Safety when out and about.

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Louise
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So, perhaps this is irrational, perhaps not, but what puts me off going out at night is the safety aspect - I don't feel like parting company with my equipment having been approached by a gang.

I guess what makes it difficult for me is that I'm deaf, so I wouldn't hear anybody approaching while peering through my lens. First thing I would know about it is when someone grabs my kit!

I run outdoors, but limit that in the day for the same reasons mentioned. But I'd really like to get and about to some places at night. For those who do, do you brave going alone? Persuade someone to go with you?

I guess in public well-lit areas, there shouldn't be problems. I'm thinking more along the lines of, what if I want to go and photograph from a motorway bridge to get the tailights of cars? I am clearly not going to knowingly wander into somewhere known to be dodgy.
 
I don't do a lot of night time photography at the moment, but when I did I was always alone. My ethos was not stray far from my car and only carry with me what I need for the shot.

I went a few place that were not dodgy per se, but did attract the occasional nefarious individual. I honestly don't think being deaf will cause you much problem, the buggers could move pretty quiet anyway. Do you pick up on movement in your peripheral vision well? Even reflections on the LCD screen of you camera (while it is off) will give you a hint of movement.

Also, you have to remember any would be mugger won't know you can't hear them.
 
Taking someone with you for peace of mind has to be a good idea, if you can do. Otherwise just use a bit of common sense, as above - don't take all your lenses, stay to safish areas and so on. I tend to err on the side of caution when going anywhere dodgy though (nighttime or otherwise) and take a mate. Even though he's about half my size!
 
Through work I have been to some interesting places both here in the UK and abroad, and always manage to wonder off to the more dangerous places.

I think like what everyone has said now, you have a feeling when you are about to go that bit too far.

My Number one tip (If you are going somewhere known for trouble!)... remove the branded neck strap from the camera, or put some black tape over the canon / Nikon name

Thats a dead giveaway to expensive kit! And i use a small bag for my camera so i can easily and quickly put it away.
 
Yeah, I think part of it must be intuition - if something doesn't look / feel right, then don't go there. I live in Huddersfield which is generally safe in the centre, and I would only venture up into the Pennines during the day really.

Thanks Pixman, I had never thought of disguising the camera strap, mine does indeed say 'Canon EOS.'

My Tamrac expedition 6 arrived today, and it looks like an ordinary rucksack to me - should be helpful.
 
You could always carry a monopod with a head on the end, well that's what i do even though i don't use it a lot, and then if the worse comes to the worse, well i will leave that one to your imagination ;)

Barcode said:
I guess in public well-lit areas, there shouldn't be problems.
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I wouldn't like to bet on that one either.
 
A sturdy tripod is all I need :D

But seriously, I don't mind going out on my own at night, but much prefer having someone with me.
Setting a shot up at night can be a time consuming task, and I just prefer people to talk to/for protection should the worst case scenario come up.
 
Also, people worried about would be thieves seeing "Canon EOS" or "Nikon" on a strap would likely not know the difference.

The fact they could probably flog it for £20 down the pub is their only mindset, not that it's a valuable piece of equipment.
 
You kinda answered you own question.

Sorry to here about what has happened. :/ Unfortunately it is a problem for us all, and not being able to hear won't help!

Maybe join a photography club or get some big, burley mates to accompany you!

I hate to conceide defeat to these idoits, but i wouldn't risk getting my head kicked in and my kit nicked!
 
Just on another note, make sure your kit is insured for loss and theft and damage should the worst ever happen ;)
 
The most blood curdling words in the universe.... "Give me the f****** camera"
 
Paddysnapper said:
The most blood curdling words in the universe.... "Give me the f****** camera"
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Yep and pretty blood curdling for the mugger when he gets it smashed across his head :D
 
Make sure it's insured and if you can, take someone with you.

I had to do a series of night shots for the OU course I did a couple of years ago and I did one in Manchester at 5am. On both occasions my partner got wrapped up and came with me. He's 6'3" and a former bodyguard so I feel totally safe out with him.

If you had time to plan a shoot you could always put a post on here and see if anyone was free to join you. That would be a result!
 
I tend not to wander round where i live, mostly because its boring but i do ride a bike.

If we're out at night it's usually when we're away with the van so there's nine of us (3 kids).
And we've never had any problems, the blokes wouldn't need to get involved anyway,
the women would sort anyone out. We would just have to drag them off any gang when
we thought they'd suffered enough ... :lol:

Seriously though, if you're concerned, try to get some mates involved, or join
a club of some sorts, there's safety in numbers..
 
Why not try the 'find a tog buddy' section in the Meeting Place section and see if anyone else fancys a nocturnal trip around West Yorkshire!! :D

Failing that, have you got a sturdy tripod......;) :D
 
Were I live in Plymouth there are always large groups of chav's hanging around. I have a very non descript bag that I shove my camera to make it less obvious. I also get the same worries if I'm walking back from uni late with my laptop. Personally I think the best bet is take a mate with you.
 
If you want to do some night shooting around Manchester or Sheffield, I'd be up for that.

PM me if you're interested :)
 
If i'm going in to the town center, I normally leave it till about 4am when the clubbers have all gone and pop into the local police station just to let them know what I'm doing to avoid any misunderstandings. They then monitor my movements for my safety, when I report back they usually ask if I had fun doing what they'd seen on cctv.
 
chill out peeps always keep a stanley knife , a roll of gaffer tape and an empty boot......oh and 1 hour a day on the punch bag..... if ya can take it ya can keep it my wee beastie:bat::bat::bat::bat::bat::lol::lol::lol:
 
I find early morning (obviosly still dark) feels safer than late at night when there's more alcohol fueled individuals about
 
blaze_away said:
I find early morning (obviosly still dark) feels safer than late at night when there's more alcohol fueled individuals about
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Sorry about the "obvious" spelling mistake :bonk:, my fingers go quicker than I think sometimes
 
Thanks BigDef, I'll give it some thought :)

Yeah, at least early morning all the drunk people should have gone home to bed. There is a local-ish photography group which I'm giving some thought to joining, assuming they don't mind complete amateurs.
 
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