Photo by Brian W. Green

This week, a photographer named Brian W. Green got accosted in the Boston subway for taking photos. Here’s the conversation, from his blog seeyouinsleep.com:

Driver – “it is very rude to take my photo and i dont like that” 

I felt it was better to just ignore her since it was 12:30 at night and i was a few stops away from home. Well at the next stop a security officer for the MBTA got on board and this is kinda how that went.

Him – “are you taking photos of the driver”

Me – “no -holds out camera- you can gladly look at what i have been taking photos of”

Him – “could u step off the train and talk to me” 

Me – “no i told you im not taking photos of her and i have offered to show you if thats not enough then so be it”

at that point he picks up his walkie talkie and tells his dispatcher that he might need boston police.

Me – “just look, -Holds out camera-“

Him – “no thats ok i do not need to see your camera but are you sure you were not taking photos of her” 

Me – ” yes im pretty fucking sure i know what im taking photos of”

at that point i got off the train and went to the second car.

So, what’s up, Boston? Don’t tell me you’re joining the ranks of other ignorant cities (New York, Washington, LA) that needlessly harass photographers on public transit.