OK folks! My point is that color does not matter. If you are going to attend a heavily populated event with any kind of very noticeable equipment, be sure to check in with the security folks and obtain clearance. If you are a professional you should have your credentials with you and it is best to secure accreditation or the necessary passes in advance.

It is not necessary to paint your lenses or bodies. Lens casings are finished with baked on paints or some are electroplated or anodized. Ordinary paints or lacquers will not adhere or dry properly and will probably begin to rub or flake off with handling. There is also a chance that paints will seep into the mechanism and foul things up- Don't do that!

Seriously- In the last number of years, I have seen unauthorized photographers or folks with suspicious looking gear run into serious issues with security and police personnel. The were not advised to alter the color of their gear but they were either ejected or arrested. In a few cases there were some rather violent take downs.

If you want to be treated as a professional or with courtesy, act like a profession and behave courteously. It is not at all difficult to secure permission if you do the paperwork in advance.

Just a word to the wise:

Anyone who is contemplating walking into a public event of any kind with anything resembling weaponry like a camera or lens on a gun stock mount, please stop off at the nearest psychiatrist's office and have your head examined!

Nowadays, security measures are very stringent and what with the tragic and devastating events of the last few weeks, officials are even more stringent. When I go to photograph (I no longer use the word shoot) concerts, political rallies, sports events and business conventions, police and security personnel are closely inspecting camera bags, electronic flash (external) power packs- because they may be bombs or contain improvised explosive devices. They are even asking photographers to aim their cameras at the floor and take a picture- that's to make sure they are cameras, not firearms.

If any of y'all start walking around a venue with one of those old Novaflex rigs, you will be set upon by lots of big ugly guys with guns, truncheons and handcuffs and may end up spending at least a few days at the largess of the local constabulary. Don't do dat! The food's lousy and the bathroom facilitates are the pits!

Seriously folks!