Man may have photos of DS on tube

[AcrossTheOcean]

Hi all,

On the tube the other day a man who seemed odd to me pointed his phone at my young DS and I thought he may have been taking photos or video 😟

I started to try to get his attention saying excuse me but then just ended up trying to position myself between his phone and my DS, somewhat unsuccessfully. An older woman a couple seats down looked on with concern but didn't say anything.

Just wondering what other mums would have done?

I've been called worse!

I actually used to take loads on photos on the tube, but terrorism put paid to most of that.
Now and then, a shot would call for crowds to photographed, and yes, sometimes just a candid shot of a drunk falling asleep, or a lady doing her makeup etc - can make for an interesting photo.
It would make for a very good debate on morality / ethics - when to tell someone you took a photo, when not to etc. What's ok, and what isn't?

Well one thing I will say is that professional photographers usually look the part, expensive cameras, good equipment etc and they are not trying to disguise what they are doing. Plus they are usually taken scene shots as you describe as opposed to someone pointing a phone at an individual. I think people are generally receptive to the ‘real deal’

On balance, it would be a great shame to restrict photography in any way because of some neferious individuals. Photography can be raw, beautiful and fascinating. Particularly ‘people’ photography. But strange blokes pointing camera phones at children is not respectful and not sensible in any way. There is a world of difference between the two though and most people can use common sense.

Given the number of people who take selfies and the number of people who are likely to be taking photos for nefarious reasons in public on a tube where there is cctv, its most likely he took a selfie and the weird look he gave you was because he realised he was going to look like he was photographing your child but he wasn’t, but he’d committed to the action so he had to take the selfie. I also would probably have wondered which it was though, and depending on the situation may have said something.

Well, yes I'd be using an SLR and up to a 400mm long lens sometimes, so that would typically be from 20 - 50ft away. A sneaky cameraphone image doesn't read too well when you put it in writing, but at the same time, I'm sure lots of people take sneaky photos for putting on social media (usually). Either to mock, or just comment on something.
I know personally, if I saw a child and a great photo opportunity, I'd not bother. It's just not worth it. I could take a photo of an old couple, or homeless person no problem, the moment it's an attractive woman - the more problematic (and thus not worth it) it becomes.

Idk... It wouldn't be allowed where I live. But it is in the UK, so there's isn't a lot you can do.

Is your son at risk for a specific reason? (Family issues, e.g..?)

How old is your son? Does he take the tube alone occasionally?

What would have been your reaction if the man was a women instead OP?

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do as you were in a public place. Yes some sick people will take pcitures to wank ober clothed children, but many people don't and you and ban people taking photos in public places

I don't think her son was at risk especially, just that if a man takes a picture of a child, seemingly at random, it's natural to wonder why, and to some extent, worry that it might be for some ulterior motive.

If her child was wearing a crazy costume or something, there might be a less reason to wonder why someone would take a photo, but if they're just dressed normally, it's natural to ask 'why?'

It could also be a mistake and he took a selfie that looked like he was taking a picture of someone else. We'll never know I guess.