Shooting with strobes on 395 at night

[art gardiner]

Hello,

Any one have experience with shooting strobes on I-395? What are the legalities of this? etc.

Thanks in advance,

Art

[Donald Miller]

I would say that the authorities may be able to make a case that you are creating a traffic hazard if your strobes are such that they enter the field of view of other motorists.

[Jim Galli]

First problem is you cannot park your car along I-395 legally. It has to be parked off the right of way which is probably private property. So many laws, so little time. My method is to get my photo, apologize later. Obviously you're not going to be blinding oncoming traffic or anything really dangerous I would hope. What exactly are you trying to accomplish. There was a time when you could take a nap on I-395 at night and not be bothered by another vehicle. Alas, yes I am old enough to remember.

[christopher walrath]

Yeah, you'd be toutted as just another photographic terrorist. I'd really research this with the authorities and if it turns out to be a go, make sure everybody and their grandmother knows you'll be doing it. Don't see it happening though. Good luck.

[art gardiner]

Basically, I'm looking to backlight a roadside memorial. There is a feeder road where i can park and gain access to the site - I suspect that is how the site is being access for up keep. As the rm is of a State Trooper, I guess I could start there. Ideally, the shot would take place early in the am - around 0230-0330 hrs. Traffic should not be a problem, and the strobes would be perpendicular to traffic patterns.

Had I started this project ten years ago I suspect it would not be a problem. I just don't want to be responsible for yet another rm in the area.;)

Thanks for the input.

Art

[davidb]

Please post the arrest report when it's available.

[Kirk Gittings]

My method is to get my photo, apologize later.

Words of wisdom.

[art gardiner]

Please post the arrest report when it's available.

Trust me, I've been running a tab with my lawyer - at this point, I think I've single handedly paid for his youngest private schooling.

[wfwhitaker]

...Ideally, the shot would take place early in the am - around 0230-0330 hrs....

Shootings often do. At least take a bodyguard, er..., assistant.

[Walter Calahan]

Why not use a tripod, and let the ambient light illuminate the roadside memorial?

No need for strobes, thus you are not a traffic hazard. No need to call attention to yourself.

KISS

[Preston]

As an extension to Walter's idea, how about a combination of ambient light and painting the memorial with light. The result could be very interesting.

-PB

[art gardiner]

I appreciate all of the feedback.

I will be using a tripod, and allowing for ambient light, painting portions with a surefire, while backlighting the semi-translucent portion in order to make it pop.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Art

[Jim Noel]

I understand the jails in Inyo and San Bernardino counties are nit very comfortable. If you follow through I have little doubt you will have first hand experience in one of hem,.

[art gardiner]

I understand the jails in Inyo and San Bernardino counties are nit very comfortable. If you follow through I have little doubt you will have first hand experience in one of hem,.

Must be a West Coast thing. Thanks for your very helpful advice.

[Keith Pitman]

I understand the jails in Inyo and San Bernardino counties are nit very comfortable. If you follow through I have little doubt you will have first hand experience in one of hem,.

I think he will be on I-395 outside Washington, DC, not US 395 in California - Nevada. There are a lot more law enforcement-types keeping an eye on you there!