I almost got arrsted for this model
polycounter lvl 8
Been playing with 3d scanning the last few days. I think I finally got it down. only 2k texture 
while taking pictures of this rock people called the cops on me. The police pulled up on me asking a bunch of questions. I told them I was a 3d artist and showed them my business card. they didn't really have anything to say after that so i just left. Worth it!
Be careful People!
Be careful People!
Replies
Your portfolio link just leads back to this thread. Might want to fix that.
maybe, the whole thing just kinda bothered me a lot tho. I didn't know people think I'd be up to something just by taking pictures of a rock. I wouldn't have done it otherwise. also, i wasn't at a part it was near a downtown area.
why would someone call the cops when you are taking pictures of a stone ? seriously, whats wrong with the people ?
If the terror paranoia (OMG someone is taking pictures of SOMETHING!!!) won't get you, then copyright law will
I'm wondering what that bronze plaque signifies, methinks the rock is of some historic import?!
...perhaps explains the hassle.
Dunno why general discussion automatically turns into a shitshow
A story I heard on a photography forum, a guy stopped by the side of the highway to take some photos of birds, he whips out his gigantic telephoto lens, someone passes by and calls the cops on him claiming there is a guy on the side of the road with a rocket launcher. Cops show up in full takedown mode.
but i guess its the time we live in
I think you'd be surprised, given a certain mind set what action would be deemed "reasonable"
Maybe how you were taking the pictures of the rock.
or maybe one of these
Tekoppar said:
I just wish people would go easy on assuming things without any information. People are so quick to judge these days, and things can get out of hand pretty fast.
I could say the same...friend.
A similarly aligned circumstance. 1997 dropped off a block from home deciding to walk after a great night out playing pool with mates, an attempt somewhat to clear the head mitigating paying the price later that day. Needn't have bothered though, what transpired in the next few minutes left me stone cold sober, in more ways than one...
Next thing I know an oncoming vehicle's headlights flicked too high beam, piercing blue flashing light, gunned engine, squeal of brakes and smell of rubber...then a barked command from the passenger's side window:
"HEY YOU"
"Ahh...yep???"
"Are you up to anything at this hour?"
"Just a walk getting some air"
"Any trouble with the police?"
"Small stuff really..."
"Yeah what?" (..could make out a smirk forming)
"Speeding...if that counts?"
"Live around here?" (At that time the area was beginning to attract the upwardly mobile young professional set)
"Yes!" (Pointing back up the road 150m to my street corner, opposite a Shopping Mall entrance...duly recited my address in full as directed)
(A moment's pause...) fish tailing, the 'Divvy Van' (Divisional Van) sped off.
Left standing there shaking not from either the cold or fear...
Never told my friends what happened, kept it to myself as a salient lesson. Which is a tad weird considering I now work in an industry (...bill paying 'day job') that operates in close proximity with law enforcement, on the whole enjoying the challenge responsibility brings with it executing day to day duties. Although two decades removed still on occasion I clock a divvy van driving past, evokes total recall of the incident.
Funny how the worm turns?!
Anyways @Tekoppar hence my queried response.
Whinging about our rights just never seemed appropriate if you had any use for your kneecaps.
About 13 years ago, I ended up getting a visit from the MIB after taking some photos up near a restricted military installation in the Florida panhandle. People don't like photographers, especially not when you're out taking pictures of sensitive things like electrical substations, oil facilities, and radio towers. Fortunately, showing them my crappy 3D models in 2004 convinced them that I wasn't a terrorist and that I had barely mastered the concept of extended primitives in Max.
Back on topic, I find that if you're going to go somewhere potentially sensitive, it's good to call or email beforehand and ask if you can take photos. I do this frequently when I'm capturing panoramas - like the ones I took at City Hall in San Fran, I wanted to make sure it was okay to show up with a tripod and they were like "yeah that's fine". Other places have strict polices forbidding the use of tripods or larger gear, so you can save some time by checking before you head out to shoot.
I definitely suggest following EarthQuake's suggestions, but knowing your rights is always important too. In the US, you're permitted to take pictures of basically anything in the public square. No one has any expectation of privacy on public land, and harassing you is definitely not acceptable.
....well in that case, the only other thing I can think of is that the cops must of taken exception too your phone :P
Waddaya packin any way, is it an Android or IOS?