US Photographer Claims Airport Security Damaged Specialty Film in Dublin

In a troubling incident at Dublin Airport, Seattle-based photographer Remy Robin has reported that his specialized camera film was damaged by security personnel during a recent trip to Ireland. Robin, who specializes in commercial and portrait photography, was on a personal project aimed at capturing the landscapes of the Aran Islands and the western seaboard of Ireland. His trip, which he estimated cost between $15,000 and $20,000, was marred by the alleged mishandling of his film, which is sensitive to light exposure.

The incident occurred when Robin, who utilizes a rare four-by-five camera that employs large format negatives, approached security for a hand check of his film. Notably, the film he uses is not widely manufactured and is often purchased online, as stated in his account to The Irish Times. He had come prepared with documentation from Kodak and a lightproof bag designed to allow security checks without exposing the film to light. However, his experience diverged from previous travels through international airports where similar requests had been accommodated without incident.

"I’ve probably been through about four international airports in the last few months without anything even remotely similar to this," Robin said. After informing the security staff of his unique needs, he encountered resistance. Despite his explanations, security personnel insisted on opening sealed boxes of undeveloped film, claiming that passing it through security machines would not cause damage. Robin argued otherwise, leading to a confrontation where two staff members became visibly irritated and ultimately took his film for inspection.

Upon its return, Robin found that some seals had been broken and the film had suffered light exposure, resulting in a foggy appearance across numerous negatives. He expressed concern over the potential loss of thousands of dollars in photography due to the damage, estimating that the compromised quality of his work would limit its use for large prints or sales at fine art standards. "Specifically, most of my color negatives and slide film now have a thin veil or haze over the entire image, a subtle fogging," he noted.

In response to Robin’s complaint, DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. A spokesperson stated, "We are aware of the complaint and the team is currently carrying out an investigation into it. It would be inappropriate to comment further while that investigation is ongoing."

This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by photographers using specialized equipment and materials while traveling. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of Media Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, incidents like these highlight a broader issue regarding airport security protocols and the training of personnel in handling sensitive items. "Security staff are often not familiar with specialty photography equipment, which can lead to misunderstandings and mishandling," Dr. Carter explained in an interview.

As Robin awaits the outcome of the investigation, he remains hopeful that the majority of his images can be salvaged despite the setbacks. The situation raises critical questions about the balance between security measures and the protection of travelers' property, particularly for those in creative fields relying on delicate materials. With the continual evolution of airport security policies, it remains to be seen how such incidents will influence future training and regulations. The implications for artists and photographers traveling with specialized equipment could be significant, potentially necessitating clearer guidelines and improved communication between security personnel and travelers.