On my morning walk two days ago, I spotted these two bicycles sitting alone near the bottom of a bridge.
At first, I thought there were likely a couple of kids fishing nearby and if there were, I hoped to get permission to take a few photos of them fishing, and of their bikes.
As I descended to take a closer look, there was nobody in sight, so then I started to wonder if the bikes had been stolen and ditched there.
My intent was to snap a photo and post it on our local lost and found Facebook page.
As I snapped the photo, I was startled by a woman coming up from under the bridge to the right. She angrily asked, “What are you doing?” I replied that I was just taking a photo of the bikes. Still obviously angry, she said, “ I don’t like you taking a picture of my bike!” I apologized and offered to delete the photo. I said she could come to witness me deleting it from both my camera roll and from the deleted files on my phone.
As she started coming towards me, the gentleman she was with also came out from under the bridge and stopped her. He said, “Never mind, she’s obviously an artist” (indicating me)
I told them that I was indeed an artist and loved taking photos of scenes that tell a story. The last part of the statement is true, so I didn’t feel too guilty.
I must say, I was more than a bit nervous for a few minutes. I learned a valuable lesson about checking my surroundings closely, and if anyone is around, to ask permission before taking photos of personal property.
The original was a colour photo. Because of the age of the bikes, the black and white rendering seemed appropriate.
“Consent is at once a simple and complex issue. If you are unsure about whether you have a person’s consent, it’s better to make sure you do rather than risk it.”
Kayleigh Alexandra
Radically Retired 
Wow. Your words add to the photo’s story. But what I really want to comment on is how we define ourselves. You are an artist in the same way that you are a walker, photographer, nurse, and all the other things you are. Am I a writer? Yes, even though I don’t have much exposure, that’s one of the things I’m doing. Am I a photographer? Maybe. Anywho, I found your post very thought provoking.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Kristie! You’re correct in saying it’s interesting in how we define ourselves. I guess I don’t tend to consider myself an artist. Perhaps I am, in some sense of the word. You’re definitely a talented writer, and, in my world, anyone who takes a photo is a photographer. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Have a great Saturday!
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You are an artist! I’m not sure permission is technically required to photograph someone’s private property (as long as you are not on the private property); however, it is the polite thing to do. If a person is there, I do ask. In some cases, asking might offend them, so in those cases, I let it go.
But if no one is there, I consider it free reign. Given the seat on those bikes, I would have assumed they were kids’ bikes. Every picture tells a story, and this one sure did!
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Betty! I agree that whether or not it’s required by law, the polite thing to do is to ask. When I’m doing city walks and there’s a yard with flowers I can photograph without leaving the street, I still go and knock on the home owner’s door to request permission. Not a single person has denied that, and most have invited me to take other photos around their yard. I think people appreciate the respect. Have a great Saturday!
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hahaha I bet those two were up to some kind of mischief and she freaked out because she’s paranoid! Maybe she thought you are a spy and caught them together under the bridge!
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Haha! I didn’t think about that option! Thanks for reading and commenting, Chris!
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