Actions to Minimize Being Victim of Crime When Traveling, Taking Pictures?
Jan 27, 2018 01:46:29 #
BHC wrote:
If criminals are profiling victims, what does a guy with a nice camera, a purposeful walk, a mean expression and a metal club over his shoulder say to them? Attitude can change a profile!
Totally agreed. I'm generally mellow as hell but please note my avatar. Sometimes you have to dress to impress.
I've never had a problem.Jan 27, 2018 07:12:45 #
jfdnp
Loc: Coastal Connecticut
Dynamics5 wrote:
My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?
Personally, if I check the State Dept web site for a travel advisory and found one for a particular place, I’d also bring along a less expensive camera and use that in areas where I had any chance of being a target. It might not be optimal but it’s better to lose the shot or the cheaper camera then some $$$$$ DSLR.
Jan 27, 2018 07:36:24 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Dynamics5 wrote:
My husband and I were walking around in Valparaiso, Chile. I was carrying a camera, very visible. We walked by another tourist also with a camera. Shortly after passing him we heard him scream, saw 2 guys wrestle him to the ground to grab his camera. Luckily someone was walking a dog and chased the men away, but the incident could have ended very badly. Wonder about precautions to take when using camera where tourists are often targeted for crime besides resorting to smartphone?
Don't take anything with you. Be safe, be afraid, don't go outside your home.
Jan 27, 2018 07:38:39 #
As SharpShooter stated, When in my home state I carry my Sig P320 40 S&W in plain view, even though I have a conceal carry permit. I was in a local park one morning at daylight when 2 young “gentlemen” approached. One said “nice camera, I’d like to take a picture with it.” Told him “you need to ask “Sig.” He looked at me kind of stupidly and asked who? I pointed at my side and said Sig. He turned and they waked away. End of story.
Jan 27, 2018 07:38:49 #
Martial Arts training. High and tight hair cut. Former Marine. And a don’t F with me look on my face...
Works for me.
Works for me.
Jan 27, 2018 07:46:22 #
I bought a neoprene, somewhat stretchy camera case from B&H that is on the camera all the time when I am walking or on public transit. It fully covers the camera and lens and as a bonus protects it from rain and temperature change condensation. It is plain black, no logo, so it doesn’t look like it is covering an expensive camera.
Jan 27, 2018 08:21:17 #
I have seen amateur photographers take a long time focusing, selecting lenses, putting their other stuff on the ground, leaving an open backpack slung back out of the way: all patterns that say ". . . I am vunerable; attack me". Most of these patterns can be seen in the US as well as globally.
Jan 27, 2018 08:25:16 #
I just spent a week in central Mexico visiting family. While I would have liked to have my full-frame camera and "L" lenses, I took my old camera and kit lenses because I would have hated to lose the really good gear. On a trip to Europe years ago I purchased a camera that would fit into a pocket - it did a good job, I didn't have to worry about being robbed OR lugging around a lot of gear. About not looking like a victim: years ago when walking on the beach in Costa Rica with my wife one evening a shady-looking guy saw us and started walking towards us. I immediately reached my hand into my jacket pocket and looked him right in the eyes. He took two more steps towards us and then abruptly turned and walked the other way. My wife never noticed this little drama.
Jan 27, 2018 08:41:27 #
Jan 27, 2018 09:06:19 #
I read where it is a good practice to tape over the name on the camera. Also there is a company making a camera strap with a cut resistant inner line that can not be sliced in a common cut grab and run theft.
Jan 27, 2018 09:09:52 #
While in Florence Italy, of course with my camera I was walking past an outdoor cafe. There was a young couple having drinks. He had his camera sitting in plain site on the table. I didn't try to figure out if he spoke english. All I did was point at the camera and waged my finger. He got the point and took it and put it around his neck. It would be very easy for anyone to grab and run.
Sometimes as tourist we leave common sense at home.
Sometimes as tourist we leave common sense at home.
Jan 27, 2018 09:48:08 #
SharpShooter wrote:
I don't think there's a lot you CAN do besides just stay home and hope you don't have a home invasion robbery!!!
Take the normal precautions that make you feel safe for the surroundings, I think you'll know what those are for the situation, otherwise I don't think there's much else you can do.
SS
Take the normal precautions that make you feel safe for the surroundings, I think you'll know what those are for the situation, otherwise I don't think there's much else you can do.
SS
Jan 27, 2018 09:55:56 #
Criminals have an advantage of knowing what's going to happen; you don't. I'm sure there are millions of tourists that don't get mugged or have their cars broken into. As part of the millions, the most you can do is being aware. Be one of the millions.
Jan 27, 2018 10:11:19 #
Knowing the place / neighborhood you want to go to take pictures is also important: asking in the hotel always help.
Even in my own city, there are some places where I would never go the evening / night with a good camera.
Regards,
Miquel
Even in my own city, there are some places where I would never go the evening / night with a good camera.
Regards,
Miquel
Jan 27, 2018 10:20:55 #
There was a great article regarding Urban Portraits that also included some tips for safety at Picture Correct. I'm not sure if the link will be legal here. if not, go to the site and search safety. https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/urban-portrait-photography-tips-techniques/
For what it's worth; I was in Baltimore earlier this month and really wanted to take some night photos of the harbor area. Due to the excessive number of homeless roaming around, I was not comfortable doing this on my own and took a friend with me. Others have commented on ways to avoid being a victim; walking with purpose, how you carry yourself etc. that's all fine and good but, someone who is distracted (read, setting up for a photo, making settings changes etc.) is MUCH more likely to be a target.
For what it's worth; I was in Baltimore earlier this month and really wanted to take some night photos of the harbor area. Due to the excessive number of homeless roaming around, I was not comfortable doing this on my own and took a friend with me. Others have commented on ways to avoid being a victim; walking with purpose, how you carry yourself etc. that's all fine and good but, someone who is distracted (read, setting up for a photo, making settings changes etc.) is MUCH more likely to be a target.
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