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06/02/2004 12:42:51 PM · #1 |
Hi,
I'm not sure if this has been covered before but after a quick search I couldn't find anything so forgive me if it has.
Anyway, I couldn't sleep tonight (it's currently 2:39AM here) so I decided to go and take some photos of my beautiful city. Anyway, at a couple of the spots that I had in mind to take some photos there were small (think 3-4) groups of people, the kind of people that I might not want to bump into alone. Now I'm not being prejudice against these groups as I'm sometimes part of one when I'm out with friends, but I just didn't feel all that safe around them. Now my question/s is how do you guys deal with your own personal safety (and the safety of your equipment) when you are taking photos (day or night). It's all well and good to bring someone along with you, but when it's a spur of the moment idea at a time past midnight, this isn't always feasable. So what would you guys suggest? As I've just got a new D70, I don't want to get donked on the head and lose it!!!! :P
Thanks people! |
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06/02/2004 01:13:08 PM · #2 |
I am a fan a a sturdy mono pod. It is needed to steady those sort of long exposures, but it makes a great looking threat that isn't overt. I was once being followed by a couple of kids (or perhaps was just being paranoid) at night in a third world country and I shot out six feet of carbon fiber from my arm, and they just headed in another direction. When you loosen up the clamps and spin the colapsed leg out in an arc to suddenly be holding what looks like something Jet Li would use as a prop, It can make you look much less interesting.
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06/02/2004 01:24:03 PM · #3 |
i tend to be very careful when i am downtown at night past midnight. about 6 months ago i was out doing the same sorta thing, shooting late at night by myself, and i got hit with a beer bottle. i was walking down the sidewalk and a car came flying around the corner and a guy leaned out of the window and threw a bottle at me. i didn't see it comming since it was dark. the bottle hit me in the knee and i thought it cut me really good because i had a lot of liquid running down my leg. however, it turned out to be beer from the bottle. somehow i managed not to get cut at all, but my knee was pretty sore for a couple of days.
at the time (and now) i don't cary all my gear with me at night. usually just one lens or maybe two if i have big pockets. the same thing would have happened if i was just out walking around with no camera. so i would say more care should be taken at night anyway, and with camera gear even more caution. |
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06/02/2004 01:26:03 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
I am a fan a a sturdy mono pod. It is needed to steady those sort of long exposures, but it makes a great looking threat that isn't overt. I was once being followed by a couple of kids (or perhaps was just being paranoid) at night in a third world country and I shot out six feet of carbon fiber from my arm, and they just headed in another direction. When you loosen up the clamps and spin the colapsed leg out in an arc to suddenly be holding what looks like something Jet Li would use as a prop, It can make you look much less interesting. |
i second the tripod advice. and you'll probably be caring one anyway at night. |
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06/02/2004 01:27:38 PM · #5 |
I was taking photos in a local park one time (forresty area) where people are SUPPOSED to have their pets leashed. So I'm walking along this wide path with a creek to my left and trees to my right. My camera was locked in my tripod, legs folded in, but extended, and I was carying it at my side. Further up the path I could see a guy and a dog coming. Dog not on a leash. Dog big. Dog wet. Oh great! I thought, this moron dog is going to "love" me. Well, the dog takes off in my direction, the guy is calling after it. Way to go, buddy, that's really working! The dog gets about 5 feet from me and decindes NOW would be a good time to shake all that nasty creek water all over me. AS I lifted my arms to not get wet, the dog saw the tripod coming and started coming after me! I saw teeth a took a swing. I cokced the jerk dog upside the head with the foot end of the tripod and that REALLY ticked off Fido. I stood there with both hands on my tripod with the pointed feet sticking straight in his face. He was barking and growling pretty loud when his owner caught up and grabbed him by the collar. I've been attacked by a dog before and I was NOT going to let it happen again.
So the guy starts yelling at me for hitting his dog.. I told him he was attacking me but of course.. not HIS gentle puppy! Whatever. So I started complaining about the guy not having his dog on a leash and that he was going to spray me but apparently it ok for this guy's dog to do whatever he feels like.
This was the same park were 6 months before then I was being chased by a dog while cross country skiiing. I thought I was going to have to use my pole in that scenario but it never came to that. Thank goodness.
My appologies to dog lovers... but keep them on a leash! |
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06/02/2004 01:28:27 PM · #6 |
| "Speak softly and carry a big stick" i wouldnt ever bring out my camera equipment at night around where i live, unless i bring a few of my friends with me |
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06/02/2004 01:31:12 PM · #7 |
| Thanks for the suggestions guys. Yeah I was carrying a tripod, but to me that was more of a hinderance than a benefit. If I had of been approached while taking a photo it would take way to long to get the camera off and use it as a weapon, or to make a quick getaway. I'm not exactly big so I can't really be intimidating to people, even with a tripod I don't think I'd be comfortable taking on a few others. Oh well. |
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06/02/2004 01:36:13 PM · #8 |
I try to avoid places where I know will be dodgy, but something I was told once was to get rid of the neck strap that came with the camera that advertises DIGITAL and get something non-descript. The D100 strap has bright yellow text that basically translates to 'hi, I have an expensive camera, rob me'.
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06/02/2004 01:39:27 PM · #9 |
The strap was one of the first things I got rid of on my camera, replaced with one that was more supportive and less of an advertisment. Between that and having a resonably beat up camera bag, you can look fairly innocuous. Between that and paying more attention to the surroundings than to the camera can go a long way to keeping you safe.
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06/02/2004 01:42:00 PM · #10 |
I don't know if it's legal there, but a small can of pepper spray (or mace) can work against assailants or dogs, and is light and easy.
Two years ago I was chased by a rottweiler and two other dogs on a country road on my bike. I got knocked off of my bike (I slowed down so as not to leave the wife behind with the dogs) and the dog went in front of me and I slammed on the brakes and ended up all cut up and with gravel embedded in my arms, legs and side.
Ever since then, I carry pepper spray on my bike. I've never had to use it fortunately. It also tags assailents with a green dye so if you want to call the police you can tell them to be on the lookout for those big green men. ;)
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06/02/2004 01:48:28 PM · #11 |
I'm 6'3" and weigh around 250lbs, so people tend to leave me alone. :D
/Andrew
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06/02/2004 01:55:00 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Kha0S:
I'm 6'3" and weigh around 250lbs, so people tend to leave me alone. :D
/Andrew |
We fragile girls must borrow you the next time we want to shoot something at night! :o) LOL
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06/02/2004 01:59:40 PM · #13 |
| In Arizona it's legal to carry a firearm anywhere unless it's posted that you can't. |
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06/02/2004 03:04:21 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Kha0S:
I'm 6'3" and weigh around 250lbs, so people tend to leave me alone. :D
/Andrew |
i'm 6'4" but only 170 lbs. i guess i could stand really still, and hope someone mistakes me for a pole in the dark. |
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06/02/2004 04:19:19 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by nborton:
Originally posted by Kha0S:
I'm 6'3" and weigh around 250lbs, so people tend to leave me alone. :D
/Andrew |
i'm 6'4" but only 170 lbs. i guess i could stand really still, and hope someone mistakes me for a pole in the dark. |
I'm 6' 0" and weigh 135.... I AM a pole in the dark! (And light for that matter!) |
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06/02/2004 04:25:13 PM · #16 |
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06/02/2004 06:29:18 PM · #17 |
i guess i do tend to go alone to places that are pretty iffy with regard to my safety. lately, there have been some attacks at the cemetery where i frequently go to take photos and more than once i've driven down an unknown gravel road just to see where it goes or to see if there is something worth photographing.
i always try to drive as close as possible to whatever i'm photographing so i won't be too far away from the car. when i do have to walk some distance, i have my cell phone handy and i'm always aware of my surroundings. i've had self-defense training but after 3 knee surgeries i'm not sure how effective it would be.
the best advice i can give is to stay aware of what's going on around you and if you don't feel safe...leave. no photo is worth risking your life.
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06/02/2004 06:50:20 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by lbWhaples:
My appologies to dog lovers... but keep them on a leash! |
You just gotta stop wearing that snausages scented cologne. |
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06/02/2004 06:51:55 PM · #19 |
6'1, 300 pounds. I used to be a bouncer =) No one really messes with me.
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06/02/2004 06:56:29 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by lbWhaples:
Originally posted by nborton:
Originally posted by Kha0S:
I'm 6'3" and weigh around 250lbs, so people tend to leave me alone. :D
/Andrew |
i'm 6'4" but only 170 lbs. i guess i could stand really still, and hope someone mistakes me for a pole in the dark. |
I'm 6' 0" and weigh 135.... I AM a pole in the dark! (And light for that matter!) |
6'3" 330... Hmmm... I could be a.... parked car? |
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06/02/2004 07:17:51 PM · #21 |
Dragonstar,
As I have posted elsewhere, a book worth reading is Massad Ayoob's The Truth About Self Protection ISBN 0-553-19519-0. It covers a multitude of options including sprays, sticks, Kubotan's, as well as home security like locks, alarms, and dogs. I highly recomend it. For those who CHOOSE to become trained and responsible firearm owners then Massad Ayoob's In The Gravest Extreme ISBN 0-936279-00-1 is a MUST READ. It delves into the consequences of irresponsible acts with firearms. A definite precursor to any defensive use of this particular rescue tool.
1st, avoid situations where trouble is likely. It will be hard to convince plaintiffs attorney that you were not "out looking for trouble". For those who have assignments in troubled lands/neighborhoods, then the above is sound reading for judicious preparation.
After, reading the above suggested books, then the other recommendations posted above, like a mono-pod used as a "stick" and OC spray(if legal in your area) are options. Often the key is to have at hand a "tool" that can be pressed into service in a defensive emergency rescue, rather than a weapon that is viewed by jurors as having "offensive" capabilities. Again -- READ. It is imperative to understand the limitations of any "rescue tool".
This post is courtesy of Awareness Associates LLC.
Flash
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06/02/2004 07:35:31 PM · #22 |
I tend to go into autopilot when it comes to something I think would make a great picture. If I didn't, I'd never be able to get any photos of bugs. The first time I tried to photograph bees, I ended up running away screaming more times than I actually snapped shots ;) But I've come to the point where I will often get close to live, scary spiders now, if I think it'll mean a decent photo... which I've not managed *yet*. I also tend not to care if I'm feeling sick, either, or if it's very cold.
However... I don't live in a city. Bees are one thing, but strange people at night would probably be too much for me. I'm scared enough of people in the daytime ;) |
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06/02/2004 08:30:11 PM · #23 |
| I have found that if I babble about aliens stealing the brains of the CIA, people leave me alone. |
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06/02/2004 08:38:05 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by hannafate:
I have found that if I babble about aliens stealing the brains of the CIA, people leave me alone. |
lol...good idea....i'll have to try that.
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06/02/2004 10:02:54 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by lbWhaples:
I was taking photos in a local park one time (forresty area) where people are SUPPOSED to have their pets leashed. So I'm walking along this wide path with a creek to my left and trees to my right. My camera was locked in my tripod, legs folded in, but extended, and I was carying it at my side. Further up the path I could see a guy and a dog coming. Dog not on a leash. Dog big. Dog wet. Oh great! I thought, this moron dog is going to "love" me. Well, the dog takes off in my direction, the guy is calling after it. Way to go, buddy, that's really working! The dog gets about 5 feet from me and decindes NOW would be a good time to shake all that nasty creek water all over me. AS I lifted my arms to not get wet, the dog saw the tripod coming and started coming after me! I saw teeth a took a swing. I cokced the jerk dog upside the head with the foot end of the tripod and that REALLY ticked off Fido. I stood there with both hands on my tripod with the pointed feet sticking straight in his face. He was barking and growling pretty loud when his owner caught up and grabbed him by the collar. I've been attacked by a dog before and I was NOT going to let it happen again.
So the guy starts yelling at me for hitting his dog.. I told him he was attacking me but of course.. not HIS gentle puppy! Whatever. So I started complaining about the guy not having his dog on a leash and that he was going to spray me but apparently it ok for this guy's dog to do whatever he feels like.
This was the same park were 6 months before then I was being chased by a dog while cross country skiiing. I thought I was going to have to use my pole in that scenario but it never came to that. Thank goodness.
My appologies to dog lovers... but keep them on a leash! |
I sympathize with you completely! I WORK with a dog. He's my $40,000 tool that must be kept in top shape and safe at all times. My dog, just like any other dog needs exercise to keep fit. Every morning before work, I take my dog for a nice walk/play at a park that clearly states that all dogs must be leashed by city by-law. Most are not. Mine is ALWAYS on leash
When I'm walking my dog, I am wearing my government work uniform, so I look DAMNED official. The funny thing is that almost everytime I remind people to keep their "well behaved" and "completely controlled" dogs on leash as the by-law stipulates, they either ignore me, get all defensive and even insult me. In my humble opinion, royal wankers.
I am very careful with my dog. I avoid coming into contact with people with unleashed dogs. We have yet to have a close call and I hope it never happens. I have been taught to remove myself from any situation that could endanger my partner and that's what I do. But, I can assure you, as much as I would hate to do it, if ever my dog gets attacked by another dog... Well, let's just say that you would have a VERY angry and potent K9 officer on your hands.
So to all you dog "owners" out there, do everyone a favour and keep everyone safe, including your dogs, by keeping them on a leash if you are in areas such as parks or walking trails with other people or dogs around. It's in your best interest.
I know this is off subject from the original post, but I'm feeling quite irritable right now. Sorry.
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