I know I should, but.. (Page 2): Well, I guess you know by now that to take the camera with you is the way to go. As far as a tripod, what're you gonna do? I keep one in my trunk. A...

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

Well, I guess you know by now that to take the camera with you is the way to go. As far as a tripod, what're you gonna do? I keep one in my trunk. A P&S set on AUTO should take care of any shots you need to get in an instant. I take my (DSLR) camera with me every day, everywhere.

evergreen1949

Tripods can go from cheap to "break the bank". I found a really nice monopod, very sturdy and serves as a pretty sound walking stick when I'm out and about. I toss it in the car and there it stays so I have it when I need it. I don't carry my camera with me as much as I should, but when I do, it's on the front seat right next to me.

faithking

Always carry a camera and have extra lenses available. I have missed many a shot on "short trips" to the store. I recently missed a shot due to not having the correct lens available. I came across a bank that had just been robbed and should have had the opportunity to have my work the first seen but due to the wrong lens with me--- As for tripods, if you are creative you can usually find something quick to stabilize the camera unless you want to be in the shot also then it will take a little more time to make one. I personally like the string and washer idea.

LisaBE Loc: Waterville, OH

I always try to carry my digital p-n-s. I have one of those little gorilla grip mini-tripods and I sometimes pack it. I used to carry my DSLR with me, but when it was new, I dropped it on a basketball court type floor and broke the lens. I was so devistated, I didn't get it repaired for a year. I use my DLSR for certain events and my PNS for everything else.

I love the idea of the string monopod. Mostly I use my gorilla grippy thing for timer self-portraits of my family of six.

Strubbles

I always (unless I forget to put it back in my bag) carry a pocket camera with me.
When I first started shooting with a 35mm slr, I used to carry that everywhere. That is not an option anymore... my camera is heavier now (a Nikon D300s), and I am older... so, I carry my little one. A Panasonic Lumix which takes GREAT pictures.

SnapHappy Loc: SW Florida

chapjohn wrote:

Hello and thank you to all who would offer an answ... (show quote)

I agree with everyone here who advises ALWAYS carrying a camera. As for tripod, no. But have you seen Gorillapods? They come in various sizes and have flexible legs. I carry a small one with me in my purse and sometimes use it as a "chest" pod for stability. The legs are only 7" long and it works great. You might want to look into it.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Thank you to all for the encouragment. The only pictures I take on job are with the deputy's camera and because he/she needs to be occupied with people.
I see many things that would make great pictures but most of these on are private property.
I will carry this small Sony HX5 in my truck.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

you can take photos of private property as long as you are on a public road or sidewalk. people becomes tricker with that phrase you have heard in law enforcement "reasonable expectation of privacy"

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

sinatraman wrote:

you can take photos of private property as long as you are on a public road or sidewalk. people becomes tricker with that phrase you have heard in law enforcement "reasonable expectation of privacy"

I want to respect that privacy and many times that thought wins even when I have a camera. I never include people in my pictures--they are difficult to photograph and then they want a copy. It is easier to avoid people with cameras.

Nikonjon

Better to have it and not need it ,then to need it and not have it.

user2071 Loc: New England

I always have the tripod WITH me, but that doesn't mean I use it. I really don't like tripod shooting. It makes me feel trapped. I know there are times when I should use it, but I almost never do.

These days, I pretty much always have a camera with me, AND the tripod ... but betwixt having it with me and using it is a big gap.

Strubbles

LisaBE wrote:

I always try to carry my digital p-n-s. I have one of those little gorilla grip mini-tripods and I sometimes pack it. I used to carry my DSLR with me, but when it was new, I dropped it on a basketball court type floor and broke the lens. I was so devistated, I didn't get it repaired for a year. I use my DLSR for certain events and my PNS for everything else.

I love the idea of the string monopod. Mostly I use my gorilla grippy thing for timer self-portraits of my family of six.

Insurance for your camera is not that expensive... and well worth it if your camera was expensive. i think we pay around $40 a year for the peace of mind that it brings. i also have insurance on my puppies for the same reason. that insurance is a bit more, but then... so are puppy problems.

jeh3 Loc: Ft Collins, CO

I suggest you never carry a camera or a tripod or a flash unit or a string and washer ... instead cry yourself to sleep every night over the shots you missed. When crying stops working you'll turn to prescription drug abuse then alcohol then prostitutes ...

But whatever else you do, NEVER carry a camera!!!

user2071 Loc: New England

jeh3 wrote:

I suggest you never carry a camera or a tripod or a flash unit or a string and washer ... instead cry yourself to sleep every night over the shots you missed. When crying stops working you'll turn to prescription drug abuse then alcohol then prostitutes ...

But whatever else you do, NEVER carry a camera!!!

I will never turn to prostitutes. Trust me on this.