07.19.05
an interesting experience in the Port of Houston
Houston Photobloggers’ Warren posted info on an experience he had recently while taking photos near the Port of Houston.
Well, after snapping a few of the water tower, a silver SUV pulled up wicked fast nose to nose with my brother’s truck. A fella got out of the SUV and proceeded to tell me what I was doing was illegal thanks to Homeland Security, and told me about a photographer who had taken pictures around the Port of Houston and the chemical plants and was now in jail (?). What I failed to realize as we were working our way through this area was the fact that we were 100 yards away from a Terminal of the Port of Houston (no, I didn’t know exactly what a ‘Terminal’ was until I asked). Terminal being any point where ships dock to transfer goods. Totally understandable I guess considering the world we live in.
I avoid confrontation, especially when I have my 5 year old son, and I don’t have all the facts. I was very accomodating, and to be honest, didn’t realize anything I was doing was illegal. I apologized and offered the film to him but he declined, taking my name and my brother’s license plate number instead. The whole experience was a tad nerve-racking and left a bitter taste in my mouth. I have a bad habit of getting lost in the moment, oblivious to everything around me. Lesson learned.
Laurie read my post and suggested I relate the story here, which I thought an excellent idea. This experience made me realize how little I know about the rights of photographers working in public (having worked in a commercial studio for almost 10 years). Laurie directed me to http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm for starters.
The thing that most people forget, if they don’t live near the chemical plants and the port, is that we’re in a high-security area. We’re in a high-risk area. When you hear about Houston being a prime target for terrorism, it isn’t Houston they’re talking about, it’s a few miles along 225 that meets a few miles along 610… and the innocent neighborhoods that happen to be in between.
Do you know what “shelter in place” means? Do you know to listen for the sound system, along Pasadena streets, annoucing an emergency (if needed)? Do you even know that the system is there?
I’m sorry this photographer had a bad experience. True, it could have been handled better. But I do understand why it happened.
Laurie said,
July 20, 2005 at 4:32 pm
The thing is that he *does* live in the area. He’s not from the west side of Houston where they don’t see and think about those chemical plants every day. And he wasn’t taking pictures of the plants or terminal at all, he just happened to be in the neighborhood. I myself have often let interesting photographic opportunities go by because I knew it would cause this very reaction. And I shouldn’t have to do that. I totally understand the danger because I also live in the area, but taking pictures isn’t a crime and photographers shouldn’t be treated like criminals. I think all of us would like to know exactly who he talked to. I don’t think he even really talked to any law enforcement official. Thank you for posting this on your site. The more dialogue everyone has about issues like these, the better.
Governor said,
July 20, 2005 at 6:03 pm
Something similar happened to me… but different.
I live and work near the chemical companies of Bayport (Pasadena, TX) and drove around one afternoon on a weekend and took lots of photos of the plants. Didn’t have any problems. However, I drove out one evening after a meeting at a chemical plant and decided to stop along side a road to snap a couple of night shops of one of the plants (because I think they look beautiful).
As I was standing next to my car, a small truck stopped in the middle of the road and the drive leaned out of his window and yelled, “Hey! Are you a terrorist?”
Being a total bastard, I wanted to yell back “Yeah and you’re my next target!” but decided against it at the last second. Instead I replied, “no.”
“I bet you’re a terrorist! I’m calling the police.”
So I did what any good faux terrorist would do… I finished taking a few more photos, hopped into my car and casually drove away. He didn’t follow me and I’m still (knock on wood) a free man today.
I can understand why companies would not want you taking photos of their plants, but not for security reasons… more for liability of how those photos will be used.
Saroy said,
July 20, 2005 at 6:39 pm
I live in Clear Lake so I’m familiar with being near the plants, shelter-in-place, etc. I can understand that people are more suspicious these days, and I’m even ok with the fact that they are.
The problem, in my mind, has sprung from the fact that photographers are not simply being questioned (like a polite “hey, what are you taking photos of? why?”), but that they are being harassed and threatened (see the previous comment: “I bet you’re a terrorist! I’m calling the police!”) by overly enthusiastic/paranoid citizens. It is not a crime to take photos of bridges, industrial areas, airports, and other subjects like this. Photographers should not have to put up with the sort of behavior that they are seeing more and more often.
Paloma Cruz said,
July 20, 2005 at 8:21 pm
You’re right that, to an extent, we’ve moved into a “guilty until proven innocent” mentality. These days, if you want something supported or endorsed, all you have to do is say that it’s for security and not even have to substantiate how it will help keep you safe.
Living in Pasadena I am always aware that we’re in a prime target area. I work in downtown Houston. After 9/11 I wasn’t surprised at the news reports that had Houston down as one of the cities considered to be in imminent danger of another attack. Almost everyone I worked with was.
I didn’t mean to give the impression that I believe that harassing photographers is OK. It’s not. And I didn’t mean to give the impression that I believe that a little rudeness is OK if it’s a security issue. It’s not. What I was trying to convey was that I’m not amazed at what happened. And I don’t know if that means that I’m used to the over-the-top reactions regarding the plants and the port, or if I’m just too cynical these days.
Either way, it is an interesting dialogue and I’m glad I happened upon it. Also, I’d love to see the photos that began the discussion.
Laurie said,
July 20, 2005 at 9:16 pm
I do believe Warren will be posting them. He uses something called “film” which I don’t really understand.
I’m a totally digital photographer.
Warren said,
July 20, 2005 at 9:44 pm
LOL! Laurie-yes, I do indeed use the archaic silver halide technology still
But I do shoot digital here and there.
Thanks for spreading the word on this experience. I’ve lived less than 6 blocks from the main gate of the Shell refinery on 225 for most of my life so I’m very familiar with the overall issues that 9/11 has brought to this area.
I don’t know if it was clear from the post, but I don’t begrudge the gentleman anything in any way. Granted, no credentials were presented to me, but ultimately that wasn’t the point. Whether he was the facility manager, a concerned citizen, or trying to hide a sweat shop, I had to take it for what it was. My presence was in question, as well as the things I was photographing. My demeanor has always been one of a diplomat, so my instinct was to diffuse the situation, leave on good terms and let it go. I wasn’t there to cause problems and I didn’t expect him to understand my hobby or what I find interesting in that context.
After describing this incident, following up on Laurie’s suggested links, and trying to find out what exactly our legal rights are, I’ve realized that it’s not really clear. And with Homeland Security, it’s only going to get muddier. Basically the rules can change while you’re standing there.
I know I will definitely pay more attention to my surroundings, as I tend to get lost in the moment, and continue with the diplomatic approach when confronted. This extends well beyond the issue of refineries, port terminals or other areas of concern for Homeland Security. This courtesy also applies to photographing strangers on the street, people’s homes, public buildings, etc.
The experience was a little jarring at first but it ended well considering, and I’m glad it’s brought this issue up for discussion since I hadn’t truthfully considered how the current state of things applies to my meager hobby habits.