When the Camera Becomes a Risk in Nigeria!
It's so glaring how many people around the world can take pictures or videos anywhere without any problem. But here in Nigeria, things are different. You know, I read a post from one of us which says that we should always seek the permission of the business owners before taking pictures, but I tell you, that is the worst mistake ever. Taking photos in public places can sometimes get you into trouble or cause people to question your reason for doing it.
If you try to take a picture of street food, a shop, a hotel, or even a drug store, someone might stop you and ask what you’re doing. Some people may think you are a journalist, a spy, or that you want to post them online. In some areas, it’s even against the rule to take pictures because of security reasons in Nigeria.
Just yesterday, I got the highest level of insult and I wondered for what reason? Most business owners are shallow minded or because of past experiences even when it's for their own good, (I mean I go out of my way to promote people's business without pay). Yesterday, I visited different pharmacies to seek their concert to take pictures of their business, even after explaining to them that it's for promotion and showed them where it would be published and even on steem-atlas map, they blatantly refused and walked me out.
This makes it hard for many of us who want to join this learning challenge on Steemit. I love taking pictures, and making quality video, but how can I make a quality video when I hide from the business owners to make the video. Most of the current learning challenges need pictures or short videos to show your ideas. But when you can’t take pictures freely outside, it becomes a real challenge. Sometimes we end up getting it all wrong, and that limits our creativity.
Many people still don’t understand that Steemit is not for spying or politics, it’s a learning and creative space. We use it to share ideas, learn new things, and grow. If more people, including local authorities, understood this, it would help young Nigerians express themselves better and join global projects confidently.
I become amazed each time I remember how much awareness we created around the country, making steemit known to the young and old Nigerians but still, when the name Steemit pops up, it sounds new to most of them. I recently watched some videos of a friend who traveled to Qatar and she kept expressing how excited she felt making videos freely in a hotel even to their kitchen. It got me surprised because we can't see that happen in Nigeria.
This has become an issue of a concern for me because it limits my creativity, my involvement, and engagement. I still feel bad that Nigerians are no longer getting actively involved in mostly video contents because of this issue. I wish there could be some considerations for Nigerians. We are trying our best, but most times we get the worst embarrassment of our lives. I really would love us to also get actively involved in making quality contents.
#concernfornigerians
#lookingoutfornigerians
@steemcurator01
@steemcurator02
Exactly what I've been saying, the challenge is fun, we take pictures and also make videos of the tasks given, but can this be done is all sectors?.
Looking at the pharmacy aspects, in most pharmacies here, there's a look you'll get once you bring out your phone and tilt to get a good fitting pictures or videos. You'll be warned not to take pictures of photos in their business premises. Now wonder how you would turn to a journalist, making interviews 😅, no naah...
That's nearly not possible, you'll have to walk to different stores before you could finally find one that would accept.
Most of my pictures here, i take them without letting people in charge know, since I'm taking pictures of the environments, products and also the shop, but even with that you still get a tough time taking photos. I do take more than 50 shots randomly, then have 30+ blurred before I wasn't stable to snap due to the pressure.
My appeal is just that, the videos aspects should be made optional to help those that can't make videos. But photos are compulsory, yes.
0.00 SBD,
2.13 STEEM,
2.13 SP
Oh dear you spoke my mind!
You are Absolutely correct..I experienced the same thing while I took part in engagement challenge for the last season. It was a serious war, I had to hide to take pictures and videos.
Once I entered a bookshop and was stylishly making video, the owner suspected and sent her staff to come check what I was doing, I quickly noticed the movement and stopped. God saved me that day. The woman finally started shouting why I was making video of her shop. I left in a hurry.
This has become a big challenge for us over here and I wish that we will be considered.
Every picture I make in this present engagement challenge was done hiding and how can you get the best when you hide to do it?
Thank you for speaking up on our behalf
0.00 SBD,
1.84 STEEM,
1.84 SP
Thank you
You are very correct, I can remember vividly when I nearly got arrested for taking pictures in someone's shop for a business review. If not my husband that intervened that would have been my first day in police net, Truly Nigerians should be considered because it's not easy to enter someone's shop or business place to take pictures .thanks for bringing this up it is an urgent call.
0.00 SBD,
0.05 STEEM,
0.05 SP
This post really captures the harsh reality of being creative in a society that misunderstands art and documentation. I completely relate to this! The fear surrounding photography in public spaces here is alarming. You’ve highlighted a serious issue that’s often ignored. I admire your courage in addressing it so boldly. Hopefully, more people understand that capturing moments isn’t a crime but an expression of creativity and truth.
Upvoted! Thank you for supporting witness @jswit.
It very true of what you are saying because I had an encounter with such experience,I wanted to take a picture for a purpose, creative purposes sometimes ago before I even joined steemit just of recent,one wiman was like shouting that am taking her photos without her concern,even when her image was not there,it was and embarrassing situation to me.
So what I wanted to do with the picture was condensed.
So that freedoms is mot there but I still that god for the invention of mobile phones.
I thank you for this post it educative
📷
Thanks @ninapenda for this wonderful outlines, you just spoken my mind. I just pray things will change for good.
Actually, taking pictures in public places would land anyone in trouble anywhere in the world. You need to obtain authorisation either from the security or appropriate authorities.
I feel like that is fair.
You can't image the security threat it poses if we allow random people to move freely with a camera in their hands. That's theft when you aren't looking. That's disclosing your office's or home's architectural details to an unknown gunman.
That's waking up one morning to see your face trending on social media for the wrong cause. This happened to me during my last visit to Lagos.
That's giving someone enough pictures to pump into AI and create the bizarrest stories and tales.
How about installing secret spy cams in your establishment for espionage?
You actually do not want to think of the unthinkables*.
I understand your concern though but the cons outweigh the pros. Currently, I still do not take pictures in public. Can't even share personal photos without obtaining consent from the people in the images. This one that people sue for human rights violation these days.
You'd observe how scanty my personal photos are here on Steemit. It's because of this consciousness and trying to maintain people's privacy even while doing the thing I love: steeming.
You can't even video a police officer or soldier. That's like asking them to remove your premolar and incisor teeth with one punch.
Their concerns are valid. When we have the necessary security settings put in place, that will no longer be an issue.