I was out last evening experimenting with some night photography, such as star trails and traffic trails.  If anyone is familiar with the Santa Monica/West Los Angeles media district–or even if you aren’t–it’s full of older industrial factories from the turn of the last century.  These are all converted now into production and post production companies, often rented cheaper and labeled as “creative space.”  At any rate, it’s a great space to experiment with.

At around 8:30pm a police car drives slowly past me, and just past the intersection, they flipped around and pulled up the curb where I stood with my camera mounted on a tripod.  I wasn’t sure what I had done wrong, but the enormous spotlight directed at me sure seemed unnecessary.  The woman sidekick cop just kept saying “this doesn’t look good.” Thanks, how reassuring…

View Larger Map

After diligently taking down my most private information, I they finally explained why they were supposed to report me.  Apparently since 9/11, they are required to report any suspicious activity–like photographing a federal building–just ‘in case’.  I had asked if I had done anything wrong, and they said no.  But clearly my night out was over.

The LAPD ensured me that they would report any photographers or filmmakers, as long as they don’t have a permit (”anyone with a big crew and lots of equipment”).  Only exception, of course, are news crews.  When I pressed them to explain other circumstances or situations in which they need to report suspicious activity, they gave me this list of forbidden locations:

• federal buildings (a given)
• national monuments (a given)
• utilities buildings (like the electrical distribution area I photographed)
• schools
• large public areas, like town squares or parks
• freeways
• freeway interchanges

The last few suspicious locations seem a bit general.  It seems there’s a pretty good change of getting stopped and reported anywhere in public, even though anyone with a camera “isn’t doing anything wrong.”   The photo in question is above at the top of this post…traffic trails aren’t exactly a threat, are they? And I don’t like them inferring that I could be a terrorist…what ridiculous waste of time.

Apparently I’m not the only one this happens to around the country.  Take a look at the National Photographers’ Rights Organization flickr group and just read some of their posts.  This post from Boing Boing was from back in May ‘08, with a call to action for the same reasons.  Has anyone else had any experience with getting hassled while taking photos or filming in public?  Sounds like a good time to review the photographer’s legal rights…

Photographer’s Legal Guide

UPDATE: It seems my timing is perfectly in sync with other local photographers, including a similar story about Venice photographer Anthony Citrano.  Read these other uneasy stories about the encouter, including an LA Weekly feature:

• Santa Monica Pacific Park’s Weird and Confusing Photography Policy (Thomas Hawk Digital Connection, 1/18/09)
• Pacific Park Must Clarify Their Photography Policy (Cosmic Tap, 1/18/09)
• Photog Feels Santa Monica Pier Pressure (LA Weekly, 1/19/09)
  

photo credit, kwwphotoSimilar Posts:

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[image by -nathan]

I’m been increasingly immersing myself in all types of social media in order to help grow a few businesses I’m involved with.  The latest type I’ve been experimenting with is microblogging–or twitter to most of us.

Of course with nearly everything on the web, design & usability are two of the largest influences on an online reader/viewer.  Check out these great Twitter backgrounds; they even have a monthly top ten contest.Similar Posts:

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[image by huggybearjon]

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Here are my new year’s resolutions:

• Become more organized—physically and digitally
• Eat healthier/organic, including lots of vegetables and fruits
• Go jogging > 3 times per week
• Don’t spend frivolously—use credit card less often
• Of all 2009 income: skim off 10% into savings account
  
• Relax consistently and more often
  

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I moved to a new neighborhod in Los Angeles in July, and my Time Warner cable Internet seemed significantly faster.  Perhaps the wiring wasn’t as old as it was in my old place?

I measured it with dslreports.com, just to double check.  Then, I stumbled upon this Wired article that explains cable companies are actually upgrading a lot of customers without any marketing materials attached–no 30 sec. spots or lots of banner ads–so not many people realized it.  

Their plan was to offer additional speed upgrades, like 6Mbps down/1Mbps up became 12Mbps/2Mbps for the same price.  An extra $10 would bring you to a 16Mbps/2Mbps tier, etc.  Bad idea during a recession, guys.  We appreciate you attempting to catch us up with the rest of Europe and Asia in terms of bandwidth, but don’t base your revenue on upselling anyone now.

I tested my Internet speed now and I got a 12Mbps/1Mbps, which is somewhere between tiers.  My wiring in the new apartment is from the early 1960s, though.  Now that I think about it, I do remember them offering to do something with my Internet last time they called.  It also cost $10 a month.  Now wait a second…Similar Posts:

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Watch this fascinating interview by Robert Scoble of FastCompany.TV with Matt Mullenweg, founder of popular online publishing software Wordpress. An increasing number of content creators and publishers are using Wordpress, which is so much more than a blogging platform.  Check out my portfolio here, which is also based on Wordpress.  It looks like lots of changes are ahead…

Part 1

Part 2

[via FastCompany.TV]

[image via MangoOrange]Similar Posts:

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Working as a producer and project manager, on of the most useful tools I just on a regular basis is Compact Caldendar.  Designed by David Seah, who designs entire suites of great apps (helpers?)–goal setting, task tracking, time tracking, calendars, etc.–all centered around productivity and tools to aid our thinking processes.

I’m curious to see what others use, whether it be freelancers or salaried employees.  Let me know in the comments below.

UPDATE: Here is the link to the 2009 Compact Caldendar.  It’s now customizable to any year, plus other updates.Similar Posts:

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I just finished watching the new Abode Creative Suite launch event.  Outlining the best new features in most of the CS4 products, as usual, I’m continually amazed.  Who knew so much could be introduced that actually makes the hefty upgrade price tag worthwhile?

Watch some of the Adobe CS4 feature videos here: http://tv.adobe.comSimilar Posts:

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