Digital cameras, camera phones, flip cams. With so many options and conveniences we’re constantly almost chronically documenting our lives. Picture taking has become commonplace in all facets of our lives. Now, imagine if the bartender swiped your camera last weekend claiming no cameras at the bar or what if the store cashier tried to take a swing at you for taking a picture of them?

Blogger and photographer Carlos Miller knows all of this firsthand. He’s been fighting photographic abuse for quite a while even inspiring his award-winning blog Photography Isn’t a Crime. Just last week Miller had another run-in with a security guard as he entered a Miami-Dade Metrorail station with a camera. Even though Miami-Dade County  has no law prohibiting taking pictures Miller has been consistently harassed for bearing arms. And by arms I mean his camera. The law actually outlines our right to take pictures or even shoot video on the Metrorail without any prior permission so long as it isn’t for commercial use. Visit Miller’s blog for details on his experience with harassment and for specifics on the County code and ordinance pertaining to photography on public transit.

In a show of solidarity Miller is inviting all photographers professional and amateur to join him this Sunday, August 8^th at 1pm at the Douglas Rd. Station. Together, peacefully pay the $2 fare camera in tow and pass the turnstiles then take pictures because it’s your right. And when the man is threatening your first amendment right you show power in numbers. No violence needed. What makes the authorities so weary of a camera? That remains to be seen, but imagine the scrutiny of hundreds of camera lenses.

Stand united. Don’t allow the power hungry to step all over our constitutional rights.

Sunday, August 8, 2010 |  1 PM
Douglas Road Metrorail Station
3100 South Douglas Road, Coral Gables, FL