Take my picture

I am a hobby photographer and sometimes I go on photo walks. The aim is to take random pictures without thinking much. Most photo works are amazing but there was this one walk that gave me nightmares.

I had gone to a nearby lake to take a pictures. I was walking around the lake with my DSLR. I was just walking and taking pictures of animals, walls, trees, or lake. I was overall enjoying it. It was fun to just stroll around and take pictures.

What I had always noticed is that DSLR catches attention. A few people for walking around the lake had come and spoken with me. They were curious to know which pictures I had been taking. They wanted to see how the pictures look with DSLR. And then made some general enquiries like if I am a photographer or how much DSLR costs. I found all those enquiries harmless and answered all those questions without any hesitation. A few people told me that I should continue to pursue photography as a profession, which made me delighted.

I continue walking around and taking pictures. I saw and elderly drinking men reading the newspaper. It was a perfect frame. He was reading the newspaper and the sun was a right behind him. I asked him if I can take his picture and he kindly agreed. I took his candid pictures and then showed him those pictures. He was delighted to see the pictures and ask me if I can share those pictures with him. I took his email ID and promised him that I will share the pictures with him. He thanked me. I proceeded further.

Now I was at a bench where a kitten watch sleeping with its mother. I found them really photogenic. I said besides them and started focusing my lens on them to take the best pictures. I also enjoyed that my moment is not disturbing them from their sweet slumber. I was completely encrossed in taking their pictures that is when I heard a baritone voice.

" Take my pictures," The voice startled me. It was coming directly from a few inches away from me. I knew it was a man. From his tone I knew he was not a gentleman but rather a loafer. I can smell cigarettes from behind me, knowing very well that he was still smoking while speaking with me. I did not want to turn around but this is something I had to do.

I turned around to see a muscular man, please in his late 20s, having a cigarette in his mouth, wearing clothes that are suitable for roadside romeo. I look at him and pretended as if I did not hear him speak. I left the spot and continued with my photography. He followed me and said again "take my pictures". My mouth was dry, I was scared. The sweat appeared from nowhere. My heart was pounding. I was clueless what should I do next. I know for sure I did not want to take his pictures. I had no strength or courage to fight him.

I continued to move where a lot of people wear sitting. At least if he tried to be physical I could have asked for help if people were around me. While walking I came back to the place where the same gentleman reading newspaper was sitting. I said beside that gentleman and asked him when should we leave. The gentleman understood that the loafer was following me. He said let's leave right now. The gentleman walked with me till the gate of the lake. He insured that the loafer was no longer following me. Then he asked if he should come with me till my area so that I will feel safer. I think him and told him that I will take a public transport to go to my home. Till the time I reached home my heart was still racing.

This is one of the situations every woman goes through. Every woman must have faced if teasing at least once in her life. This is my biggest worry wherever I go alone. But if I feel uncomfortable I find at least someone to make me feel safer.