booggerg
Senior Member
maybe because you look shady?
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Are you getting harrassed taking shots?
- Thread starter guswitte
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Tom K.182709
Senior Member
My wife does it all. I help in planning and do the big labor stuff, but she's the landscaper and does all the upkeep. My parents were big into it when I was a kid, so they're happy I at least married someone who likes greenery. Left on my own, I'd live in a loft with nice potted plants.
After 2 acres in the mountains, this time around would bought in a New Urbanism neighborhood. Bright colors, small lots, front porches, garages in the alley, lots of little parks. For average priced homes, it wows many people.
Post that photo.
After 2 acres in the mountains, this time around would bought in a New Urbanism neighborhood. Bright colors, small lots, front porches, garages in the alley, lots of little parks. For average priced homes, it wows many people.
Post that photo.
Gail B
Leading Member
Nobody freaks out over stuff like that. I can't imagine. But I'd like to have a chance to try night-time photography in a big city like New York!
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http://www.pbase.com/bullpooches
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http://www.pbase.com/bullpooches
ShudderBug
Veteran Member
I had to do all the big labor stuff myself. In the 70's, I dug deep and mixed fertilizer in and planted the birch trees in front, two cherry trees, an apple tree, an apricot tree, a lilac bush, and a dogwood tree that didn't thrive and died, even after trying to save it by moving it and feeding it with Miracid. There used to be lots of shrubbery, but my kids took all of it out because it was too much to keep trimmed properly and mow around. At one time, I had flowers all over the yard, and a white board fence which is gone now. All the flowers are gone except a couple of rose bushes and some daffodils. My heart isn't in it any more and hasn't been for a long time. If I can't have it the way I want it, I don't want to mess with it any more.
One of my BIGGEST mistakes all those years was not getting a self-propelling lawn mower because I couldn't never mow the long terrace, even sideways without about killing myself (didn't know the difference). Now with the right kind of lawn mower, that is not as difficult as it used to be.
That sounds wonderful. The only new homes being built in my area are the luxury ones and condos in the sprawly subdivisions (there's more money in it for the builders and subcontractors). There are one or two little new homes on reclaimed lots, but that's not what I would want.
Well you asked for it. I made it small so it won't look so bad. It's a resize and refile of a .jpg and you know what that does to quality which wasn't the best from the scan to start with; newer better-quality digital ones make it look worse. Next door property was purchased by young couple and completely redone, inside and out for speculation. It makes mine look like a worse eyesore. My better quality digital ones make it look much worse. It stretches back quite a ways which doesn't show in the picture.
I'm toying with the idea of trying to find something comparable in a smaller town and starting over (know I won't do it), but I already need help with the mowing now, so that isn't too practical, and I'm not the apartment or condo type. At my age, I do not want to take out a loan for home improvement, and my location doesn't qualify for any of the many government-assistance refurb programs. Also, I've stubbornly resisted slapping siding over those cedar shake shingles because that is what drew me to the house in the first place. It reminded me of those beach cottages and small homes you see in Cape Cod.
Tom K.182709
Senior Member
Great place ShutterBug - I agree, the cedar is important and should stay. You've got something there that's really desirable (note your neighbors dumping money into those character homes).
For a while, we were bound for Flagstaff AZ and I had designed two different neo-bungalows anticipating that move (custom homes at every price level are the norm there - give them computer plans and builders will make proper and build). Fate stepped in and forced a move to Fort Collins CO, where affordable custom building in city limits is unheard of. We had to buy 'off the lot' but really like our neo-Norman Rockwell neighborhood.
Starting over in a new town is always harder than it seems. We've done it so many times and are taking a vacation from relocation. Unless business pulls very hard, we'll stay here and weather out the next big economic downturn.
http://www.koettingfoto.com/PHOTOS%20LATEST/source/tsk050831b.html
For a while, we were bound for Flagstaff AZ and I had designed two different neo-bungalows anticipating that move (custom homes at every price level are the norm there - give them computer plans and builders will make proper and build). Fate stepped in and forced a move to Fort Collins CO, where affordable custom building in city limits is unheard of. We had to buy 'off the lot' but really like our neo-Norman Rockwell neighborhood.
Starting over in a new town is always harder than it seems. We've done it so many times and are taking a vacation from relocation. Unless business pulls very hard, we'll stay here and weather out the next big economic downturn.
http://www.koettingfoto.com/PHOTOS%20LATEST/source/tsk050831b.html
ShudderBug
Veteran Member
Yes, it's a good location and until the way is really clear, I'll hang onto it for now. Any move ends up costing more than you anticipate, and there are tax consequences for selling a paid-for home that has appreciated in value, despite not looking so great and all your capital improvements for 30 years you no longer have receipts for, two roofing jobs, two furnaces, two recarpetings, three rooms with new drywall and insulation blah blah. I'm concerned about the 40% increase in fuel this winter as this place will need better weatherproofing, so I'd better get on that soon. Also checked into those new corn burners, but don't think my floor plan would work very well for that so put that on hold for now. It would be difficult for me to haul and maintain sufficient supplies of corn and you have to feed those monsters every 30 hours or so by hand, but if I were a younger homeowner, I would definitely look into that if you live where there are cold winters and corn is plentiful and cheap, especially in the upper northeast where the people are having a terrible time paying for winter fuel (don't think they grow corn that far north but could be wrong on that). I checked out some of those homes, and a lot of them are heated with kerosene and possibly propane! They don't have natural gas. Natural gas is a real convenience so long as it lasts and prices don't go through the roof.
That looks nice, but without even asking, know something like that would be unaffordable for me. The only thing wrong is that there aren't enough trees. Maybe it's all too new yet. Have a cousin in Ft. Collins I haven't heard from in years. Sounds like a nice place to live.
Yes, I moved all over the country when I was a young adult, and a couple of times since I got back to here where I was born and grew up. Am not in the mood to pack up and move much of anywhere really. Next stop is most likely to be some kind of assisted living, assuming I make it that far. Luckily I had the foresight to purchase insurance for that 10 or more years ago. With my luck, by the time I need it, it won't cover what I expect it to . . .won't worry about it today but will find out exactly what it does and does not cover.
Thanks for sharing your photo.
Tom K.182709
Senior Member
ShutterBug, tax rules have changed. The profits from the sale of your home are tax free, unless you've used a portion of the home for rental income in the last several years (you probably haven't). I'm not an accountant, but have been through this drill a couple of times. There are some rules regarding length of time in the home (which I'm sure you quality for as I did, moving around the country). We've sold three homes with no tax obligation ... though we took the money and put it back into the next home(s), so it's a wash.
Lucky for you assisted living situations are quite nice these days. Most newer facilities are designed to take folks needed no assistance at all, but want a care-free residence and a place to call home when help is needed (they'd rather move now while it's easier and get a few years of travel in).
Thankfully, the internet allows to do a great deal of research before making a move.
Lucky for you assisted living situations are quite nice these days. Most newer facilities are designed to take folks needed no assistance at all, but want a care-free residence and a place to call home when help is needed (they'd rather move now while it's easier and get a few years of travel in).
Thankfully, the internet allows to do a great deal of research before making a move.
I have read most of this thread as promised. It is very interesting. I would like to share the following:
In the past year or so I have been approached and stopped from taking pictures:
1. In a public street by a canal, because the background was an unfinsihed building and the architects were worried that people would steal their ideas.
2. In a park because it was a children's area and "parents did not want people taking photos of their kids" (I was actually after a picture of a clown).
In this context it should be noted that in London the Mayor is about to introduce park supervisors in public areas in London to challenge people with cameras who include children in their shots. Signs will be put up waring parents that paedophiles use the area to take pictures of childern.
3. In a central London historic place of worship, because it was a breach of copyright.
4. In Stratford Tube station on the day the London Olympic bid was announced. No reason was given, the station officer just screamed abuse at me across the public area.
5. With a tripod in the British Museum, because they wanted money for "professional pictures".
6. In a public street in Canary Wharf by an abusive woman who claimed to be a security guard, because it was a "breach of security".
7. At the commemoration service outside King's Cross Station for the Tube Bomb victims because it was infringing people's privacy. This was the most curious. The police used private photos to help catch the terrorists. There was a massive battery of press and TV cameras there that day. At first I was stopped because I was not one of them. In addition, I was harrassed by several people in the crowd, even though other people around me were taking pictures. Was it because they only had cheap camera phones and Nikon SLRS's ? Were they jealous of me?
8. In the British Museum Atrium (no tripod this time) by a Japanese woman who was furious I had included her father in a picture without asking his permission. I was using a wide angle lens and the shot had about 100 people in it.
So it seems that anyone with a Canon 20d (or another nice camera) is a pervert, a terrorist, a thief, and a public nuisance. And is guity before being charged.
DAVID
In the past year or so I have been approached and stopped from taking pictures:
1. In a public street by a canal, because the background was an unfinsihed building and the architects were worried that people would steal their ideas.
2. In a park because it was a children's area and "parents did not want people taking photos of their kids" (I was actually after a picture of a clown).
In this context it should be noted that in London the Mayor is about to introduce park supervisors in public areas in London to challenge people with cameras who include children in their shots. Signs will be put up waring parents that paedophiles use the area to take pictures of childern.
3. In a central London historic place of worship, because it was a breach of copyright.
4. In Stratford Tube station on the day the London Olympic bid was announced. No reason was given, the station officer just screamed abuse at me across the public area.
5. With a tripod in the British Museum, because they wanted money for "professional pictures".
6. In a public street in Canary Wharf by an abusive woman who claimed to be a security guard, because it was a "breach of security".
7. At the commemoration service outside King's Cross Station for the Tube Bomb victims because it was infringing people's privacy. This was the most curious. The police used private photos to help catch the terrorists. There was a massive battery of press and TV cameras there that day. At first I was stopped because I was not one of them. In addition, I was harrassed by several people in the crowd, even though other people around me were taking pictures. Was it because they only had cheap camera phones and Nikon SLRS's ? Were they jealous of me?
8. In the British Museum Atrium (no tripod this time) by a Japanese woman who was furious I had included her father in a picture without asking his permission. I was using a wide angle lens and the shot had about 100 people in it.
So it seems that anyone with a Canon 20d (or another nice camera) is a pervert, a terrorist, a thief, and a public nuisance. And is guity before being charged.
DAVID
Gail B
Leading Member
I guess I'm lucky to live in the middle-of-nowhere .... (and less than 3 hours from Yellowstone Nat'l Park). 
--
http://www.pbase.com/bullpooches
--
http://www.pbase.com/bullpooches
ShudderBug
Veteran Member
In the 70's I took pictures in much of the south of England. One of my favorites which I have lost, was a little child in a pram (stoller here) eating an ice cream cone, with her mother beside it standing there on a sidewalk in a small town on the London to Stratford road. Never occurred to me to ask, and I certainly didn't get any hostile vibes from the mom. She could clearly see that some of us had stepped off a tourist bus. I also had some cute pictures of English children playing in a neighborhood near the Royal Scot hotel. Nobody raised an eyebrow or accosted me. Met a guy in a restaurant who drove me to the Cheshire Grille because I had missed the Samuel Johnson museum nearby, and I appreciated his generosity and willingness to be helpful. I was trying to capture life as it really is in England and not just the touristy spots everybody hits.
One night alone on the tube, I was "accosted" by a strange young man. His motive? To go the stops with me to make sure that I got off at the right one. I was in my early 30's then. It felt totally safe to be there and walk the streets alone. I had no bad experiences with rude people.
I don't care to visit London again if that's what it is like now. Maybe the outlying areas aren't so bad still, but I fear things have gotten not so friendly in those places either.
There is another photography group I used to love where a man from the UK with a Nikon 5700 then D something posted wonderful pictures showing typical life in England. Actually there was another amateur photog who was a favorite who got many series of fantastic shots in the smaller places and shared them with us. Guy #1 got some wonderful photos in Bath.
Neither ever posted anything taken in London unless I missed them.
The whole thing is a shame. I would no longer feel very welcome as a tourist, and I found people most helpful and friendly when I was there. If they keep this up, it is going to hurt the tourist industry there which has already taken a hit.
One night alone on the tube, I was "accosted" by a strange young man. His motive? To go the stops with me to make sure that I got off at the right one. I was in my early 30's then. It felt totally safe to be there and walk the streets alone. I had no bad experiences with rude people.
I don't care to visit London again if that's what it is like now. Maybe the outlying areas aren't so bad still, but I fear things have gotten not so friendly in those places either.
There is another photography group I used to love where a man from the UK with a Nikon 5700 then D something posted wonderful pictures showing typical life in England. Actually there was another amateur photog who was a favorite who got many series of fantastic shots in the smaller places and shared them with us. Guy #1 got some wonderful photos in Bath.
Neither ever posted anything taken in London unless I missed them.
The whole thing is a shame. I would no longer feel very welcome as a tourist, and I found people most helpful and friendly when I was there. If they keep this up, it is going to hurt the tourist industry there which has already taken a hit.
Philip Smith106453
Senior Member
Personally, I often take photos in Manchester, UK, at night even, and never really worry. That said, the only time I've been accosted was in a sleepy Belgium toem - Stavelot. I was taking pics of the town square. I happened to take some of a cafe, in the window of which happened to be a girl in her late teens. Let me clarify, she wasnt; the subject of the shot, just happened to be there.
Unbeknownst to me, the girl and her boyfriend left the cafe and went over to the fountain. They had an embrace. It was a very pretty scene. I was a good distance away. I took a couple of pictures (anyone would), next thing the Neanderthal boyfriend was bearing down on me. He actually snatched the camera from my hands and started shouting at me in French. I can;'t speak French, though luckily my wife can.
She calmed him down and explained I meant no offence, but he insisted I delete all pictures with either him or his girlfriend in. I was somewhat shaken by it all. But after it had all been sorted out, I simply felt angry. I'm not sure of the legalities of taking pictures of people in public in Belgium, but I'm sure of the legalities of his taking my camera. i honestly wish I'd let him smash it when he first snatched it - that's what he looked like he was going to do - the camera is insured, after all. I could have called the police. That would have straightened him out a bit and perhaps made him think twice about doing it again.
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http://photobucket.com/albums/v56/PhilipSmith/
Unbeknownst to me, the girl and her boyfriend left the cafe and went over to the fountain. They had an embrace. It was a very pretty scene. I was a good distance away. I took a couple of pictures (anyone would), next thing the Neanderthal boyfriend was bearing down on me. He actually snatched the camera from my hands and started shouting at me in French. I can;'t speak French, though luckily my wife can.
She calmed him down and explained I meant no offence, but he insisted I delete all pictures with either him or his girlfriend in. I was somewhat shaken by it all. But after it had all been sorted out, I simply felt angry. I'm not sure of the legalities of taking pictures of people in public in Belgium, but I'm sure of the legalities of his taking my camera. i honestly wish I'd let him smash it when he first snatched it - that's what he looked like he was going to do - the camera is insured, after all. I could have called the police. That would have straightened him out a bit and perhaps made him think twice about doing it again.
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http://www.geocities.com/philrachsmith/
http://photobucket.com/albums/v56/PhilipSmith/
ShudderBug
Veteran Member
Another awful story. Kind of funny if it weren't for the bad feelings. Maybe they weren't supposed to be together .
If you managed to save the pictures, and it doesn't sound like you did, I suppose it would depend on Belgian law which I know nothing about.
I did take a few pics there, too, but the Mannequin Pis was my favorite one. Nobody bothered me except the kid who tried to shake me down for money when I used the public rest room. He charged extra because I washed my hands. I should have reported him to the police, as if they'd have done anything. Just paid the extortion and went on my way, can't remember how much, less than a dollar.
Don't trust European police. Bunch of us got robbed on the metro and we didn't even bother to report it because we figured they'd do nothing and probably laugh at us for being so stupid.
I'd have grabbed that shot, too.
.If you managed to save the pictures, and it doesn't sound like you did, I suppose it would depend on Belgian law which I know nothing about.
I did take a few pics there, too, but the Mannequin Pis was my favorite one. Nobody bothered me except the kid who tried to shake me down for money when I used the public rest room. He charged extra because I washed my hands. I should have reported him to the police, as if they'd have done anything. Just paid the extortion and went on my way, can't remember how much, less than a dollar.
Don't trust European police. Bunch of us got robbed on the metro and we didn't even bother to report it because we figured they'd do nothing and probably laugh at us for being so stupid.
I'd have grabbed that shot, too.
Roger Krueger
Senior Member
Here in California at least, your assessed value can only go up a tiny amount each year, but resets to full market value on sale. So I'm paying property taxes on around $135k in assesed value on a home whose fair market value is now around $400k. My annual property tax bill would go from around $1,200 to about $3,500 if I moved to another house of the same value.
(Before you envy me my manse, it's worth pointing out that in San Diego, $400k gets you a 1400sf 3/2 detatched condo, not something nice.)
(Before you envy me my manse, it's worth pointing out that in San Diego, $400k gets you a 1400sf 3/2 detatched condo, not something nice.)
Tom K.182709
Senior Member
You're correct on property tax, but we were talking income tax from a sale. Provided you meat the IRS requirements (as most people do), you no longer pay capital gains on sale of a home. Obviously, professional advice should be sought on such matters.
Best part about California real estate is your buying power when you leave. The rest of the country now seems like a bargain (except maybe NYC and Boston).
We felt rich when we left the Bay Area. Looking through the multi-list in Colorado was like Christmas.
Best part about California real estate is your buying power when you leave. The rest of the country now seems like a bargain (except maybe NYC and Boston).
We felt rich when we left the Bay Area. Looking through the multi-list in Colorado was like Christmas.
Paul Schwenke
Active member
I've had my 20D for about 1 month now and have been harrassed already! Saturday at my friends wedding, the photography came over to me while I was taking pictures of their cake and started in on me about, she's getting paid for only certain pictures and that the extras, like the cake will be up to them to buy seperately. I said that I'm a friend and that my pictures will go to them free of charge. Needless to say, she was ticked off the whole night. She couldn't believe that I'd my such an expensive camera for a hobby. Only thing left to say was, I like good pictures! Funny that she was watch me take pictures and running over to find out how they turned out. She had an old Film camera and never new if hers were fine or not.
Paul Schwenke
Paul Schwenke
eclipsechaser
Senior Member
Do you not think that it's a slight generalisation to say that you can't trust European police?
Also, you can recover deleted files if you don't use the memory card once they're deleted. There are a few programs on the net that could have done it for you.
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Daniel
Also, you can recover deleted files if you don't use the memory card once they're deleted. There are a few programs on the net that could have done it for you.
--
Daniel
Frank Weston
Senior Member
It was a beautiful clear day and I had my camera in the truck. The landfill mountain is one of the highest points in the county. The view was great, so I decided to take a few shots.
Much to my amazement, I was approached by a dump employee and informed in no uncertain terms that photography at the dump was forbidden.
Now I know where the terrorists will strike next; the county landfill.
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Frank Weston - http://www.weston.smugmug.com
Amateurs worry about equipment.
Professionals worry about money.
Masters worry about light.
Much to my amazement, I was approached by a dump employee and informed in no uncertain terms that photography at the dump was forbidden.
Now I know where the terrorists will strike next; the county landfill.
--
Frank Weston - http://www.weston.smugmug.com
Amateurs worry about equipment.
Professionals worry about money.
Masters worry about light.
I must say it does seem to be a London thing in this country. The only time I was stopped outside it was in Newcastle. My visit coincided with a Labour Party conference and the place was swarming with police. They closed off whole areas of the city. I was stopped while taking pictures but the policeman was very nice about it and let me carry on once he could see I was not a trouble maker. He was a police photographer so we even had quite a nice chat.
DAVID
DAVID
funny about the western wall. I think it may have been more that you were on a roof. Though the area is technically a synagogue. Most religious Jews and Muslims are camera shy in my experience. Like much else they have in common.
I discovered photography in Israel in 1974.
DAVID
I discovered photography in Israel in 1974.
DAVID
ShudderBug
Veteran Member
Yes, I was being grossly unfair, painting with a broad brush. I was reporting a real experience and a real decision not to report the incident to the French police. It was intuitive on my part. None of the others in my party who were robbed, there were about four total (all women), decided to report it either, but it wasn't a group decision.
I have trouble, for good reason, not to trust a lot of American police, used to believe they were all officer friendly types. There are good, bad, and in between ones. Why on earth would I trust the police of any foreign country? My mo is to try to stay out of their way, safeguard my money and property better, take responsibility for myself, and hope I won't have to tangle with any of them for any reason in these times. Not all of my experiences with American police have been negative btw.
I was curious if the photographer managed to salvage his pictures of the couple embracing at night in Belgium. Yes, I have read here that it is possible to recover deleted files. It hasn't been a personal issue yet.
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