Questions about Baltimore corners.. (Woodlawn, Randallstown: live, moving, design)

[passdoubt]

I've done work in a number of low-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Baltimore where I had to take photos of buildings, sometimes with the owners' permission, but sometimes when were unable to contact the owners.

I can tell you that people are generally not happy with even the slim possibility that you're taking their picture on the street. At times it was very tense taking photos of buildings that drug dealers were using as stash houses, and even some legitimate business owners were unhappy with it. There are a number of reasons. Some people will think you're a cop or a private investigator. Some people will think you're from the city and you're coming to document some sort of violation. Some people will assume you're taking a photo because you want to "buy them out."

I don't know your race, but if you're obviously not black, the chances that people assume you're a cop or social worker or some other "outsider" will increase dramatically.

The best time to take photos in these kinds of neighborhoods is early Sunday morning, when the junkies are asleep and the good folks are at church.

[barante]

When David Simon was researching his amazing book, "The Corner," he hired a bodyguard.
I used to live just block aways from that corner. With all I know about the neighborhood, I wouldn't be taking pictures there. I may have a killer's training (Army) but I am also self-trained in self-preservation.
You may have more guts.

[charmciti]

Originally Posted by 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.

Baltimore like any other metropolitan area has good spots and bad spots. I have lived here my entire life and I am familiar with the westside of Baltimore City and parts of the county. I see just as much crime in the counties as in the areas of the city where I have lived. Go to Randallstown, there are some shady areas out there that need to be exposed. If you want to take a picture of something... take one of an area where crime is just as bad or is increasing.

Just be ORIGINAL. We know there is crime in Baltimore City, but expose the gang activity in Carroll, Howard or Harford County for a change.

[CJtheman07]

Originally Posted by tommy22

hello, i have been doing alot of reading about the corners on the baltimore west side.

i am a photographer and i am fascinated about what is going on there.

im curious, is it really that bad?

i mean if i walk around there would i get stabbed or shot?

i mean would i be safe as long as im not buying any drugs?

also what is the worst zip code in baltimore, the one with the most crime?

i would like to look at aerial photos of the city.

If you're headed west, stay away from PARK HEIGHTS AVENUE (21215), West Lombard Street, and south communities such as cherry hill and brooklyn (21225). I myself have been harrassed and attacked on West Lombard street and in Brooklyn.

[bawlmer]

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.

Interesting concept. My guess is that while you may not be shot or beaten immediately, you will not have your camera for very long.

[ReefAreCoolToo]

i never been assaulted or rob or stab or shot at when i was working all over Baltimore city (west side and east side). I am carrying most the time expensive equipments. But i do get some harrasments once a while

[jonjj]

URBAN DECAY

---This is a website dedicated to urban decay throughout the country and some places in Euope. There are plenty of photos of Baltimore for you to see.

[di144]

let me get this straight: you're not even familiar enough with baltimore city to know where the drug corners are, yet you'd like to come in and walk around with a camera?! the scene is already being documented by seasoned photographers in the city, who have taken the time to get to know the people whose lives you would be potentially pointing your camera at. unless you're planning on spending a good portion of the next year or so familiarizing yourself with the areas, and allowing the people of these neighborhoods to accept you and GIVE THEIR CONSENT to you to be photographed, you'd probably be best looking for another subject.

[7th generation]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Just checked and noticed many of your pictures are on the site I posted.

Members must be aware that violating copyright laws will not be allowed on this site. If the photos are not yours, don't post them. Please read the TOS and only post valid links.
Thanks,
7th

[ginbelt]

Originally Posted by barante

When David Simon was researching his amazing book, "The Corner," he hired a bodyguard.
I used to live just block aways from that corner. With all I know about the neighborhood, I wouldn't be taking pictures there. I may have a killer's training (Army) but I am also self-trained in self-preservation.
You may have more guts.

barante, I never heard that, and I've read a few articles about and by David Simon (including, of course, the book "The Corner"). Where did you hear that, if I might ask? I know he did do the project with Ed Burns, who was a former cop (was that the bodyguard?)