This is a Public Service Announcement especially for the lady photographers on here...BE CAREFUL!!!
Last weekend, when Michael was home, I left while the kids were resting for a quick photo field trip near home. It was broad daylight and I went to a relatively busy road, parked my car behind a church building and walked a few blocks to a bridge for photos of the river in the winter. It had snowed the day or so before and I was hoping for snowy trees and banks. My lens didn't allow me to capture the width of the water of it as much as I wanted, but I got a few quick shots and trudged back to my car, thinking about where I would go next. As I walked, a old, black, rusted out, beater of a pickup truck, pulled up slowly, right next to me. The driver leered out at me and offered me a ride. I smiled, told him I was ok and he slowly drove away looking back at me, but turned at the next road right by where I had parked my car. Oh crap, was he there waiting for me? I waited a few minutes praying he would be gone and walked cautiously to my car. Luckily, he didn't appear to be around, I got in my car and quickly locked the door, relieved to be safe.
Perhaps he was just a nice man, offering a lady a ride on a cold day, but it didn't seem or feel like that. He had a serial killer look about him, similar to the guy that I will never forget in the college bar who walked by me in the dark club with sunglasses and leather gloves on?! I felt a chill when he passed and stayed the heck away from that scary looking dude.
On one other occasion, I had a frightening run in with a man who asked my friend or I to get into his car and start the engine for him (he was standing with the hood up, tinkering with the engine). We had a funny feeling about it being that we were deep in the woods in the middle of nowhere at a lonely restaurant and offered to get our husband's who were inside to help. When we got them and came back in another minute or so, he said "No, man, we're cool!" slammed the hood, jumped in and took off. All he needed to do was get one of us in that car, push us across the bench seat and take off.
I took a self defense class in college, Self Defense for Women. It was taught by a former police officer who had heard lots of stories about attacks, abductions and murders. One of the points that he kept driving home with us was to NEVER get in the car with someone (who is attempting to take you). Fight like your life depends upon it, because if you get in the car, your chances of surviving diminish greatly.
As ladies who are out taking photos and maybe sometimes distracted by that, we need to be alert to those around us. I realized that I didn't have my cell phone on me when I was out that day (it was in the car, but not on my person). The situation turned out fine, but perhaps it may not have. Anyway, just wanted to pass that on so that you can be prepared and on guard. And go out with others perhaps, especially at night.
And it's sad that we need to keep this in mind, isn't it? I've had similar experiences. I'm a fairly quiet person and try to be unobtrusive, but most of the time I also try to be hyper-aware...especially when carrying camera equipment. I'm most likely not going to be able to outrun anyone who grabs it away from me. I've dissuaded panhandlers or hustlers by turning on them if they approach me unbidden with the tired opening line, "Hey, can I ask a question?" or "a favor?" by looking them right in the eye and saying "NOT if you're going to ask me for money!" That usually startles them into passing me by. But as you described, it's the creepers that have more in mind then begging for gas money because they're from out of town and their kids are starving in the car, etc., etc. that are more concerning.
BTW, I've been meaning to ask, where did you move? Still in the Mason area?
@sjoblues Nope, I am in Loveland now. Sorry that you've been hassled, too. Glad we are walking around aware, but man, I need to be better prepared with mace or something. A lipstick taser? At least my phone. I guess I could use my camera as a weapon...then I could get a new one;-). Sad, huh?
That's a shocking story and so sad that we can't just go out in daylight and take photos without being on the lookout for pervy men. So pleased you were ok... A salutary warning for us all to heed.
I'm so gald you were safe! My hsband had me get a concealed weapon permit (since I'm alone so often), but I'm still to chicken to carry a weapon, for now. Mace/Pepper spray is the next best option. Thanks for the warning!
@smellychelli That and a taser. That's cool that you have your concealed weapon permit. I need to go shooting again. My first and last time was a disaster.
Nice shot Amanda, and a good reminder of safety - especially when out with the camera - it is easy to be distracted and not be aware of what's going on!
Wow. Good advise for sure. We take a lot for granted, and yes, while caught up in the excitement of taking photos we are vulnerable. Both women and men. They say your gut instinct is usally right. Listen to it.
I think I'm always alert in that way and have planned to bring out my phone and ring someone if I see any doubtful characters! Never had to but the world is a funny place! Nice wintry river view!
Lovely shot, sorry to hear that you feel unsafe. The idea of carrying a weapon scares the hell out of me tbh, i really dislike guns but I think that might be a cultural thing because they are not such a thing in the UK.
I try to think about the areas I am going to photograph and other than that I put my faith in the fact that if anyone attack me my gear is insured and not worth my life and if anyway lays a hand on me for more sinister reasons the police will be able to identify the scum from the scarring that I give them. My dad taught me several pretty nasty and damaging and visible things that a woman can do to an attacker even if smaller, weaker and hurt.
I am always on guard. My husband doesn't get it. I've told him that if I'm the only on an elevator and a man gets on it, even if it's not my floor, I will exit the elevator and wait for another. I park near lights near the entrance if I have to go to the store at night, I walk with keys between my fingers, I have my cell phone ready. He was flabbergasted that I think this way. I don't think guys really get it.
Great shot and definitely blues. Bummer of a story and yucky. I always make sure to take my phone with me when shooting, and always try to say where I'm going and when I'm planning to be back, if I'm going alone. Better safe than sorry.
Scary story! I'm very glad you're safe. Like Carly I find the idea of people walking about with guns quite disturbing, but that's probably because we have a different attitude to them here in the UK.
I have often questioned myself about being out on backroads photographing... no scares, so far. The water in your photo looks bitterly cold... careful not to fall in the water, too.
Thanks for sharing the story and remind us to be aware. We all love photography but should think twice before getting into certain risky situations. Glad you're OK.
So glad you are safe - and aware of these dangers. - Sunset shoots are also dangerous - it's suddenly dark and here's Uncle Pervy out to "save" you - Heaven only know what from. I usually have a dog with me (it makes me feel safer - Lol) I love the milky blue tones of the ice-cold water and the soft scalloping of snow along the bank, A beautiful restful and soothing image.
A quiet photo for such a scary story. I have expressed my concern to you before about being out there alone for your red riding hood series. Some places require a concealed weapons permit for tasers, pepper spray, etc. It would be worth it to get one, and get lessons how to use it. Here, sidearms are common, but in your case with children in the home, maybe one of them would be a better choice.
Wise words resulting from a scary story Amanda. Very glad to hear you are OK. This looks like a pretty, remote place. Take care out there!
(Linda, @se7en , Fridays)
Scary! My husband is always reminding my daughter and I to pay attention when we are out -- situational awareness -- then he takes us to the range for some target practice because he insists I go out armed if I go out without him.
excellent advice! i always take my cellphone with me... and i figure in a pinch i'd use my tripod as a weapon... so far, touch wood, i've never run into trouble...
@seanoneill :). I was too freakin' scared. I couldn't even describe him but for her looked like a killer. I need to be more observant and careful/prepared. Thanks!
@amandal I kno wthat Rebecca has had a couple encounters over the year that have freaked her out so I know where you are coming from. Take care, it is after all ONLY a photo.
@seanoneill True, true, but who would think going out in the MIDDLE of the day in a busy area would be dangerous. I was not trying to be reckless or foolish. And it wasn't even a great photo...oy! Sorry that Rebecca has been frightened, too. So unfortunate that crap like this happens. And really we should be grateful to not be victims!
Thanks so much, my friends. I really appreciate your great comments and thanks for reminding me to be careful, too. Really I do try. Who would expect to have someone try to grab you in broad daylight? Oy. Grateful for safety and intuition and/or God's protection. Be safe, guys! Hugs.
BTW, I've been meaning to ask, where did you move? Still in the Mason area?
I try to think about the areas I am going to photograph and other than that I put my faith in the fact that if anyone attack me my gear is insured and not worth my life and if anyway lays a hand on me for more sinister reasons the police will be able to identify the scum from the scarring that I give them. My dad taught me several pretty nasty and damaging and visible things that a woman can do to an attacker even if smaller, weaker and hurt.
Great image.... I love the glistening water.
(Linda, @se7en , Fridays)
Thanks so much, my friends. I really appreciate your great comments and thanks for reminding me to be careful, too. Really I do try. Who would expect to have someone try to grab you in broad daylight? Oy. Grateful for safety and intuition and/or God's protection. Be safe, guys! Hugs.