AH!

What a marvel! Gareth and I agree on something!!!

One second.

nobody is asking for " ID of the photographic type" - and Yes, I go around with my ID because I want to. Because i'm a legal person, and don't mind proving my identity to somebody who is (too cautiously) inquiring into my actions. (which I understand being possibly suspicious)

"Do you need to take with you the written instructions from someone to take these pictures ?"

No, I don't think that's the point. THe point is IMO, to be aware of oneself, and what you are doing. THere is nothing wrong in taking photos of stuff in the street, then say it: 'Im a street photographer, I take street portraits, I am an amateur, and I am in this country legally, and have every right to take these photos. Actually look - this is a great portrait of a person in the streets of london - (showing photo). DOn;'t you think this would be enough?

Very interesting video.

For once though, as an Italian myself, I actually don't think the first part of the story is inappropriate.

Had she been in italy her attitude would have been absolutely justified, and her initial reaction to the PCSO's completely normal. Having lived in this country for long enough though I understand that whilst it is ridiculous to be stopped under act 44 for taking pictures in public places, one ALWAYS has to put himself in the position of power, by telling the truth, and not by playing 'cocky' (because cocky she was - in the face of the pcso). Had she said from the beginning that she was an art student doing research on a project, then there wouldn't have been any problems. Not only, but showing what she had shot would have completely cleared the situation.

Instead she had the typical italian attitude towards authority, and instead of accepting the check (like security at the airport - that nobody likes - but evrybody accepts) she could have concluded the conversation in 2 minutes, and walked off making fun of the stupid pcso's that stopped her.

Now, whilst I obviously hate this whole idea of being checked for what you do, I also understand that a foreigner that comes to take pictures of buildings *can* be suspicious. I wouldn't do it without being very self reassured of my position, and ready to explain what i was doing to any authority.

What happened in the second part of the video is a different story, because clearly the PCSO's went to the police officers and toldthem that the girl was being thick, and the police officers went crazy and forcefully cuffed her. Again, I doubt that she didn't react in this instance either, its a very italian thing to do. Had she proven her status with the MET, probably nothing would have happened.

Unfortunately Italians are used to undermining authority, and for good reasons: there have been many cases in recent times, where young people have been arrested for a minor crime (small quantities of ash, or minor drug dealing) and have died whilst in custody - after having been beaten to death by policeman, or prison guards. No wonder italians dislike authority. (I would hope england to be a different story though)

I saw this the other day, and found it very disappointing and a bid sad...

RIght, so, re-edited the same image - do you like this better?

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/CandleLight2.jpg[/IMG]

LUKA!

STOP STARING AT MY WIFE'S BOOBS!!!!

LOL

I quite like these 2

DA*50-135 @ f2.8

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/50-135-f28.jpg[/IMG]

and FA 31mm ltd @ f3.5

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/Bazar-Dried-Peppers.jpg[/IMG]

(I've had sizing problems, so these are saved for web - hopefully it hasn't changed the colour too much)

Kind regards to all

I know what you mean (both John and Stefan) - but if I was to buy studio lights I would make sure to buy a product that allows also for outdoor shooting. and the limit of shooting outdoors is that you have to be able to overpower sunlight, and therefore a lot of power is needed.

This is not a matter of money i think, I've already established that if I buy a photographic product I will spend the necessary amounts for the best possible product i can afford. Which is why its only a matter of establishing if a set of studio strobes are something I really need, and would use enough, to justify the large expence.

James - that looks like a good price for a good product. Is it reliable? what distances? Are you able to fire at 5 fps with it? and sync to 1/180th? (sorry lots of questions but I might just go for that one... )

oh, and I wouldn't get the cheapest systems out there either. I'd need at least 500W, and some durable reliable lights, surely with the possibility of adding a power pack to take outdoors.

So we are talking of bowens, or elinchrome, and speaking about £1000 only for the strobes and triggers, + another £1000 for the power pack.

the same studio shoots I've been doing for a while.

problem is that with all the events i'm shooting, I can't even think of getting rid of the flashes i have.

and for my small studio work in the house, the power of the flashguns is more than enough. only a modelling light and faster recycle times would be helpful...