Questions about Baltimore corners.. (Randallstown: houses, neighborhoods, schools)

[MegaJoy]

Originally Posted by Tommy

hello and thank you all for responding.

the areas that i was talking about are indeed the inner city of Baltimore.

i know it sounds strange that i would be fascinated by that. however i like to take photos. and real raw life like that is the best.

now i DO NOT condone drug use or any other activity that may happen on those corners. i do however find beauty in it.

its an acquired taste i guess.

so anyway my question was basically would i be safe to take photos in those areas? or should i hire someone to travel with me?

also, i would like to look at aerial photos of the area.. so if you know any address or intersection in the heart of the chaos i would appreciate it.

i mention west Baltimore because most of the material i have read or heard about come from there. are the south, north, or east sides worst?

what i am looking for are neighborhoods ran by drugs and illegal activity, the worst of the worst.

i know that sounds crazy, but like i said. its an acquired taste of photography.

Good luck Sir, I can't help you I would suggest you get a Baltimore police report to direct to the location you are looking for... BTW-after finding the location you are looking for--how many Bodyguards will you have? Do you think for once you will be able to take a photo of those people without paying them----once more good luck.

[tommy22]

yea after looking at city police stats, it seems rather dangerous.

perhaps i will just continue to read about the areas for now.

however it would be neat to capture those areas with film.

does anyone know of any websites with photos of the corners?

[MegaJoy]

Originally Posted by Tommy

yea after looking at city police stats, it seems rather dangerous.

perhaps i will just continue to read about the areas for now.

however it would be neat to capture those areas with film.

does anyone know of any websites with photos of the corners?

If I rained on your parade I am sorry--I would never go on any neighborhood like that for the sake of taking pictures. There is BEAUTY in other objects look @ the Trees, Birds and if you were to go to Western Maryland the mountains you will see the most beautiful things in Maryland--there is nothing more Beautiful than Western Maryland in the fall. Tommy try it you might like it.....And when you win the Pulitzer Prize for the most unique photos in the world you can thank me...<If there is a Pulitzer Prize>

[tommy22]

yes trees and birds are very pretty.

i just like the raw human aspect a little better.

however if i get shot in the process, i can only hope i will be buried next to a tree full of birds.

[anchors]

I live in South Baltimore &my house is directly across from the projects.
If you go down Hanover street or Patapsco Ave into the city you'd probably be able to get some good pictures.

The Hanover Street bridge always has people fishing off of it at night.
&there's a Police sub station within a royal farms on Hanover that always has homeless sleeping right under the sign.

I wouldn't assume you'd get shot or stabbed just for walking down the street...
if you're going to get assulted it would be by someone looking to rob you so i would suggest bringing a friend along and not looking too... touristy.

[jlsmbran]

I would suggest some basic tenants:

If you are shooting a drug deal, first check into a video called "Stop Snitchin" and be scared.

Ordinary people in everday life, living in what must be a challenging place. I'd probably be a little uncomfortable but most ordinary people MAY ignore you if they don't think you're out for ill-gain.

I work on the east side @ Hopkins and 99% of the people don't walk further than they need to, and always along the security paths. Crime is very high on both sides of town and you can probably get a snapshot of the guy stealing your wallet, but it likely won't help in court.

[charmciti]

Originally Posted by tommy22

hello and thank you all for responding.

the areas that i was talking about are indeed the inner city of baltimore.

i know it sounds strange that i would be fascinated by that. however i like to take photos. and real raw life like that is the best.

now i DO NOT condone drug use or any other activity that may happen on those corners. i do however find beauty in it.

its an acquired taste i guess.

so anyway my question was basically would i be safe to take photos in those areas? or should i hire someone to travel with me?

also, i would like to look at aerial photos of the area.. so if you know any address or intersection in the heart of the chaos i would appreciate it.

i mention west baltimore because most of the material i have read or heard about come from there. are the south, north, or east sides worst?

what i am looking for are neighborhoods ran by drugs and illegal activity, the worst of the worst.

i know that sounds crazy, but like i said. its an acquired taste of photography.

If you love it soo much why are you soo scared. I live in the city have done so for many years. I pass some of these corners. I live near some.

You might not be safe if you are taking pictures of people without their permission. Don't just come to capitalize on what you call beauty... this rawness you are referring to is everyday life for the people there and it may not be so beautiful if you were living it. And sadly, it won't get better because people trivialize it because it makes a really good picture. Why don't you rent an apartment in the area, live there for a year and take all the pictures you want, then you can appreciate the beauty of the corners.

Besides that the picture you want to take has been taken already. Watch "the Wire". The truth is that many of the neighborhoods in Baltimore City are full of working class people who don't stand on the corner. Why not take a picture of more positive neighborhoods and promote that?

Do yourself and the people in those neighborhoods a favor and stay away.

[carolott]

If you were a drug dealer, would YOU want someone taking YOUR photo? Jeez. A little common sense goes a long way.

[caribqueen]

I am a student at bccc and we are discussing the changes that have taken place in baltimore city some good and some bad. I have lived in baltimore city for eleven years and the longer I stay here and see the things that is going on it makes me want to take my family and run. gangs seem to be taking over in some areas even in the county. instead of upgrading the inner harbor they should use that money for the schools.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I agree the pic taking on drug corners = bad idea. I was taking pics on the east side a couple of years ago (just some rowhouse stuff) and was told to get out before I got shot, I took the advice.

If you want some good aerial pics check out www.maps.live.com/ good stuff.