curmugeon | april 15th...

This day s tax day and the wingnuts will be out in force. I know he tea baggers will be gathering at Duck Pond Park in Temecula and should be a good photographic subject.... so here are some rules I found somewhere about photographing protests...

Maimonides' Rules for Covering Protests
I do this fairly often. When you suffer from agoraphobia, angry crowds are the ultimate thrill-ride. But I've learned from my mistakes.

1. Do not engage. If you're asked who you're with say you're a tourist, an independent photographer, or there as part of the protest if you answer at all.

2. Do not be a lightning rod. They are also filming. Do not give them video to work with.

3. Do not get hurt. I've been punched while playing this game, when I was stupid enough to break rule 1. I do not want anyone hurt, arrested or hurt and arrested.

4. Get the snaps. Just get the picture Show up after they've organized (10-15 minutes late) and look around. Find your targets, take them, don't get in the way.

5. Respect the subjects. I know, hard one, but they are people too, people who just want to get together with like-mindless morons of largely the same ethnic background. Nonetheless, respect their right to protest. They're Americans too, albeit selfish ones.