Authorities in Texas have allowed a suspicious shutterbug slip thorugh the net:
Law enforcement officials said on Monday they are looking for a man seen taking pictures of two refineries in Texas City, Texas.
. . .
The man, described as white with dark hair, was seen taking pictures outside the refineries, all located on the same highway, at about 5 p.m. CDT on Saturday, said Bruce Clawson, emergency management and homeland security director for Texas City.
While it is not illegal to take pictures of a refinery from a highway or street, officials would like to talk to the man to find out his reason for taking the photographs.
And lest you have any questions concerning this operative’s culpability, this ought to quash all doubt:
The man was seen driving a white van.
Bingo.
On the other hand, police in New York seem to be more on their game.
Oy. Do pictures I took at the Fort Loudoun dam make me a fugitive?
Very creepy, very chilling…check out this post that was at Austin Country Limits:
http://www.austincountrylimits.com/archives/2004/07/beware_photoblo_1.html
I like taking pictures of factories. I suppose if I came across a stretch of road with a refinery, then I would probably try to find a safe place to stop, get out of the car and take pictures. But my motive is interesting pictures-nothing more. Photographers need to be aware of their rights and if possible, shoot with a friend. I don’t a better answer.