fthomas Loc: Philippines

Having left Southern California for the Philippines I am finding the people to be extremely hospitable. We have our bad parts of town in the States and I'm finding that no matter where I go in Manila I am constantly reminded that I should not be walking around with a camera - "You are going to be held up!"

I've taken precautions and use a California Sunbounce Sniper Strap Pro, which has a steel cable sewn into the strap. I am constantly aware of my immediate surroundings and always looking for a safe route out. I don't go down side streets even during the day.

It is disappointing, because I would like to capture all of the culture here in Manila. Yes, it is a third world country, but though there are slums those people still have something to share with us. If it is their misery in the conditions or the fact that they can still smile and love their families and friends. I'm sure they have something to say!

There is so much to be captured on the streets here it is endless with possibility.

Any thoughts on staying safe and continuing to capture images? I'm learning the ropes here I assure you.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Well, I'm in Saigon Vietnam and I walk the streets and ride cyclos quite a bit of the time.

My camera is held to my chest with strap around my neck and down one arm (diagonal) No steel cable though.

I look each person in the eye friendly like and walk to the side away from motor bike traffic which could carry someone going to grab your camera.

Money is carried in front pocket and only what I need for the day. Passport is photocopied and original is in safe in hotel room along with credit cards and other ID. I only carry my photo copied passport for immediate availability for police. They can always transport me to the hotel for the original.

I don't drink to excess while out with camera and have a few beers near my hotel in the evening without my camera with me.

If I want a photo of a person, I indicate so with my camera and a smile. If it is a street person selling/cooking etc I always offer 5,000.00 Vietnamese which is about a quarter here, sometimes jumping to .50 cents.

Just don't go overboard with worrying about security or you won't have a good time there. If you are really worried, ask about daily security with a guide and pay.

Sarge69

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Be aware of the culture. Some religions discourage or even ban photography. Do not take photos with government buildings or facilities in the background. Present a confident air; if you look and act like a tourist you present yourself as a target. Learn local customs: forms of greeting, signs of respect, who you can and cannot talk to, etc. Learn the type and dress of officials, especially military and police. And, no matter how mad you get, maintain composure and courtesy. These ideas will build your confidence, and your confidence will create an aura of strength and good will.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Law - Codes - Rules & Regulations http://aboutphilippines.ph/Phil-law.htm

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

learn the local laws and customs.

Solomon Loc: Australia

the first thing I do with my camera when visiting overeseas is get some blacktape, and cover it as much as possible, these days you DONT have to open the back to change film but anything that shows the brand.model type etc should be covered. if it looks like its held together with tape no one wants to steal that and have to get it repaired before they sell it.. That way they(the vilians) dont know if you camera is worth the trouble of stealing.. Id also get a point and shoot. and do MOST of my shots with that.. you will not offen want to go up to over 10x8.. if you are in a good situation (with tourist with a better camera than yours near you..)then bring outyour bigger camera use it then PUT IT AWAY by the way in your hotel room. dont leave you gear in a camera bag. They only need to pick it up and they got ALL YOUR GEAR., so either split it up all over the room,or get a styren box for cool drinks put the camera in there and put it under your bed.. of if nessary take it into the bathroom with you, cos the crooks lisen for the bath sounds.then they know you are not in the main room and its a good time to break in.. Its also a good idea to carry a light tripod. then ajust it to fit tight under the door handle so no one can force their way in..

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

A big camera is not only a way of saying "I have money", but it is also somewhat intimidating to people, especially those who do not understand photography. I use my "big camera" for nature and travel photography, but when I am going to be in cities or villages or places such as third-world marketplaces, I don't take it anymore, although I have never had problems. The small digital pocket cameras are so good these days, that I take one of those when I will be primarily taking people pictures or will be out in crowds. It fits out of sight in my pocket when not in use, and is subtle when I want to use it.

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

Use a P&S kept in your pocket.Does not intimidate people when used in crowds and it may not seem as much worth stealing.

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Was in Manila once. Guy tried to rob me on the launch going back out to the ship. I threatened to through him overboard and the guys running the launch made him settle down.

Old Boots Loc: Caldwell Co., Texas

Is it still that bad? First time I went there you could get anything for a bar of soap or a package of gum.
The last time I didn't even go ashore.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The streets may not be as bad as you are imagining, but if you are going to enter slum areas, tread very carefully indeed. Robbery will be the least of your worries, because the residents may not see your polite curiosity as a congenial desire to "share" their predicament with the world.

There are stories of well-dressed tourists wandering into slum areas and not making it out alive because the residents took offence at what they saw as a gross intrusion.

fthomas Loc: Philippines

There have been some interesting comments above and I have to agree with your observations and perspectives on invading someone's home turf. I'm not living as an ex-pat this time. I did that in Saigon last year and lived in Hong Kong for three years, but while there traveled the Pacific Rim extensively. That included Manila.

The Philippines economy is starting to improve and there is a growing middle class. The chasm between the have's and have not's is growing still and I suspect that is one of the reasons for the rise in crime.

I avoid areas such as the Southern islands controlled by the MNLF and MILF. I do not want to become a hostage statistic.

I'm looking forward to getting out of Manila and into some other Provinces with much prettier vistas.

Thanks for all the thoughts. I tried the "Point and Shoot" and was not happy with my results. Just not sharp enough nor could I control the DOF.

I've cut back to either a 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8 to minimize the size of a zoom and trying to make the camera easier to conceal.

fthomas Loc: Philippines

One other quick thought on Saigon!

Crossing the street is certainly an art form and a dance of great charm to avoid being run over by the motor bikes. I loved it!