billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I don't take the chances I used to because my body just doesn't seem to allow it any more. I still take what every risks needed, within limits, to get any shot I want. We do a lot of shooting out in the wilderness, Indian ruins, hoodoos, slot canyons, Rockie Mountains, etc. and some night excursions, so there are risks in what we do.

My problem is my mind thinks I'm 20 and my body knows I'm 70.

Bill

treadwl Loc: South Florida

One man's risk, is another man's safety. It comes with knowing yourself and your limitations. Yes, I have, and still do take some risks to get a unique shot. Otherwise why bother go out there? However I use caution. Can I really do this??? If the answer is no, then I don't. I'm 71, still wade in water, scoot over wet rocks, and get lots of good photos. The adventure is what keeps me going and alive. My adventures aren't as daring as they were 20 years ago, but they are far more than most folks my age undertake. I walk a bit slower wear and out a bit faster but I come home with memories that keep me young at heart. My biggest risk is just driving home in south Florida traffic...

Thanks for making me reassess my adventures.

Larry

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I have been known to take a risk or two. (That's one of the reasons I usually buy a Extended Warranty on a new camera. In my younger years I have been known to slip off that wet log I am crossing the stream on.) But never too fool-hardy like the guy who fell off the cliff. And you are right. In the excitement of the moment to get that pic that will elude you momentarily, we do need to be cognizant of where we are and what is around us.

SteveTog Loc: Philly

I say gopher it! What could possibly go wrong???

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

To risk your life for a photo is stupid after all if you end up dead you will never know if you really got that shot. Think about it and what it will do to your loved ones....Rich

Zaruka Loc: Illinois

I am asked the question frequently, "Wasn't taking that photo risky?" Yes it was. I have been detained, my photos deleted in some very difficult circumstances. It was worth it. North Korea can be trying and you constantly know that you are minutes from detention. You need people skills to read the guides and know the "soft" rules and the "hard" rules. In the old USSR you had to be discreet. Bridges and certain buildings could not be photographed but with film they did not know what you had shot and had to catch you in the act. I spent a day in a jail and they destroyed my roll of film but I was able to resume photography. Ironically in 1990 shortly after the coup the police in Moscow were accommodating to photographers and would move us to favorable places to shoot the protests from. Yet even today in Russia I am questioned when photographing certain buildings or railways (vestiges of the old days?).In the West Bank the Israeli police would search and ask questions years ago in some areas. When lecturing I do not recommend anyone doing what I do. To be honest I think the most dangerous places are not war zones but impoverished areas of the developing nations. Hire a good driver!

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I take what other people might consider risks out in the field, but I've been in the woods forever and a day so what's one person's risk is another's walk in the park. Although, if I'm not bleeding, bit, stung or all three on a trip it probably wasn't very interesting :)

mebert72 Loc: Plainfield, IL

I've taken risks many times to get "the right shot" and it caught up to me in January of 2015. While attempting to cross a small stream in order to get the right shot angle, my camera gear backpack shifted on me and I slipped on an icy embankment resulting in a compound fracture of my right leg (both tibia and fibula poking out of the skin just above the ankle). I was 4 miles from the car and luckily I was not hiking alone. It took the rescue crew over an hour to locate me and transport me out to the local hospital. Not a fun way to spend the rest of that Winter...

SteveTog Loc: Philly

If you're gonna take real risks, the buddy system should apply.

What could possibly go wrong?

MtnMan Loc: ID

No.

We have a waterfall near where I used to live. I got religion after several photographers backed their subjects off the cliff some years ago.

That one is now all gussied up with platforms and guard rails so it doesn't happen there any more. But we have unlimited cliff and river opportunities to aid winning your Darwin award in Idaho.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Ouch! That looks painful.

I usually travel alone, so I have one of these in my pack at all times:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561269/pn/010-01735-10

That way, if I eventually need help, all I need to do is push the button. It's satellite so no cell phone signal required, just don't have an accident in a cave! I've carried one for over 5 years (not the cool new model at the link though) and I've never had to use it. However, one of these days I may need it because stuff happens.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

Unfortunately, there seems to be a rise in rescues off Sunset Cliffs, no?

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Yep, both at Sunset Cliffs and Torrey Pines. It's more than often younger folks that do this and hopefully they have not reproduced yet to pass on their stupid gene. chase

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

There is calculated risk including driving. Stupidity is crossing the barrier and proving the theory of evolution.
We all have a comfort zone of risk taking. I do not cross that personal line and it varies as I age. So risk for some is not for others. For me rocks in a stream would generally not be a risk. But a cliff edge with slippery loose rocks or dirt I personally don't see any reason for that risk. I can think and therefore find a composition that works and not die in the process.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

I want to register a bit of a disagreement. While some of my favorite shots were made while, or shortly after, a bit of risky behavior climbing a mountain ridge or some such, I do not think that taking risks is necessary for getting good shots. Some of my favorites were made on the dining room table, or in the back yard. I don't know what sort of risks Ansel Adams took climbing around Yosemite with an 8x10 camera, tripod, film holders, etc., but I'm guessing it was quite a bit more than the risks taken by Aaron Siskind making spectacular images of wall details like the ones hanging in my dining room.

What I think you do have to risk is seeing things differently, but not life or limb.


Sam