often akin to piranha like feeding when they indiscriminately chase celebrities or harass or endanger people for the sake of an image. You are correct, my means and methods are ALWAYS to be polite, respectful and persistent without being overbearing. I accept the perspective and welcome your input. You are a person of great worth.
I have two more entries to add to your post regarding your adoption, but just keep getting error messages.
I am wondering if there is a limit in place for number of posts from the same person?
V2T
V2T
I am wondering why you altered the original post in this section. There are significant adjustments to what you previously had to say. The post has been given a large dose of censoring and is comparably 'watered down.'
You mention a 'private comment' that influenced you to change your stance. Were you chided or given some kind of warning?
I do not mind that you have borrowed from the sentiments in my comments, however, you seem to have performed a complete turn-around in your own views.
Do you think your previous comments were offensive, inflammatory or overly political? Alternatively, were they perceived to be so by someone who has consequently advised you? Do you regret what you stated?
It is a very curious retake on your part…almost a retraction of your own statements and consequent editing to portray yourself differently.
Why so my friend?
V2T
I accept that it was a take 2 and a retraction of sorts. Your comment and that of another friend said that the political overtones could have been interpreted as subversive in some eyes. I will say that I can sometimes fly off the handle and upon re-reading the post and even your comments it became evident and clear that I had written the post in a bit of a rush, and as such may have been a little more brash than I might otherwise be.
As I posted, once something is in print that bears a political vibe, it can have wider ramifications that take on a life independent of it's original premise and purpose. I am not political for the reasons I mentioned.
I don't believe I have tried to portray myself differently or more clinically, though there may be some who agree with you, I just felt that if the overall vibe is political, it's time to tone it down. Lest my message be lost in the tide of doubt and suspicion. I just took out the invective.
I think it is a better post presently, as it now explains why I got upset and then shows the new pictures which in my view better illustrates what I think and feel on the matter. Your comments have also been touched on and I think gives a more clearer and well rounded view. I accept that you may not agree with my course of action, but I hope that my explanation helps.
I neither agree nor disagree with your decision. I just wondered what caused your change of heart.
You have explained what took place behind the scenes and answered my query. In doing so, you have also clarified (publicly) that your blog is not intended to be a political platform.
In today's political climate, you may have attracted posters to your site with various political agendas.
Ultimately, you are at the helm on this site. It is entirely up to you as to where you steer this ship.
V2T