No Tripods Allowed

One of the best gadgets in my photography toolbox for my photo-walks is something called a Platypod. It is the world's most compact tripod base.

Years ago, I remember traveling to Washington DC to photograph the Capitol Building at sunset. I was shocked when a security officer informed me that tripods are banned. I also encounter the same situation on top of the Rockefeller Center observatory in NYC. 

Even though it is a hassle, I used to carry my tripod on my motorcycle rides all the time. Now I use a Platypod. In my opinion, Platypod is a game changer for travel photography. No need to carry heavy tripods. It is all about traveling light and having fun. Check it out, it is a great tool. 

Foto Friday - United States Capitol Building

This picture was taken during a trip to Washington DC on November 2020, two months before the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States.

I remember setting up my camera gear near the grassy triangle on the House side of the Capitol's East Front. This is the location where reporters and politicians hold their press conferences.

The phone rang and it was my sister who lives in Puerto Rico, and knew I was spending the weekend in DC. She was worried about me; afraid that crowds of MAGA supporters would protest, and that it would turn violent.

At that time there was a lot of hateful rhetoric and misinformation about the "Stop the Steal" movement from Trump. To put her at ease, I reassure her that some small pockets of MAGA supporters were marching outside the Capitol building, and chanting peacefully. So I was not concerned.

My visit to DC was two months before Trump and his minions encouraged his followers to march inside the Capitol building, and the riot and chaos that ensued. Every time I look at this selfie of myself photographing the Capitol building, brings back memories of when my sister called from 2,000 miles away, very concerned about my well being.

Trump Failed Coup

I am sure most people today are witnessing what looks like some revolution in some banana republic. What a spectacle. All this to defend a reality tv show host. Absolutely sickening.

The chaos started soon after Trump spoke to the crowd on the National Mall. At the end of a rambling speech, the president urged his supporters to march on the Capitol building.

If this was Black Lives Matter storming the Capitol, the tear gas would already be flying, shots would've already been fired. if this was BLM police would be beating up everybody.

The lack of police response is troubling, how did the police not prepare for people storming the Capitol Building? Where’s the tear gas and rubber bullets they so readily used months ago? The Capitol police knew full well those terrorists were coming for trouble with their guns, knives and sticks. Law Enforcement has failed in ways never seen given the time they had for advanced planning.

Where’s Tom Cotton and “send in the military” now? He wanted to argue that what happened in the summer deserved military intervention, what about armed Trump supporters storming the Capitol Building to overturn an election?

They had enough police coverage against Black Lives Matter. What a difference a skin color makes.

The National Guard needs to be called and clear the Capitol of these traitors. If this is not sedition, what is? Todays GOP = The lawLESS and DISorder Party.

Discuss!