confidence issues???

[brummiebird]

Hi all, haven't posted on DPS for a while but still a regular reader/learner
my question is do any of you not like getting your camera out in public when you're on your own?
I ask because I am dying to get down my local park and get some Autunm shots while the leaves on still hanging on and obviously this would be best done during the day when the other half is at work. I worry about getting my DSLR out of my bag in case I get robbed, might sound pessimistic but I dont live in a very nice area and I am a little limited at the moment as to the places I can visit. I do have a P&S but it doesn't produce the quality the "big" camera does.
Am I just being stupid and I should just bite the bullet and do it or does anyone else feel the same way??

thanks for reading/replying
Louise

[Izzy]

Just be aware of your environment. I am 6'6" 275lbs so I don't get harassed for obvious reasons. Maybe a thing to look into a YMCA or YWCA self defense class. You would be amazed the kind of damage that can be done with a simple camera strap. I only say the defense class because it would boost your overall confidence in seedy locations.

One of the things I do is never put obvious gear in the trunk out in public. For example never put an obvious DSLR in the trunk where everyone can see you. In bad areas I travel very light. No more than one extra lens. The laptop and other camera stay back at my reserved safe home base from where ever I may be working from. Also I never stay in "seedy" hotels no matter how cheap they are.

[OurJeepLife]

I think its best to travel in groups.. Not only will you have to contend with the issue you've stated above.. But the fact everyone is watching your every move.. someone could (think) your taking images of something you shouldn't be..

I encountered this while out and about taking images of the fall foliage.. Seems some police officers spotted me and ask that they see the images.. I thought someone was just going to comment about my skills and camera handle. Turns out I had invariantly captured one of their "Unmarked" surveillance cars.. and I was asked to delete the image.

Taking images of bridges, building etc.. is very risky today..

[candidrachel]

Doesn't bother me one iota. I took some autumn leaves photos the other day and when I was finished some bloke yelled out of their window "I wondered what you were doing with your ass in the air" I was like a bit but after a while I was more .

I've been getting it out so often that after a while you get oblivous to those around you. No-one is ever rude more like curious to what I am doing.

I use either the 40d or 550D with the 50mm lens attached. That way it doesn't look as big and "in you face" as my tamron lens does.

[Krusty79]

I would suggest arming your self with pepper spray and constantly checking your surroundings. Pepper spray is legal in the US at least. It might also help if you carry your DSLR in a bag that doesn't look like an obvious camera bag. I don't know if you typically bring your tripod also - I guess that will defeat the purpose of disguising your camera if you obviously have a tripod also. On the other hand, your tripod can be used as a weapon!

Self-defense classes will help also. Best way to avoid trouble is to see it coming and bypassing it.

[tuxcomputers]

Thugs are like dogs, they can sense your uneasiness, if you don't look like you belong or are comfortable you will attract unwanted attention.

I have been to seedy areas with my camera, I walk around as if I belong, no-one bats an eye.

[RecurrentNerve]

Why not go out in the countryside for your autumn shots? Wolverhampton isn't exactly a sylvan idyll and I'd think twice about getting my camera out there too!

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by tuxcomputers

Thugs are like dogs, they can sense your uneasiness, if you don't look like you belong or are comfortable you will attract unwanted attention.

I have been to seedy areas with my camera, I walk around as if I belong, no-one bats an eye.

++++ 1 gazzillion! Looking and acting like a target will probably at some point make you a target.

[Photologyst]

I used to work in the field in one of America’s largest cities. Going into gang areas and abandoned houses was a regular part of the job. I made “friends” with lots of gang members who loved having their photos taken next to my company car.

First, do not carry a purse or other bag. Wear flat shoes. Don’t carry much money; keep most of it in your socks and only a 20 or so in your pockets. Put your camera strap across your body and a jacket or coat over that, so that the strap cannot be seen from the back. Carry mace or pepper spray. Put a can-opener (the long kid with a point typically used for beverages) on your keychain and keep that handy as well as your cell phone with the police on speed dial. Make contact with the local police station and ask for their advice on staying safe. A large dog is always a great conversation starter and a protector. Take a self defense course.


Let people know where you have gone and when you expect to return.

Be friendly to all the blokes who say anything. Often they believe they are paying you a compliment by commenting loudly. Acting unafraid and friendly will go a long, long way to keeping you out of trouble. These guys expect negative reactions from people. So, do the opposite. Chat them up and ask to take their photos. Ask, for example, about their graffiti, hair-doos or their tats and clothes. Get email addresses and send them the photos via a public computer—so they do not get your actual email address. If you go into these areas regularly, you may find that they will protect, rather than harm or hassle you. You might get some really great portraits out of it as well.


As a woman, very blonde Nordic looking, I have gone into some of the worst areas in the world—quite alone, for decades and never had a problem. I generally carry my big SLR everywhere that I go. Always be aware and don’t do anything foolish like walking down a dark alley.

[BEGM83]

Doesn't bother me either.

The last paragraph of Photologysts post echoes true to me too and tbh it's not something i'm phased by now - although i used to be!