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Transition Radio Industries September 2012
Transition Radio Industries September 2012
Scott is From Napa Valley, CA. Grew up in Europe (The Azore Islands, Portugal. Lives in Tacoma, WA. After the 9/11 tragedy, the art of photography became quite challenging. If in public, one could reasonably presume to be contacted by police, security, or private citizens. While no conclusive evidence exists to suggest photographs (especially those taken in public, from public spaces) were used in 9/11 – or any terrorist act – the knee jerk reaction was to demonize photographers as suspected terrorists.
I remember getting so disgusted with how I was treated, I stopped doing ANY sort of public photography for about 3 years. This is because I knew that about 95% of the time, I would be contacted by police, forced to show my “papers” and give a reason as to why I was there, doing what I was doing. I felt a deep longing to get back into taking pictures, but was so stressed at the thought. It was after researching the laws regarding public photography, and seeing the results that were gained for freedom by filming law enforcement; I decided I would do the same. If I had to put up with being treated as a sub-human terrorist, they would have to endure being filmed for all to see them. I started a YouTube account and resolved to film my next encounter.
On 30 May 2013, I had my first encounter. I was at the Port of Tacoma, taking photos of huge cranes and old buildings. I was in a publicly accessible sidewalk, when I was yelled at by 2 separate security officers. While being yelled at by the second one, the first to contact me was on the phone with Port of Tacoma Security (POTS) officers. He informed the 2nd officer (after she was finished with her failed attempt to intimidate me) that he was informed I was doing nothing illegal. She called United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP.) I will add that I was also legally and peacefully open carrying a holstered handgun.
After that incident, I decided not only to film encounters, as they happened to me, but to actively search out the untrained officers who presented a danger to society, by not being trained or who allowed their egos to get the better of them. Some call what I do “baiting” or “antagonistic.” I see it as a public service.
I remember getting so disgusted with how I was treated, I stopped doing ANY sort of public photography for about 3 years. This is because I knew that about 95% of the time, I would be contacted by police, forced to show my “papers” and give a reason as to why I was there, doing what I was doing. I felt a deep longing to get back into taking pictures, but was so stressed at the thought. It was after researching the laws regarding public photography, and seeing the results that were gained for freedom by filming law enforcement; I decided I would do the same. If I had to put up with being treated as a sub-human terrorist, they would have to endure being filmed for all to see them. I started a YouTube account and resolved to film my next encounter.
On 30 May 2013, I had my first encounter. I was at the Port of Tacoma, taking photos of huge cranes and old buildings. I was in a publicly accessible sidewalk, when I was yelled at by 2 separate security officers. While being yelled at by the second one, the first to contact me was on the phone with Port of Tacoma Security (POTS) officers. He informed the 2nd officer (after she was finished with her failed attempt to intimidate me) that he was informed I was doing nothing illegal. She called United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP.) I will add that I was also legally and peacefully open carrying a holstered handgun.
After that incident, I decided not only to film encounters, as they happened to me, but to actively search out the untrained officers who presented a danger to society, by not being trained or who allowed their egos to get the better of them. Some call what I do “baiting” or “antagonistic.” I see it as a public service.
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