“Get BACK in the car!!” Photo

Photographer’s Note

Continuing my very slow travelogue:

Highway 1 along Big Sur is NOT a good place to go off the road, although this vehicle looks relatively lucky. Since I followed the officer’s instructions, I have no more information. I don’t believe in arguing with anyone who is carrying a gun.

You can become a California Highway Patrolman if you’re a US citizen, 20-35 years old, in good health with 20/20 corrected vision & 20/40 uncorrected in each eye and are a high school graduate although an AA degree is preferred. The is starting salary is $87,228.64 and after five years, $109,147.08. It also usually takes about 5 years, according to a CHP friend, to get your desired assignment; however, once you’re there, you can stay. Of course that is old information.

ribeiroantonio, jwmunro, Emile, xuaxo, danos, Dyerco, bona, JCG, josepmarin, denisn72 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ribeiroantonio (21753) 2009-05-30 14:35

You are right; there is not point to argue with a man carrying a gun, particularly in the States!
The excellent action compensates for the harsh light and the cropping of the policeman feet. It is a good entry to your travelogue.
Antonio

jwmunro (6561) 2009-05-30 14:57

Hello Pat -

Never, never, never argue with a CHP'ie he is always right. Excellent daily life image! Exposure and composition is spot on the money. You must have had the camera ready to capture the scene. Was he yelling at you? Well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

Emile (19811) 2009-05-30 20:08

Hola Pat.
You are a brave woman taking a picture of the patrolman with a gun on his waist, no way. Very good journalist shot, his expression scare me. very well captured.
TFS.
Best wishing.

xuaxo (5649) 2009-05-31 9:05

Olá Pat,
By coincidence, before seeing your photo, today I posted a California highway scene too (much more relaxed, however).
I like very much the tension in your photo: the patrolmen, the orange worker, the half of the patrol car (with the typical lights), and even the little bit of road and the blue in background.
I had a very positive, polite (I'd say even pleasant) experience with the California Highway Patrol. Once on the way to Sacramento I had an accident: other car hit me. We had to stop and in a couple of minutes appeared two CHP cars and patrolmen. They checked my documents, were surprised at my Portuguese driving license, and they were extremely polite, explaining me what to do next because I had a rented car, etc. I was not the culprit, but I noticed they were also very courteous to the other driver. I appreciated very much the polite good manners of the California Highway patrolmen. I didn't even notice whether they were carrying guns or not.
This good experience was not what I was expecting, after watching a few movies scenes and the usual American police chases on TV news.
SAA,
Francisco

danos (31796) 2009-05-31 13:41

Hi Pat,
an informative snapshot of the California Highway Patrol man with his characteristic move of his hand.I think that the salary is quite high for this job,when the salary of this job in Greece is much more lower.

have a nice week,Danos

Wandering_Dan (3191) 2009-05-31 15:59

Hi, Pat -

Good, if risky, action shot. Of course, being anywhere on that stretch of Hwy 1 is pretty risky, but gorgeous. And Californians will risk a lot for beauty.

Best,
Dan

Dyerco (8908) 2009-05-31 22:24

Hi Pat
Great bit of photojournalism but you are right never argue with the Man!!
Phil

bona (2099) 2009-06-01 7:38

Hi Pat, intersting note about the California Highway police. Here in Brazil the salary is almost the same fot this kind of service. But I think you roads condictions are better than ours.

I like the scene you show to us, the Patrolman looks a bit nervous. I only suggest avoid limbs crop (like his feet).

The red man in the background was great to. But what happened, a car crash?

Regards
andre

JCG (24899) 2009-06-02 10:25

Hello Pat,

It does not seem to joke this police officer, his expression authoritative is well represented on this photograph !!! A scene of road coloured and interesting. A beautiful quality of instantaneous image as well in the lights as in clearness. I like the small outline on the ocean in background which brings a good contrast. Well done Pat and thank you for the instructive note.

With all my friendships of Versailles and with soon,

Jean-Charles

josepmarin (33611) 2009-06-03 9:32

Hi Pat,
a great capture here, spontaneous and rapid, almost photojournalistic.
The orders of the officer are forceful, his gestures and his attitude do not create any doubt.
Lucky, the blue van did not hurl down itself across the ravine.
Your note is very informative and explains to us with all the details the requirements to be able to be a CHP.
HLJ
Josep

denisn72 (6909) 2009-06-06 6:01

Hi Pat!
By looking at the police officer, his message seems clear and sharp! Ha has a gun, so you better obey! Or he maybe asks if is there a Dunkin Donuts in this direction? I like the sharpness on the main subject and the blurred background.
Best regards
Denis!

gunbud (27585) 2009-06-13 7:14

Hi Pat,
Great shot with an excellent note. One would think making that kind of money he would be a little happier with his work.
At least you were rebel enough to get this fine shot.
Is that eyesight requirement with or without the intimadating sun glasses?
Regards, Tom

hemeroskopion (261) 2009-06-22 16:50

Congrats, Pat, a very US-defining shot.

Surprisingly enough you are not yet in Guantanamo: a guy with a camera shooting an officer, oh my God, 95% chance him being a terrorist.

Regards

Olaf

pablominto (40056) 2009-07-14 22:35

Hello Pat,

So this is what it looks like when you catch the attention of the HP..!
Is she reacting to your camera or your presence or probably both hehehe...
Not your best image but the moment is well recorded in an interesting documentary!

Greetings,
Pablo -