NYC this weekend: I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my...

JeffR Loc: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Take it. You will be fine!

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I made a trip to NYC a few months ago taking my DSLR, video camera and a couple lenses. Had no problems. I really liked using the subway.

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boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

The City is one of the safest big cities in the world. My only suggestion is get a bag that doesn't scream CAMERA. Take the camera, have fun. A coupla hints to not make you look like a tourist. Don't look up at all the tall buildings. Stay away from 56 and 5th (Trump tower). A weekend is nowhere long enough to even scratch the surface of all the photo opportunities. Enjoy

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

There is always the potential to be robbed in any city, anywhere in the work. New York City is now, and has been for some years, one of the safest cities in this country, thanks in no small part to the NYPD. As in any big city you must be aware of your surroundings.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

I agree with all of the previous comments. I never once felt unsafe, the people are very kind and were always willing to help. I should mention, too, there seemed to be either NYPD of FDNY on every block. I actually walked from the theater district to the hotel I was staying at in Midtown by myself at 0100. I did use well lit streets--and didn't go down dark alleys. I absolutely LOVE NYC, have fun!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

Jeff - The one piece of gear you MIGHT want to leave at home is your credit card; I hear NYC is home to many highly dangerous camera stores...LOL

tnwaltz Loc: Sarasota, FL; Chattanooga, TN

I have actually gone alone at night to the WTC and never felt threatened. It was in the wintertime and I kept my camera underneath my coat just to be on the safe side. I walked 4 blocks back to where I was staying and did not feel threatened. I ride the subways alone but, again, keep my camera underneath my coat. Tripods prohibited most places. Great city ... have fun ... so much to photograph.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I was born and raised in New York City, and am now living just across the river in New Jersey. I always find it a pleasure to hear so many positive comments from tourists from around the country and around the world about how safe New York City is, and what a wonderful vacation they had here. It wasn't always so. In the 1970s and '80s New York was much less safe than it is today. It's renaissance really began in the 1990s.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

I do it all the time. I live in Yonkers. Now that's a place you wouldn't want to be seen carrying an expensive camera.

(I'm just pulling your leg) - just be smart and be aware of who's around you. You should not have any problems at all. You can have your gear stolen from you anywhere - not just NYC.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

Jeff, criminals live everywhere.
The only place I've ever been held up and robbed was in this little two-stop-sign town named Rehoboth Beach...., nasty little place!!!
Jeff, just kidding, really! But I caught you by surprise didn't I ?!?!

Have a great and safe time!!!!!!! 📷📷📷
SS

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I just got back from NYC. You'll be just fine. The people and the cops are great.

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

Dannj

Walking around you'll be fine. Just be careful not to bump into any of the other folks walking around with cameras hanging on their necks. My only warning would be not to set the camera down especially if you decide to get off your feet for a while...it's an invitation to a potential thief.
This is a great time of year to visit New York, enjoy your visit!

harasha

I always recommend that if the opportunity arises, a visitor to NYC should head to the Upper West Side. Great photo opportunities exist for St. John the Divine (110th and Amsterdam), Columbia University, Riverside Church and Grant's Tomb, amongst others.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

JeffR wrote:

I'm heading to New York City this weekend. I'm a bit scared to be carrying an expensive camera around my neck and an obvious camera bag over my shoulder. Is my small-town paranoia getting the best of me? Take it or leave it home?

NYC is a great place to look like a tourist, which you will be. Watch out for the Asians, they may run you over with their cameras. You will be just one of many. Enjoy and stop by B&H while you are there. Also Rockefeller Square is great this time of year.