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Staying safe on the streets
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Hi there (yep I’m still around, sorry I haven’t posted in awhile…)
In general, how safe do you feel walking around with your camera in town? I’d love to get out and do more street photography in the Dublin city centre – walking around with a huge ?3,000 camera around my neck is fine for out of the way, obviously safe places, but out on the crowded streets, it’s impossible not to feel like a bit of a target. My partner is rarely able to be with me (he uses a wheelchair and we can rarely get into town together), and I don’t have any friends of my own to walk around with, and the idea of going alone with my camera through the big streets and back alleys is more than a little daunting. I’m half thinking of just getting a small, cheap handheld camera for walking around with, to at least satisfy my constant urge to get the odd shot – even if I would later desperately miss the quality of my good camera.
What do you folks think? How do you reconcile wanting to get the good shots with being safe? Thanks =)
Noah
I would say that your far safer on crowded streets than in out of the way ones. The more people around the less likely you are to get any hassle in my experience. The only thing that would bother me about shooting in dublin would be to do it at night, as there are some parts of town you dont want to hang around in especially if your trucking a bag of lenses – expensive camera and tripod and all.
It’s an interesting question.
I remember when I got my D70 I was really nervous about having it out and about at the start, but as time progressed I felt more and more comfortable. Similarly, when I moved on to my D2X I was a little hesitant at the start about having it around my neck when I’m on the streets. The funny thing is, when I travel somewhere else, I don’t feel the same. I kind of swap into tourist mode and happily snap away, oblivious to the potential dangers around me. But what are the alternatives? Have a wonderful piece of equipment but never use it for fear of being targetted? I’m not obvlivious to the danger now, I just live with it. I do my best to never look nervous or make myself look a target or a tourist. I know it sounds silly, but I find my shaved head and often unshaved face are a benefit on occassions like this :) Also, good insurance gives you good peace of mind.
ciaran wrote:
……….but I find my shaved head and often unshaved face are a benefit on occassions like this………
LOL..As Billy Connolly said once “Who would mug me?….I look more like a mugger than one who would be mugged”
it of a catch 22 especially if you prefer shooting on your own. I’m particularly nervous with my camera. I’m not exactly the biggest so i’m a perfect target i suppose. That said, i’m an optimist. I don’t think i’ll be going shooting in Dublin on my own at night though :shock:
I usually wrap the camera strap tightly round my wrist, rather than hanging it on my neck / shoulder. This way I can’t drop it, it would be very hard for someone to just snatch it off you, and it doesn’t get in the way like a neck strap can sometimes. I think you’re pretty safe in the crowded central area of Dublin city and most of the better looking suburbs as well (although, there isn’t that much to photograph in them). So long as you avoid the more dodgy looking areas you shouldn’t run into any trouble.
The only serious trouble I had was on the N11 by the UCD, when I was photographing passing traffic to practice panning. Two young men in one car didn’t like it – they beeped the horn and made rude hand gestures (fortunately I resisted the temptation to respond in kind), and then drove right around UCD, pulled up and got out. They insisted I delete the picture (at least, one of two) but weren’t violent (as I thought looked likely) so it resolved peacefully.
To be honest I’m always wandering around town with my D200 – ( it has the vertical grip so it looks bigger than usual) I haven’t don a night shoot yet, but with winter coming along I have some ideas I’ll be trying out. The best advice I have is just to be aware of your surroundings… if you see someone notice your camera – keep an eye on them till they move on .. but mostly if you relax, don’t take unnessessary risks, look like you know where you are and where your going you should be as fine as in any city…
Oh … and it can only help if you can speak scumbag ;) ….To greet anyone – which should be avoided at all costs but if you can’t start with “Storeeeee…” Add “Buuuuud” or “Maaaaaan” to the end of anything you say in a heavy Dub accent and you’ll be grand :)
L
LoGill wrote:
Oh … and it can only help if you can speak scumbag ;) ….To greet anyone – which should be avoided at all costs but if you can’t start with “Storeeeee…” Add “Buuuuud” or “Maaaaaan” to the end of anything you say in a heavy Dub accent and you’ll be grand :)
L
lol. Loved it! I’m from Co Armagh working in Dublin. Where might I find language classes for that kind of thing! :-)
BertieWooster wrote:
LoGill wrote:
Oh … and it can only help if you can speak scumbag ;) ….To greet anyone – which should be avoided at all costs but if you can’t start with “Storeeeee…” Add “Buuuuud” or “Maaaaaan” to the end of anything you say in a heavy Dub accent and you’ll be grand :)
L
lol. Loved it! I’m from Co Armagh working in Dublin. Where might I find language classes for that kind of thing! :-)
You should come down to Cork – it’s an entirely different language altogether :D (apologies to the OP for going off topic).
I wouldn’t be shooting at night (not without a strong friend or three around, anyhow!), just been worried about doing the town during the day in general… I’m not a big strong guy, and it’s pretty obvious to anyone who sees me that I’m not from Ireland and don’t know my way around very well yet. I’m still thinking I may just get a small handheld camera (maybe the Coolpix P4, 8 megapixels, vibration reduction, small enough to fit in my pocket), at least until I know my way around Dublin more.
Thanks so much for the responses everyone!
Noah – I usually toddle into town at weekends for a wander with the camera, if you want to join me sometime PM or email me.. I’m not offering to be your bodyguard or anything :lol: but safety in numbers might help till you get more settled in ;)
L
Street photography was always done with small cameras and 35mm lens, the favourite being a Leica. The digital camera especially with the large zooms most photographers have, do stand out. I have seen a few reviews for digital rangefinders but they have been very expensive and poor quality for the price. Voigtlander make lovely film rangefinders with some really good lenses.
My best suggestion is to buy a Billingham Hadley bag. They are small canvas bag with leather trim in a number of colours, including black. They dont look like camera bags and will conceal your gear when required. They are comfortable to carry and very strong.
Eddie wrote:
My best suggestion is to buy a Billingham Hadley bag. They are small canvas bag with leather trim in a number of colours, including black. They dont look like camera bags and will conceal your gear when required. They are comfortable to carry and very strong.
Or failing that, just take Ciaran’s approach and shave your head and grow some designer stubble. Works for me too. It also helps if you look as though you’ve been off your meds for a couple of weeks.
Winkauss wrote:
Or failing that, just take Ciaran’s approach and shave your head and grow some designer stubble.
Mine is more “lazy” stubble than designer stubble. But coupled with the shaved head and Coolock accent, I tend to be left alone :)
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