He-is-Here

I told you early last year about an extraordinary website that presents hundreds of photographs of Los Angeles landmark buildings, giving dates and information on the architects along with city history and stunning views. You-are-here.com even offers an interactive map of downtown that lets you click on a spot on the street grid and get a picture and info on the building that is there. The most extraordinary part is that Martin Schall, who owns the non-commercial site, is not an Angeleno or even an American. He lives in Waiblingen, Germany.

OK, that's the background. Here's the news. Martin emailed after my post earlier today about the Valley College student who was questioned by the FBI for taking photos at the Hollywood and Highland Red Line station. He's here in town reloading—and also has spoken to some cops:

hi kevin,

i'm currently here in Los Angeles snapping another 1000+ photos for my los angeles architectural photo gallery You-Are-Here.Com.

last week i was two times in glendale when the police stopped next to me and asked "Are you a terrorist?" i told them "No, TOURIST ! Germany" ...and nothing happened.

1. what a stupid question !
2. what will happen if you say YES ?

cu
martin

Yes, perhaps the best and most complete web record of Los Angeles architecture is produced by someone who lives 5,000 miles away. He uses a digital camera and writes of his technique: "I try to avoid leaning buildings (that is the architectural way in photography), cars and people in my photos. The more images i do the more i like them and my best picture isn't done yet."