You aren't signed in     Sign In    Help

If You Put That Picture On The Internet I'll Call My Lawyer

Icky hair
Douchebag alert...
Indication of a proud wife at home: Mrs. Angry Overreaction Man.
Yes indeed, screen name...-- BLUETARD
If You Put That Picture On The Internet I'll Call My Lawyer by Jeremy Brooks.
Blogged it here.

This guy was on the corner of Stockton and Columbus in San Francisco yelling at a homeless man. Anger, conflict, drama — sounds like a great shot to me. I crossed the street but was unable to get anything interesting, since I only had my 50mm lens on the camera and I was just too far away.

However, Mr. Angry Overreaction Man decided that he now had a problem with me. He confronted me, demanding my camera. Of course, I refused. He got in my face and started threatening me, telling me that I cannot take his photo without his permission. I told him that yes, in fact, I can. He then walked up and bumped into me, trying to act tough. I told him that one more touch and I would call the police.

Of course, he didn’t like that very much, and at that point told me that if I put his picture on the internet, he would call his laywer. I assured him that his photo would be on the internet, and he then walked up and grabbed my camera lens. Well, that’s just not something that I will put up with, so I pulled the camera away from him and reached for my phone and started dialing. Once he saw that he turned away, still yelling threats, and continued on his way.

I felt bad for his daughter, who was with him, because she was obviously embarrassed by his antics and kept pleading with him to stop. I have a great shot showing her looking up as if saying “Oh boy, here he goes again”. But I’m not going to post that one, as she was not acting like an idiot and I don’t want to embarrass her. Mr. Angry Overreaction Man seems to do enough of that.

So, Mr. Angry Overreaction Man, your photo is now on the internet. Call your lawyer. Tell him somebody on a public sidewalk took your photo while you were on a public sidewalk. Then tell him you physically assaulted the photographer. See what he says.

-----

Update: Explore, #1, May 6th. Thanks everybody! 
This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

Comments

< Prev 1 2 3 4
(323 comments)
view profile

Troy McClure SF  Pro User  says:

THe Bluetooth earpiece just makes this photo.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

gb3 photography  Pro User  says:

hey , its the fonz
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Karen.Strolia  Pro User  says:

What a douche. I feel bad for his daughter and wife. Sheesh.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Jeremy Brooks  Pro User  says:

@screaminghowler: hehe, yeah the Fonz minus all the cool...
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

JeremyHall  Pro User  says:

Someone obviously has an inflated self-image to be so worried about his photo being taken/posted. Glad you were able to work your way through the situation non-violently. That would be tough to stay cool when he made physical contact like that.
--
Seen on whirljack.net
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

DuckBrown  Pro User  says:

You should have told him to "Sit on it!"

--
Seen on whirljack.net (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Greg Gladman  Pro User  says:

What an idiot...and of course he's sporting a Borg headset. Nicely handled, Jeremy, and congratulations on the shot.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Nikki Hempen De Ramirez  Pro User  says:

You stuck up for yourself in a very composed manner and I, a fellow photographer, appreciate it. Stories like these will give others strength when they encounter the same situation.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

...the truth is hidden... says:

what an prat!

--
Seen on whirljack.net (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

SkyShaper  Pro User  says:

1-800-lawyers
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

inkswamp  Pro User  says:

Clearly, he's waaaay more important than the rest of us.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Jana (ugobananas)  Pro User  says:

great story :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

dollop  Pro User  says:

Good for you. Stand up for your right to photograph.

www.flickr.com/photos/dollop/2316124624/
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Josh Thompson  Pro User  says:

Found this via Thomas Hawk's stream. What a jerk....

--
Seen on whirljack.net (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

cgrossmeier  Pro User  says:

Time to print the "Photographer's Rights" and hand them out. This is why I keep two copies in my camera bag! :) Great story. I'll be sure to link to it!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

remisser says:

I'd like to note that he has his pinky finger extended... as if drinking an imaginary cup of tea.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Zorlack  Pro User  says:

Slicked-back hair: [check]
Leather jacket: [check]
Talking with hands: [check]
Bluetooth headset: [check]

This guy nailed the stereotype!

--
Seen on thomashawk.com (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

cmiper  Pro User  says:



--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ASHCROFT54  Pro User  says:

Your one cool guy for sticking up for yourself. As long it's on the streets it's legal to photograph anyone...Congrats for making it on Explore now the whole world can see what a jerk he was.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

peter.raymond1 says:

It looks as though he points at you through his mouth..
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

thekevinmonster  Pro User  says:

I could kinda see maybe sorta a problem with taking a picture of a specific person and putting it on the internet without their permission. More of a problem than just taking a picture of A Street Scene and there being people in it.

That said, this guy just LOOKS like a jerk. Look at the way his pinky sticks out when he points, and the way his hair is slicked back. He's got this "you talkin' to me?" kinda quality. It's a totally prize shot, imho.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Em?  Pro User  says:

bahaha. i love photos with stories. this is an amazing capture and that guy is an idiot.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Omniliscious [deleted] says:

Some people have bizarro anger issues...don't mess with them, it is so phunky NOT worth it. They have troubles in their life that they want to take out on YOU with their phat fists. Just walk away...just walk bizarro away and you'll be glad you did. I broke a doooood's finger for flipping me off and served almost 3 months....no bizarro phun, that was. Great phunky photo tho, bizarro. Maybe that thing in his ear has cooked his bizarro brain.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

k2times  Pro User  says:

What a dooouuuuche!!!! Nice job.

I nominate this to be the inaugural post forwww.douchelicious.com. Seconded?
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

lynchseattle  Pro User  says:

Nice - You are a better man then me. I might have gone insane :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

mbshane [busy as hell, but back soon!]  Pro User  says:

My hero.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

mingocat says:

Excellent story!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Ron310 says:

lol excellent narration!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

tshane  Pro User  says:

This is soooooo worth it!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

goosta says:

Well done..
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

MOVED TO PIXELENS FOLLOW ME THERE! says:

Indeed, thanks for posting and blogging about this...

--
Seen on pixelens.com (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

michelle.k.  Pro User  says:

Fabulous shot, fabulous story.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

sharkbubbled  Pro User  says:

How ironic. I will call my lawyer if it is on the internet...

Frontpage of flickr explorer. Viewed 3,476 times

:-)

Excellent shot btw.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

chughtai  Pro User  says:

One of the few original shots on flickr. Photo blogging at it's best. :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

rikkijane  Pro User  says:

i LOVE this! GREAT capture! from the looks of things, you might have to go into the witness protection program, but hey- you made explore!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Jeremy Brooks  Pro User  says:

Thanks for the comments and views. This is the first front-page explore photo for me.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

dontletitfoolyou [deleted] says:

brilliant.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

= xAv = () says:

That's so interesting to read the story associated to this amazing picture.
Thanks for sharing with us. I'll definitely relay this one.
All the best.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

matt_industries  Pro User  says:

I feel bad for his wife as well.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

lavabitsoot says:

God, what a tool.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

~SouthPaw~  Pro User  says:

I think Mr. Angry Overreaction Man just needed a cookie!

Maybe his pinkie is extended because it was broken by the last photographer / homeless man / Starbucks barista / MUNI driver he assaulted. It would not surprise me at all.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

alex_kasin  Pro User  says:

On a side note, I had yet to see anyone make wireless earpieces look good on them.

Great story.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Enlightened Fellow  Pro User  says:

It's Robo Angry Overreaction Man.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Wzrdry  Pro User  says:

Well done, douche factor 10 on this guy.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

DiskoVilante  Pro User  says:

He is also douchey man.
Evidence: in ear bluetooth headset, leather jacket, general douchey demeanor.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

SlideOut Trey  Pro User  says:

Just doing my part in adding another meaningless comment giving the impression that many people on the internet have seen this
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

James Kurczaba says:

I own that headset and it was awesome... until now... lol. Awesome shot, great story and great ending! Thanks for sharing and giving a big kick in the face to knobs!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

derrickprophoto  Pro User  says:

Great picture, love it.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Alejandro Ramírez  Pro User  says:

Wow, what a guy. I guess I or anyone would probably feel angry too if someone caught you on camera while doing something bad (such as yelling at a homeless person). People seem to react in two ways to situation they can't deal with: they explode or they run away.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

bannedinhwood says:

Awesome
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

bannedinhwood says:

Oh, and I hope you don't mind me posting this to www.bannedinhollywood.com - if so, let me know...
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jayfarmington says:

seems like some fake mafioso wanna be... just another douche bag.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

loki61 says:

i thought san franciscans were a pretty cool bunch. maybe he was lost?
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

dubplate77 says:

so you've turned his problem into your problem and now you're the victim,my heart bleeds.

you've antagonised the situation by taking the photograph of an already volatile situation and i bet you were just aching for this to turn into something you could have your 15 mins of fame with. What other reason would you do this for. Just because there's no law against taking photos in the street doesn't mean you have to.

I wonder how long you'll dine out on this one for.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

davenolan says:

OK so he's angry and he's no lawyer, but you're just taking advantage for 5 minutes of Internet fame. Shame on you.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

mechanical_marksy  Pro User  says:

reminds me of a younger version of upset De Niro
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Paul Wilcock  Pro User  says:

Is there anyone who wears a bluetooth earpiece who ISN'T a douchebag?
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

skopp888 says:

your blog link doesnt work
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

therealneurox  Pro User  says:

Wow, what an ass - I hope some of his colleagues find this picture online - that could be hilarious.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

omalingue  Pro User  says:

It's a good well handled story, that makes the photo worth being on first page of Explore.
The photo is good too, now all we can hope is that the man sees the image, the story, the reactions, and goes to his daughter to apologize for being a prick in front of her.
Maybe he'll do something about the borg blue tooth earpiece too.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

retsoced  Pro User  says:

Awesome! 13k views and counting - I found this on reddit btw. He looks like a guy I used to work with....
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

winkeh says:

haha great shot and story :)
i hope his mom sees this picture and gives him a proper spanking! :o
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

fourlittlebees says:

And now it made PopURLs. Heh. Karma is a BITCH.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

RhyminS says:

I feel bad for his daughter too, but not his wife. She likes assholes, that's why she hooked up with him in the first place.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

normal but special  Pro User  says:

This is just the best shot ever, I feel you with the 50mm lense and having to get up a little closer!

Good story also.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

flawlesscowboy says:

Here's to you Mr. Angry Overreaction Guy, a Real Man of Genius.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

kim_me_1967  Pro User  says:

mean people suck.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

drewbic says:

Front page of Reddit right now. Just fyi.

And good for you. Documentation of public activity should not be something one should be threatened for doing. You want privacy? Go home and close the curtains. He probably yells at customer service agents through that bluetooth all the time. douchebag.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

scroogemcjohnson says:

That's too funny.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

hendler says:

Love the power of the internets to extinguish raging jerks.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

hherbzilla  Pro User  says:

Great story and picture.

--
Seen on reddit.com (?)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

dubplate77 says:

Hardly a well handled story. Any one know why he was shouting in the first place... or is 'he's a douchebag for wearing a bluetooth headset' enough?

You're no star, you're no photo journalist. You're sticking your nose in other peoples business - nothing better than the pap.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

thatsmybarber says:

He was probably on the run from the mob and now they know where he is and what he looks like, you just signed his death warrant!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Craig !  Pro User  says:

Via the #1 story in Reddit. Nice.

Someone said 'the fonz' - has more of a DeNiro look to me - "Are you taking pictures of me ... you must be taking pictures of me".

I have to admit I might ask someone not to take my picture, but grabbin at someone and threatening them seems like a few steps across the line. And doing it with your kid there ... well...
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jdurchen  Pro User  says:

Aside from the great subject matter, the shot is also very good! Way to get a great shot under such adverse conditions! Bravo!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

T.Shawn Knisely  Pro User  says:

I like it. I wish I had the guts to take more public photos, but it is situations just like that this that I fear. Good job!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

techgeek27 says:

Um, dude, I think you just EFd with the Mafia... Was nice knowing ya ;)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

kreg.steppe says:

What a load of crap (on idiots part) I like how people demand your camera when you have a picture that they don't like.

Way to go Jeremy!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

john edward says:

explore #1 huh..he'll just love that!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

AndroTravel  Pro User  says:

and we know that your side to the story ( which makes you look very good) is true? I think what you've done to this guy is just about as bad as what ( you say ) he was doing to the homeless guy. for all we know you could have been harassing the homeless guy and he was getting in your face about that.

Always two sides to every story. Even if your story is true...haven't you ever had a day when you've done things you wish you hadn't? And who appointed you to be vigilante to mete out rough justice using the internet. Another American cowboy....
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

mezzanine_0001 says:

scumbag
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jawngee  Pro User  says:

I dunno, the homeless in San Fran (I'm from NYC) can be f*cking annoying, one of the reasons I hate SF (aside from the petculli). Are you sure there isn't more to his story than "getting in the face of some homeless guy?".

It's also funny how righteous indignation gives people license to judge an individual's worth based solely on appearance. I'm not sure what a bluetooth headset proves about the character of an individual or why people assume two wrongs make a right (assuming this guy was in the wrong in the first place).

If I was in altercation, and assuming it had some validity, and some self-righteous do-gooder was taking my photograph, I'm sure the conversation would carry over to the guy taking my picture. You've stuck your nose in someone elses business and haven't enough facts to back it up.

I'm just sayin.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

3rd foundation  Pro User  says:

cmiper : brilliant!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

doc.neuman  Pro User  says:

did no one else notice how short and stubby his pinky is? maybe i'm the one with a long pinky.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ihatealex  Pro User  says:

it's always the guy with the bluetooth headset and leather coat that's the asshole.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

johnmac7227 says:

The Interwebs: Exposing Shameless Douchebaggery since 1994®
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

peterkelemen  Pro User  says:

I'm not sure you're entirely right. Yes, you can take photographs of people in public areas, but I'm not entirely sure that you're allowed to publish that picture.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

peterkelemen  Pro User  says:

(People in Europe at least have the right to their "likeliness" and publishing of pictures taken in public areas where individuals are recognizable are subject to permission for publication. IANAL, though.)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

chefshaolin says:

How about this possible scenario however.. Homeless man does something incredibly stupid or dangerous to provoke the angry man. You bumrush him with a camera and his fight or flight kicks in (hence the over-reaction). You know the rest.

Or, he's a jerk.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

GorillaKilla says:

Or maybe he is in the witness protection program and you blew his cover? History of Violence anyone?
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

cmiper  Pro User  says:

peterkelemen he can't publish it *commercially* without a model release...commercially being the key.

chefshaolin he was across the street (unless I am misreading Jeremy's account) and couldn't get the shot, that is until he was approached by the guy. Hardly a bumrush either way.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Boris Kafka  Pro User  says:

Well he does look like a bit of a tool. Once he touched you he crossed the line. Had he been cool about it and asked you nicely to stop taking his pic I imagine his pic would not be here today.

Photography is not a crime
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

TravelingRoths  Pro User  says:

That's the "Paulie Walnuts" pointing gesture, by the way.

Good on you, Jeremy!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jimlifton says:

I'm not sure what a bluetooth headset proves about the character of an individual or why people assume two wrongs make a right

There are only two types of people who wear bluetooth headsets: the people who sell them and douchebags. Sometimes both.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

CrashTest [deleted] says:

Don't know the entire story so I can't comment. He does look like the Fonz though - ehhhhh.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Jana (ugobananas)  Pro User  says:

to the people complaining:

he said he was trying to capture the emotion of the argument between him and the homeless guy. he didn't make assumptions about why he was yelling at him.

chill out people and get off your high horses.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

rdevenanzio says:

dead link on blogged it here
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ted.sbardella says:

That is a cool jacket. oh and I hated when my father would embarrass me as well.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

arch0nmyc0n says:

Actually, there is legal precidence supporting guys claim. While the cases I can remember involved pictures that generated some kind of revenue (and not just commercially), I don't think it would be hard to argue a case for this one. Like the peach eater they had on David Letterman for example. While I don't agree, it doesn't matter the location was public. There's not enough information about the entire situation for anyone to judge what happened. What if the homeless man made some kind of sexual comment to his daughter? You just don't know the entire story and should reserve judgement until you understand the circumstances.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Derek Jackson  Pro User  says:

What a Jerk . . .
.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

< Prev 1 2 3 4
(323 comments)

Would you like to comment?

Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).

[?]
view photos Uploaded on May 6, 2008
by Jeremy Brooks

Jeremy Brooks' photostream

11,190
uploads

This photo also belongs to:

San Francisco: North Beach (Set)

667
items

City By The Bay (Set)

3,000
items

Explore (Set)

105
items
Part of: Explore

San Francisco (Pool)

Explore Me (Pool)

Scenes From The Street (Pool)

Lenguaje corporal (Pool)

Don't Eff with Mr. Zero (Pool)

Photography is not a crime (Pool)

Images a la sauvette (Pool)

Tags

Additional Information

AttributionNoncommercial Some rights reserved Anyone can see this photo

Add to your map