PRodacy Loc: New Mexico

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PRodacy Loc: New Mexico

I've been to Moscow 3 times and took a Nikon D200 with a 18 - 200 zoom lens. Also took a Coolpix 8100 for backup. In the tourist areas (Red Square, downtown areas, etc., there are lots of tourists with cameras so you won't stand out. Officially, you won't be able to take the camera into the Kremlin museum, but there are "tour guides" outside who will take a small pocket camera in for you (you stand in line, buy the tickets while they wait by the entrance. They're part of the regular escorts, so they don't get checked. Once inside, they give you your camera back and a great tour. Inside, there were lots of pocket cameras, but no SLRs. There's also the possibility that it'll get confiscated, but its exceedingly rare, especially if you're with one of the guides. We also took the subway around Moscow. The subways are gorgeous (lots of marble, statues - you could spend all day just photographing down there) and no one paid any attention to us. Rather than keeping cameras in sight, we sort of hid them in shoulder bags or something that didn't look like a camera bag - looked more like a shopping bag.

One thing to be aware of is a scam called the "Turkey Drop". People tried to pull it on us several times, but we didn't fall for it since we were warned. Essentially, they use the fact that most people are friendly and willing to help others. As you're walking down the street, a person in front of you will drop a purse or wallet. Most people naturally pick it up and try to return it. When you do, the person who dropped it looks inside and starts a confrontation "Where's the rest of the money that was in here?" You deny that there was any more, at which time a bystander (who is really working with the person who dropped the wallet)says, "I saw to take something out of there." Since you're a foreigner, probably don't speak Russian, etc., things can get ugly real quick. The goal is to get you to give them your money to replace what you "took" before they call the police. Don't try bluffing them - they will call the police, who will side with he citizens and take you to jail. Moral? DON'T PICK UP ANYTHING THAT SOMEONE DROPS - WALK PAST AS IF YOU WAS NOTHING.

Overall, watch for this scam, try keeping a low profile, take all the photos you want (I got some great ones), and have a great time. Finally, learn a few Russian phrases before you go. Most people under the age of 30 can speak some English, but if you try communicating in Russian first, they're much more willing to help you out.

Selene03

In St Petersberg, they will confiscate your camera if you take pictures in the beautiful subways as photographing the subway is not allowed--you might be able to get away with it using the RX100, but be careful--it's a security issue for them

Kraken Loc: Barry's Bay

If you are worried about standing out, a flak jacket my come in handy. :lol:

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

One more big thank you to all for the great advice and information!!!!

So far the trip is still on -- if they cancel we would get our money back and we are doing our Europe travel from/to Nuremberg so we could go somewhere else if there is a problem minus the local flights and visa charges.

This is very nice group. So many helpful people!

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

I honestly think that your trip will not be cancelled since the problem area is the Ukraine and not Russia, especially since the Special Winter Olympics is now going on at Sochi. Some of these people competing and their families have planned on this trip for 4 years Best bet is check with the US State Department before departure date. They also have a website and daily updates regarding restricted areas and countries.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I think it was "You pays your money and you takes your chances"

He has a particular way of putting things. :lol:

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

So take along a few cans of spinach dip and crackers too. just in case. LOL. You can always eat it when you get stuck on the tarmac waiting for takeoff

kurtinnj Loc: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

This day and age, I would bring the US Army with you. :-)

MtnMan Loc: ID

That didn't stop Obama from throwing thousands out of our National Parks last October. (including me)

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

An AK-47 would be a nice addition to your camera equipment but might not get through security. Then again it might. Stun grenades work nicely to get you out of tight spots. Kind of hard on the ear drums though. Wear some casual looking boots and add a stiletto and a switchblade. Be sure they match the boots. You wouldn't want them to clash with the rest of your wardrobe. Speaking of wardrobe, the old fashioned vests are getting kind of boring. I would go with the GH Pro Level 3A. Have a good trip and be sure to post photos. One thing to think about. You don't have a layover in Kiev do you. That could really be a bitch. It's the "tourist season" and you might have to deal with the damn Russians. Never mind. Your destination is Russia so that last comment didn't make much sense. Have fun. Contrails look pretty much like Cirrus clouds so I wouldn't worry about that. They make a nice photo when back lit. :thumbup: Almost forgot. Toilet paper. They sell it by the square. What a rip-off! :shock:

wsa111 Loc: Goose Creek, South Carolina

Russia is going to be off limits cause of the possible cold war by the hard core Putin.
He wants to reclaim all the territory lost in Reagans time.
I'm sure its a photographers heaven, but now is not the time.

Robeng Loc: California

Hi RJ,

I've been very fortunate to be able to travel and shoot. My opinion is to carry just what you need. I would take both camera bodies and get a 18mm-250mm & a 50mm and go have fun. You can check my website and see what equipment I used.

dpaden Loc: Homewood, Alabama

I've been to St. Petersburg, Moscow and some very remote parts of Siberia and in Moscow and Siberia, had a camera backpack, Canon 5DIII and L series lens. I felt just as comfortable there as any part of U.S. I was always with a group similar to you. Only issue was when two of us took a cab from Bolshoi theatre to hotel a few blocks away, what should have been a $10 cab ride was $100.

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

This morning I kind of just switched into a positive mode and feel like enjoying what I can enjoy and getting the photos I can get ... I'm fortunate to be able to travel and taking photos just makes it more fun so ... onward!

Much obliged for the help!