Father-of-three branded a 'pervert' - for photographing his own children in park

Just seen this thread and I've always felt uncomfortable when i take pictures of my daughter when we go to a park. Even though we are the only chinese family at that time - I tend to just point the slr down when i'm not taking pictures as if to show i'm not randomly taking pictures of other kids nearby. It's quite sad to know that this sort of thing happens now and you are only taking pictures of your kids for memory.
 
There's really a simple solution to all this malarky. Just get out there and start shooting! If you get hassled by any member of the public, and you're on public land, try to reassure them. If that fails, call the police. Nice and simple.

For heavens sake people, the more we get intimidated the more it's going to become commonplace. If you're doing nothing wrong don't behave like you are or might be!

Attack is the best form of defence ;)
 
Well said Hepburn!

I also agree with earlier suggestions of a mass meet/flashmob. Lets see if we can fill Hyde Park with Photographers!
 
hepburn said:
There's really a simple solution to all this malarky. Just get out there and start shooting! If you get hassled by any member of the public, and you're on public land, try to reassure them. If that fails, call the police. Nice and simple.
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yup, i agree
stop whining people and do something about it before it gets worse
 
Steep said:
And get rid of the 'Official Forum Member' bit it's pompous, but add pxl8s' "I've got a camera and you're paranoid, it's going to end badly..." on the back :)
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Here you go

badge_nikon1.jpg


badge1_back1.jpg


Dave :D
 
got it - starts at minute 35:42
runs until minute 51:14
with music in between

sounds like everyone was supportive of the tog

thanks for the pointer!
 
One even accused him of photographing youngsters to put the pictures on the internet
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Er... says an article with the photo on the internet:thinking:

I heard the tale on Radio 2 today. Seems people just automatically assume the worst of everybody these days. What ever happened to "Benefit of the doubt"?
 
If they are branding photographers perverts why do they allow adverts starring children and nappy adverts with naked babies, surely these should be banned also!! democracy gone mad :thinking:
 
Having had the opportunity to investigate, arrest and convict a number of pedophiles, including predatory ones, I can say that none of them have ever wandered around in public with a SLR round their neck looking for victims.
Most of them are too busy preying on family members or the children of other pedophiles. The myth of dirty old men with bags of sweets and puppys does more harm than good.

Comus
 
Comus said:
Having had the opportunity to investigate, arrest and convict a number of pedophiles, including predatory ones, I can say that none of them have ever wandered around in public with a SLR round their neck looking for victims.
Most of them are too busy preying on family members or the children of other pedophiles. The myth of dirty old men with bags of sweets and puppys does more harm than good.

Comus
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Don't think anything else needs saying after that! :thumbs:
 
Comus said:
Having had the opportunity to investigate, arrest and convict a number of pedophiles, including predatory ones, I can say that none of them have ever wandered around in public with a SLR round their neck looking for victims.
Most of them are too busy preying on family members or the children of other pedophiles. The myth of dirty old men with bags of sweets and puppys does more harm than good.

Comus
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You make a very good point. Similarly the 911 Hijackers were not photographers and no recent terror trial has featured evidence of photographs as part of the preparations for the hit (or attempted hit).

But the public perception is different based on ..... well, I don't know. But it's not based on hard evidence anyway.
 
"But the public perception is different based on ..... well, I don't know. But it's not based on hard evidence anyway."

You're right about that. I often think that it's more important for people to be able to visualise the bogeyman rather than accept the fact that 'you just never know' and live in paranoia.
Ignorance is bliss but doesn't keep your kids safe.

Bad news for photographers. Just thank god that you're not a widowed old man who misses his grandchildren. You'd end up getting your house burnt down by these idiots.

Comus
 
pxl8 said:
Stupidity?
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Well, I think there's a phd thesis on this point. Its not entirely down to stupidity, although if stupid = ignorant then I'd say that's part of the problem.

But it goes further than that. The internet is a big bad place in a lot of people's perceptions and digital photography is equated with that. (Not that I see the logic - but that's what it seems to me). Therefore digital camera = internet = bad things will happen.

Its perverse, I know. And, of course, that was the whole point of the original post. There's an irony that the DM broke the story.....
 
" @ securityunion
Acutally in New York State it is illegal for someone to go into a park/playground without children. they can be ticketed and or arrested for it. It's getting too much like "the greater good" mentality. Let's get rid of people's rights because it's for the greater good.
by: Angreifen78 07/16/2008 03:02 PM "

Copied from the link above.

The future for Britain?? Are they still recruiting for the £10 pommes?
 
pxl8 said:
Talk about media spin:

http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=72040
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:clap: and read the replies, this one pretty much sums it up:

No..
Offence meant but I could tell just from the title this had to be in the UK. The cry of 'pedophile' and mention of a camera, pretty much nailed it. What is with the UK these days? Kids running wild (feral might be a better word), CCTV all over the place, a fear of (normal) cameras, and a massive panic that anyone who even looks at a child is probably a pedophile. What gives?

by: StarShadow
 
what would you do if he actually turned out to be a pervert?
 
Its because of idiots like these that the government is reluctant to release the details of released Paedophiles. There would be rampant vigilatism overnight!
What really pees me off is the blatant **** stirring the likes of the Sun does to whip the great unwashed into a frenzy and in the same breath shouts indignantly about the cost of "protective custody" of the heinous felons.

Well Duh!!! Whose fault is that? :bang:
 
the average reading age of a sun reader is 6 years old, says a lot for the clientel it writes for, i plan to turn this around one day, fear not.

simple answer= dont read it.
 
zooki said:
what would you do if he actually turned out to be a pervert?
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What's a pervert ?

pervert
Verb
1. to use wrongly or badly
2. to interpret wrongly or badly; distort
3. to lead (someone) into abnormal behaviour, esp. sexually; corrupt
4. to debase
Noun
a person who practises sexual perversion [Latin pervertere to turn the wrong way]

Someone who calls a tog taking innocent pics fits no:2 perfectly, can't see where a photographer fits in :suspect:
 
what did you edit out of that exactly?
 
I first caught this thread yesterday and thought it nuts :bang: (the incident, not the thread!).

I then caught the item on GMTV this morning, and the general opinion of the presenters appeared to be the same as ours.. completely nuts. :bonk:

So let me add my experiences to this - I'm sure some of you can relate to this...

My son is a fantastic swimmer (you can see where this one is going...) and has represented his schools in various events, and a massive charity fund raising event a while back (for a well known charity - no names mentiond just in case) at our local pool. He was also going to receive an award for raising the most money as an individual blah blah blah... and as proud parents we wanted to capture the big event and his swim.

As if... not allowed to take photos in the public area as I might catch someone else in their swimming kit. Very strict, no cameras, why would you want to take photos etc... you know the score by now.

Funny though.. the local rag photographer was allowed to take as may photos as he wanted of anyone and everyone, pool side, kids and/or adults in the trunks, bikinis, swimming costumes you name it, and then publish them in the newspaper!!

Strange thing, but no-one actually asked us if we wanted a photo of our son in his swimming kit published in the newspaper....!?

Flip side, same son was also in a big drama production recently at his school presenting extracts from various West End musicals - including Chicago, Witches, etc... All kids (boys and girls) in various costumes and poses - age range 11-16. I asked if it was ok to take photos as this was his first big production, expecting to be told no, and was told "yep, no problem and can we have a copy for the school if they're any good". There were loads of parents at the event but hardly anyone I knew personally and no-one questioned me or gave me strange looks - even when the girls were performing the set pieces from the likes of Chicago!

So what is it that defines the point when these nutters think they should cause a scene and make such stupid and unfounded accusations..? Young girls performing in risky costumes, kids in swimwear, or just playing with your own children in the park.! :cuckoo:

Problem is, I have heard of situations where photographers react too harshly to the stupid, and it gets even worse.

I just think the world has gone mad :(
 
what would you do if he actually turned out to be a pervert?
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He was able and did prove that he wasn't. Abuse should has stopped then and there. What happened to innoccent until proven guilty? He proved his innocence, does that make him guilty then?
 
Rob.7wood said:
What happened to innoccent until proven guilty?
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It seems to be left at the wayside somewhat in the quest for "National Security" hence all the problems with togging in public. cf Detention without charge.


Esther on GMTV had the right idea though: On answering the question 'would you like a strange man (it's always men isnt it?) taking photos of your children?
"I'd be quite proud really. I'd ask are you from 'Hello' and ask for a million pounds"

When I've taken pics of people in public places (usually surfers/kiters/amateur sportspersons etc.) I often get one or more people come upto me and ask if I can email them any pics which I'm always more than happy to do.
 
Betty said:
Look at the camera hes using, wouldnt have happened if it was a P+S :p

But I agree, loads of ********
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My name is nigel and I am a Perver oops sorry Amateur Photographer,I have just had a rant on my blog about this as I saw it in our local rag as I live fairly near to this guy.It is PC gone mad but then we are talking Wolverhampton Council and they are one of the biggest loads of ******s out.

I do though wonder how many people were taking shots with mobiles or little silver point and shoots,did thids guy get targeted because he was perceived to be using a "Professional" camera
 
Steep said:
I'd have asked the policeman to take her details and those of the witnesses so I could sue for slander. Call me a pervert? I'll see you in court.
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Why would the police be involved in a civil case? There is no crime of slander, therefore that is nothing to do with the police.
 
I'm aware that slander is not a criminal offence but I assume she'd hardly be willing to give her details without some encouragement and since he'd involved them anyway. Perhaps a better way would be to ask for her details in front of the policeman in the hopes that she would be less likely to say no.
 
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