Day 113 - Feb 26, 2008
This is the "Forbidden" picture. I braved the snow today and once I hit the subway I thought that a picture of the people leaving the train and heading through the turnstiles would be an interesting image. Apparently the ticket collector didn't feel the same about it. Moments after capturing this image I heard a "HEY!!" and found the guy standing and shaking his head at me. I fully believe that the reason I got "yelled" at was because of the gear I use. Not everyone uses a Nikon D2Xs for personal shooting...and I bet had someone been taking the exact same shot with a point and shoot, a word wouldn't have been said. In this case I just chose to move on, I had my image, however it's unfortunate that photographers have to fight for their rights to photograph in public forums (or public private in the case of the TTC).
Comments and faves
T.A.S.E. [deleted] (52 months ago | reply)
That's a great shot, worth the hassle.
The way the scene is so still, but the subjects are blurred in motion... is pretty awesome.
It sucks that a $3.00 subway or bus ride is not enough to earn you a single snapshot in a subway station.
Mike Campbell Photography (52 months ago | reply)
Thanks for the compliments. I like images that convey motion and the bustle of Toronto. Everyone seems to have somewhere to be and few enjoy the trip - and I like to try to capture that feeling on film (so to speak). I need to learn to carry my tripod with me though - I do alot of slow shutter speeds to capture motion or night photography. Unfortunately there are usually a couple of rejects in the pile because I'm stubborn and think I can hand hold something I really have no business even attempting to hand hold (but the reject pile is getting smaller and smaller as this 365 project progresses).
Yeah - you'd think that they'd have no problems with someone shooting a few pics (since we all spend way too much money on transit as it is). I know I use pro gear - so understandably people could assume I'm shooting commercially in some cases - but I think someone who just payed to get on the train and stops to snap a shot or two, isn't directing people or anything else - I think it's fair to assume the picture is for private enjoyment.
thericyip (52 months ago | reply)
Just dont look through your optical viewfinder. They'll never know. =)
Mute* (52 months ago | reply)
Supposedly rule 16 section b of the TTC's own bylaws states that:
No person shall operate for commercial purposes any camera, video recording device, movie camera, or any similar device upon any vehicle or premises of the Commission without authorization.
I'm not sure how much good it would do in reality but if you get hassled again just tell them the TTC allows non-commercial photography under section 16b of the bylaws, he should have a copy to hand.
Mute* (52 months ago | reply)
This photo has been featured in Torontoist Weekly Photo Roundup, Issue #86.
Cheers!
Mike Campbell Photography (52 months ago | reply)
Cool, Thank you Mute*
Art.Roz (52 months ago | reply)
I'm glad that the guy was actually concerned about the TTC's no commercial photography policy, though no one should be hassled just for using a high end camera. Did he actually say anything beyond "hey!"?
Mike Campbell Photography (52 months ago | reply)
Nope - I got a "Hey" and him standing there with arms crossed and shaking his head at me. He felt I was enough of a risk to leave the toll collection booth and allow a line up to form though.
Alicatacila (52 months ago | reply)
Ya, it seems stifling to shoot in Toronto...so many rules and regulations. I've been stopped from taking a pic of friend in front of a store! People are so afraid. And so self-righteous about it like the ticket agent.
Osgood Station has a set up to take pics....you on a ski lift with mountains in the back...kinda like the "stickyourfaceinthegoofycutout" thing at fairs. So there's a mixed message....
Great pic by the way! I love the clear details and colours.
Mike Campbell Photography (52 months ago | reply)
thanks for the compliments.
The problem is - photographers have alot of rights in Toronto (and Canada in general) - unfortunately most people don't know the rights photographers have...and more often than not it's easier to walk away than it is to argue about taking a picture.
DdotG added this photo to his favorites. (20 months ago)