Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Shoot-n-Scoot Photography

By Ken Parks, January 16, 2013

The term, “Shoot and scoot” is associated to a military tactic of firing at a target and then immediately moving from the location where the shots were fired.

Whether it's preaching on Beale Street in Memphis or playing musical instruments in Little Five Points in Atlanta, the street photographer must take care in what or who they photograph.  Some people can get rather testy about having the photo taken and may want to confront you.  It's best to shoot-n-scoot.

In Photography, the meaning has to do with taking a photograph, especially in the public or street photography and then immediately moving on, primarily to avoid confrontation with the person(s) photographed.

This photo of a homeless man was taken on Peachtree Street in Midtown of Atlanta. He was cold and hungry.  After taking a few more photos along with other photographers, I decided to do the right thing.  I slipped him a $20 bill.  None of the other photographers seemed to have any compassion for the man.  However, that is a subject for another day.  The homeless man did not have any ill-feelings about having his photo taken, but simply went about his way.











Taking photos of people in public locations, is it legal? When it comes to street photography, it's public domain. Anyone in a public location can take photographs of anything or anyone they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, and malls. That's right, even malls; technically they are private property, but they are open to the general public and that makes it a public place.

This guitarist simply played away and did not seemed to be bothered by any street photographers.  I noticed that his guitar case was opened and sprinkled with some change.  After several photos were taken, I placed a $5 bill in the case.  These folks are entertainers and appreciate any contributions. This was not a shoot-n-scoot situation.  When doing street photography in Italy, I photographed several street musicians and always gave them a few Euros.  

As an American, you may be subject to the approach of gypsies in the larger Italian cities such as Florence or Rome.  They have the knack of determining you as an American; the cameras give it 
away that you are a tourist.  And they will often beg for money for their "Bambino."

In the case where they are a constant bother, tell them, "I will get the Polizia or the Carabinieri Itlaian military police).  Then they are found no where near; they disappear.

If a building is a private property and the photograph was taken from the sidewalk, it's fair game. If you are on private property and are asked not to take photographs, it is best to honor that request.

When it comes to sensitive government buildings such as court houses, military installations, and nuclear facilities, these locations usually prohibit photography because of a threat to national security.


This restaurant  worker was taking a break in a back alley.  I used a long telephoto lens. Within a few seconds she tired of my presence and made tracks back to the restaurant. 

Sometimes rejection can take the form of ignoring your photographic presence.  I suggest to people in my photography meetup group to use a long telephoto lens. Most subjects will not know that they have been photographed and the shoot-n-scoot will not have to be implemented.


Although “security” is the excuse often used to avoid being photographed, for the most part it's invalid. Taking photos of high profile peopl in the public is not illegal. You are allowed to photograph accident scenes, fires, criminal activity, children, celebrities, law enforcement, Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster or even Obama.

If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking photographs, and you don't have to provide your identity. The exception may be if you are questioned by law enforcement. Then it's best to be cooperative.

When taking photos of law enforcement, it is best not to let them know.  Again, a long telephoto lens is required.

The Carabinieri are very sensitive about being photographed, claiming it's a security thing.

My first encounter with the Carabinieri was in Rome during the Kosovo War of 1999.  Upon taking their photos on t he North gate of the U.S Embasey, they questioned me and wanted to take my camera.  I simply stated, "Touristo Americano.  Bella uniforms!"  I managed to talk my way out of a bad situation.

If I had tried the shoot-n-scoot, I would have found myself in a holding cell.  My advice when it comes to law enforcement - be very carefull.

When I'm involved in street photography, I usually use a long lens. When up close, I shoot-n-scoot

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