Photography tips

Well of course I am talking about your Camera.

I had a little incident today that would have a totally different outcome if I had NOT had my Camera with me today. Fortunately, I picked it up on my way out the door and a single photo may in fact be the most valuable photo I take all year.

You might have already guessed, but if not, while on my way to work I was involved in a car accident and my camera became an invaluable tool that allowed me to record several Key events.

I was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn onto another road, and when the traffic cleared, I started to turn into the road. My car stalled, and before I could re-start it I was hit from behind and pushed a couple of metres further into the intersection.

The natural thing to do is to jump out of your car, assess the damage, and if possible move to a safe palce to exchange particulars.

Well, the other Driver also jumped from her car and started abusing me! saying I should not have stopped - right after she had hit me from behind. I just knew things were not going to go well, so I stepped back to my Car, Grabbed my Camera and took a photo of her sitting in the drivers seat of her car.

Then, I hopped into my car and drove a few hundred metres and pulled over where it was safe to do so. The other car was behind me and I expected her to also pull over, but she didn't and proceded to drive off!

Well, I had all the evidence I needed in My camera, so I immediately went to the Local Police station and reported the Accident.

They took the report, and will be following up and pressing at least 2 charges against the other driver - Negligence and failure to exchange particulars.

Yes, I have Blotted out the Number Plate and the Face of the "alleged guilty party" as the Law will deal with her in the most appropriate way.

While you can see that the image would not win any Art awards it is very effective in that at full-size it clearly shows the Number plate, the damage to her car from the Impact and a recognisable face.

I am a little sore at the moment, but also very comfortable knowing that what could have been a drive-off by the person hitting me didn't leave me without the required information to let the law sort it out.

After this incident today, I am going to ensure that we put at least a point and shoot Camera into our Cars and make sure that they are ready to use at all times - you just never know when you might need to take a picture that could be very important!