As you may know, we live in a post-9/11 world, and because of what happened, we are taking things much more seriously, and with a more watchful eye and ear - what we say, where we go, what we do. While it might be too broad to link terrorist attacks to this specific subject matter, people are watching out like never before.
I was at the county fair, taking lots of pictures of different aspects - the midway, the exhibits, open areas, the ribbon-cutting ceremony. One intriguing exhibit is of historic transit buses and memorabilia. I couldn't help but enjoy seeing buses that once ran in Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and Columbus - all fixed up and/or restored to look as if they were in the heyday. But of course, what county fair is complete with out farm animals?
There were great, cute animals, big and small, cows, pigs, roosters, rabbits, and the like. Many of them were being tended to by young, hard-working kids who do it out of love, despite the hours and the heat. While the farm animals weren't the focus of my photographic endeavor, I thought a photo essay on a fair would be incomplete without them. And naturally, some pictures involved not only the animals, but with the young ones taking care of them. Many people may agree with me that what I was doing was innocent, with absolutely no intention of causing harm.
Unfortunately, we can never be too sure of that. Because of the dangers of predators, be it kidnappers or even worse, pedophiles, who secretly (or are led to believe so) take photos of children. Due to this, it is presumed to be illegal to photograph children without consent of their parents or guradian or another chaperone.
I didn't know or realize this no-no until a fairgrounds security officer, who is a licensed and badged police officer, along with a concerned father/chaperone, approached me about my activities. They wanted to check some of the images on my camera. Because I had nothing do hide and was a bit frightened, I went along, and as the two guys saw photos that were in question, they asked that they be deleted, which I complied with. The officer wanted to run a background check on me, and then have me removed from the premises (which I would be willing to do). But then, after a little understanding, the officer decided to let me go, and remain on premises, sans the computer check.
Today, I learned the hard way about such restrictions. While the confrontation ended in a friendly manner, and I was let go, it was an awakening situation of how times have changed. In one way, I felt comfortable that there are people who are "looking out for our kids," especially when there are people and places where those who have the opportunity and obligation to do so - aren't doing so. On the other hand, it's a bit uncomfortable that innocent people are being lumped in with the maliciious ones.
If I had to choose which I would be more upset with if I were caught taking pictures of - it would no doubt be of transit systems, as I am an advocate and fan of public mass transportation. I've felt, like others, that a great way to promote and advance something you believe in is to find existing examples of it in practice. I'm sure that many railfans out there know what I am talking about.
But my main point and moral here is: watch out! Be aware of your surroundings, and be aware of what you are trying to photograph. Think before you act: what is out there, could be vulnerable, if it is seen by the wrong people? I learned today that it is our children.
