by SubwayTim
Other than being confronted by police, transit workers, etc. while railfanning/taking pictures, have you ever had any scary or threatening experiences, such as getting mugged/robbed, being followed by someone suspicious, had a confrontation with someone on the street, or simply felt uncomfortable photographing something in a certain neighborhood???
I've had several experiences, with the worse being back in the late 1980's (around 1987), when I had just finished visiting with my friends at 46th and Walnut Streets in West Philly. It was dusk (this time of year) and I was on the eastbound platform of the MFL 46th Street Station taking pictures of the Center City skyline as I was waiting for the train. No sooner I put my camera back in the case, I was jumped by about 4 guys, who went through my pockets and took my wallet, but surprisingly, never touched my camera. Fortunately they didn't hurt me, and didn't have any weapons (at least they didn't show any), but I was very shaken after the ordeal. There were other people on the platform, but no one came to my aid, even though I yelled for help a few times.
To this day, whenever I photograph anything in certain neighborhoods in the city, I try to be as discreet as possible with my camera. Also, whenever I drive to a certain location to photograph el structures, fly-bys, etc., I always bring my dog, since having my dog gives me a better sense of security, as many dogs are known to protect their masters. I also have one of my friends accompany me when possible.
Sometimes many of us don't realize how much trouble we can get into by simply having a camera in our possession, whether an encounter with the police, or becoming a victim of crime.
I've had several experiences, with the worse being back in the late 1980's (around 1987), when I had just finished visiting with my friends at 46th and Walnut Streets in West Philly. It was dusk (this time of year) and I was on the eastbound platform of the MFL 46th Street Station taking pictures of the Center City skyline as I was waiting for the train. No sooner I put my camera back in the case, I was jumped by about 4 guys, who went through my pockets and took my wallet, but surprisingly, never touched my camera. Fortunately they didn't hurt me, and didn't have any weapons (at least they didn't show any), but I was very shaken after the ordeal. There were other people on the platform, but no one came to my aid, even though I yelled for help a few times.
To this day, whenever I photograph anything in certain neighborhoods in the city, I try to be as discreet as possible with my camera. Also, whenever I drive to a certain location to photograph el structures, fly-bys, etc., I always bring my dog, since having my dog gives me a better sense of security, as many dogs are known to protect their masters. I also have one of my friends accompany me when possible.
Sometimes many of us don't realize how much trouble we can get into by simply having a camera in our possession, whether an encounter with the police, or becoming a victim of crime.
