Are photographers really a threat?

Are photographers really a threat?

Given that real terrorists, and even wannabe terrorists, don’t seem to photograph anything, why is it such pervasive conventional wisdom that terrorists photograph their targets? Why are our fears so great that we have no choice but to be suspicious of any photographer?

I’ve sometimes felt watched when taking photos in a public place before (because I tend to take a lot from many angles, as many photographers do). It makes no sense for me to feel suspicious when I’m doing nothing wrong, but sometimes I do.

Even if I were a terrorist scoping out a place, would I do it right out in the open for everyone to see? Wouldn’t a small point & shoot be smarter and less conspicuous than an SLR and a backpack’s worth of equipment?