Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

While walking around and urban area just sight seeing and practicing with my camera, sometimes I am asked to photograph couples, groups, etc.

Any suggestions for
1. charging and
2. sending photos to them?

I'm usually out during daylight hours. So far I have refused to take folks picture which once led to a harsh look from one requester.

My other concern is
3. criminals as I walk around by myself with an expensive camera and the partaking of money.

I'm considering applying for a concealed weapons permit here in Florida. Why does it have to be concealed? Seems to me if the potential thief sees a gun, he/she would want to avoid a confrontation?

Decades past I made college tuition money using a film SLR to photograph prostitutes during the daytime when they were out and about off duty.

Then I was a young, young man, all of 18 years. The prostitutes were protective of me like I was their kid brother attending college. Boy was I naive (lol), but no body messed with the prostitute's kid.

Heck when I was stationed oversea in the Far East and later in Western Europe, the locals were protective of me. I roam every where with my camera. I felt safer overseas than I do now in my own country.

Today I am older and wiser and times are worse. One has to be so careful while being out and about.

I guess as a young man I thought nothing bad would ever happen to me? As an older man I'm more versed in the ways of the world and I know better.

I await your positive suggestions and those who chose, your comical remarks :thumbup:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Pentony, you raise a very interesting point about carrying a weapon in the open versus concealed. There is a common (and I believe effective) reason for concealed carry. If a criminal sees your weapon, he will avoid you and choose an unarmed person as his next victim. If, on the other hand, anyone could be carrying a concealed weapon, he will have a harder time choosing his next victim. Yes, there are valid counter-arguments, such as the possibility that he will choose a weaker target, such as an obviously unarmed small woman. A possible solution to that argument, and one I heartily recommend, is that, licensed to carry or not, a course in Krav Maga or any of a number of non-sport martial arts is effective as a form of protection. Imaging the expression on what's left of the face of a would-be purse (or camera bag) snatcher when his five foot, hundred pound, 75 year old intender victim leaves him bleeding in the gutter while she calmly calls for the police - and an ambulance!

Don't misunderstand me. I'm completely in favor of a trained civilian carrying openly or concealed; I'd just like to add a bit of protection for those who choose not to carry. 8-) 8-) 8-)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Pentony, I think the average law abiding citizen carrying a gun, might be even more of a target with a gun.
The average gangbanger or thug will not even whine to kill you to steal and take your gun for drug money.
I saw a program once about car thieves. When asked how effective of a deterrent a good car alarm was, the guy got a big smile and replied that for a really expensive alarm system, they could make an extra $500 since they were highly sought after. Is there any difference between a $1000 gun and a thousand dollar watch, other than that they can sell a gun for much more, much faster.
Kids have been killed for a pair of Air Jordons.
Go ahead, carry your gun where they can see it. They'll get $200 for the camera and $500 for the gun. What a bargain.
Good luck
SS

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

It has to be concealed because there is no open carry law in Florida. You may carry it from your car to your house and back or into a gun range and back to your car. Carrying open any other place (unless you are a LEO) will get you arrested...or worse.

jgitomer Loc: Skippack Pennsylvania

Buy an old Nikon F and carry it with you on a sling.

When approached by a robber hit him/her over the head with the Nikon F.

In addition to fending off robbers the F can be used as a hammer :lol:

Jerry

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

Your are correct times have changed - news that used to take days now takes nano seconds - especially bad. More people more crime same %
Plan your trips that puts you in the locations of potential danger (Back Alleys of Chicago) Carrying an 10M$ Nikon is stupid when alone Carrying a $1000 9mm in open also Stupid. Carry a Bridge Camera beside that 250lb weight lifting friend. A DEAD member we do not want - Show past exposures.

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

Gonna stand your ground over a crappy bridge camera?

lightchime Loc: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

You really seem to be asking two things. One is items 1 and 2 and the other is item three. The segway appears a bit contrived.

In regard to the first (items 1 and 2): I get asked all the time. If they have a camera, I will take their picture with it. If not, I will use mine and send them a 10 megabyte image via email (a secondary account). For me, it is just a hobby and a kindness; for them it is a memory given them by a stranger who asked nothing in return.

Los-Angeles-Shooter Loc: Los Angeles

I've traveled widely and often sent photos to people. Mostly 3rd world places like Turkey. This was in the days of actual film and prints. These days it would be easier. Just take a picture of them holding up a card with their email address, before shooting the "real" photo. Then email the photo when you get around to dealing with your images. It's a kindly thing to do.

I've also many times taken photos of people at popular tourist spots, with THEIR cameras. I guess when they see my photographer's vest and shiny black Nikon they assume I know what I'm doing...

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

No - Remove card - Throw camera and outrun friend.

photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida

In my Miami they steal the gun! Forget the camera.

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

One time I was in NYC and I had my M8 and 50mm one point OH Noct and guess what? No one mugged me.

kjfishman Loc: Fulton MO

I am so happy for you what does that have to do with original post?

thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

I have been asked many times to photogragh a person or persons with their camera. I always say yes with a smile. There is no reason not to and you just made someone's day. I would never charge for this random act of kindness (RAK). On the other hand if they want me to use my camera and take a more formal photo with prints I would charge for that service. I would most likely just send them a digital file at no charge if it was just a shot or two.
So far every request I have had has been a tourist, so I feel I am spreading some good will.