This seems really strange

[Zellie Crescent]

Mom just told me this so I thought I'd put it up here and see if it's really weird or not. I don't really know how military stuff works in a civilian area but mom and dad were talking about how 2 nights ago around 10 there was some guy in a military uniform standing in the middle of the street taking pictures of the neighbors house with a camera on a tripod, mom said she snapped a picture of the guy because it felt wrong and off and dad let the guy know what happened but he apparently had no idea it happened. I feel like it's really weird but I'm not really sure I need some thoughts on this.

[AccountingDrone]

It depends, was it supposedly a military 'stake out'? He could have been a hobby photographer taking atmospheric pictures [like some special lighting effect, or a great sunset framed by houses, that sort of thing] you run into the whole public area and reasonable expectation of privacy thing [which is why papparazzi is legal in public places, or generic taking of pictures in any public place] and generally as long as the person isn't shooting through windows with hi power lenses to get interiorshots, it is generally OK. Uniformed military or not doesn't generally matter, if you are off base legally and on your own time, the military doesn't generally care what you do if it is legal. It is only if it is illegal do they get pissy if you are in uniform.

[Kittish]

It would seem weird to me as well. And wearing a military uniform is no guarantee that the guy was or had been in the military.

Yes, I can think of a couple of legitimate reasons to be out near dark or after dark taking pictures of someone's house, but if it was in my neighborhood I think I'd still inform the police and ask them to send someone around, and give them a copy of the guy's picture.

[Zellie Crescent]

Mom showed me the picture, now I'm not an expert but it looks like it was bought at a cheap ass costume shop and you couldn't see the guys face well because of the positioning. Mom told me the guy that lives in the house that the other guy was taking pictures of IS in the military, I told her that would would creep me out if I were in his shoes because no matter who it is I don't want ANYONE taking pictures of my house. I told her we should tell the cops even though you really can't see half his face, they should at least be aware that someone was doing that.

[EricKei]

I'd say tell the cops AND mention it to the local base -- if it's legit, they should have some sort of explanation; if it's not, they'll likely be very interested to know that people impersonating troops are dong stuff like this (especially as their target IS military). Make copies of any photos you have, and perhaps suggest that they coordinate.

[Gilhelmi]

Yea, like others have said, call the police and the local military base. I really can not think of a good reason for someone taking pictures like that at night.

If I want good "atmosphere" shots, I use my own properties or public building in town. Random peoples houses just makes my "paranoia" senses tingle.