I used these on the chaser near Mapleton with the annoying disco strobe lights installed in their car's tail lights. Hazards are more than enough, and I had to lay down the law as a licensed and registered chaser. The feedback I received was "Accomplished restraint fairly well, while doing so in a fun and flirty manner. Tickled."
Well, as I said SMTX may be overselling it...but I'm not saying it's without warrant or that he's lying. In fact He's probably closer to the truth than your somewhat dismissive attitude (or at the very least the way your post reads). Wiley comments are just dramatic, I am sure you understand to some degree what many here are saying. But it should be said for everyone (for those that have not encountered specific situations) that your time will come. I personally have seen some pretty crazy stuff. Look around before or after a hurricane. You seen those photos of signs with "looters will be shoot on site". 75% aren't kidding. I can't quote any specific story, but I do remember vague stories of not only well meaning volunteers being shot from over zealous and shell shocked victims, but also reporters. May not have always been weather related, but it doesn't matter. Many people act badly, rational or not. You can't expect rational behavior. Look at the news...we always here about people reacting badly in a situation...and how many neighbors and family interviewed after the fact said, "I never thought they were capable of such a crime". It's almost a cliche in the media these days. THAT is why SMTX original point was such a good one, because he reminded us that there are real dangers even if we are decent and respectful...so being disrespectful can and will likely bring you into hot water fast. Like I've learned to do...read/listen to the advice of others...when there is a consensus, it's pretty good advice.
when I get more chasing experience??? are you kidding me??? I been chasing since I was 24 on my own, and been a few times with my dad before that from the time I was 15 till I started going on my own.
these were taken by me after the Murfreesboro Tornado on 4-10-2009. see where I was standing??? Cops, residents, firemen all over the place and no one said a word to me and no I didn't ask permission, the camera around my neck clearly showed my purpose there, "to document".
Documenting things like this tells the world what happened, provides valuable information of what can be done better, what new techniques we can use, how we can improve warning times, construction quality. I'll be honest, I felt a little guilty and awkward for looking a tourist, but at the same time, I knew someone had to take the pictures to show the rest of the world what happened here. This is really no different than a war photographer (i.e Joey the Photographer from the movie "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" with Mel Gibson) who stands there with a camera photographing people getting shot and blown up....but I guess that's ok because it's war right? I mean, there's nothing like your relatives seeing your blood and guts being spilled all over the place on a video documentary or in some book? but you don't hear anyone complain about how insensitive that is!
rest of the pics here
http://drewgphotography.smugmug.com/Weather/BoroTornado4102009/16381702_FBexk#1231929176_EDq3G
Also been through the May 4, 2003 Kansas City tornado, and saw the damage, been in neighborhoods up there, and no one said a word.
so please don't tell me I don't have enough "experience". I may not be knowledgeable about forecasting but that doesn't mean I'm not experienced at chasing.
of course he's overselling the danger, because I've yet to hear of anyone getting shot for taking some pictures.
Actually the media is on private property all the time, I can vouch for that. It's just the degree of which they do it. Just as an example, how many times have you seen reports attempt to get an interview at someones front door. Lots, usually they are denied, many times they get an interview. How many shooting stories have you seen taken from parking lots of malls, etc. How many "undercover" news stories have you seen. Sure...some of these reports are horribly disrespectful, some are helpful, but they do enter private property and more. But the point still stands...we should be doing it better. We certainly don't want to follow the mainstream media. The media folks here I believe show that restraint and do operate better...it's kinda just one of those Chaser Code things as it has been said over and over again.
