Night Safety

[Mitchell Tomlinson]

Obviously there’s a bit of risk when going out into the city, when it’s dark and ominous. You’d be surprised at how many people are in the market for a nice camera like yours. So, what’s your secret?

[d_rec]

My Tripod is nice and heavy. Don’t listen to your iPod while out at night so you can hear your surrounding area.

[BRIAN HAMMERSLEY]

be aware of where u R and whats around u at all times. Take a friend with u. Stay out of obvious trouble spots. Tell friend(s) where u will be in case something should happen.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

I usually have my camera strap firmly wrapped around my wrist (if I am not using a tripod).

I also use a sports bag rather than a camera bag in some areas. Camera bags can make you a target.

[Bruce Clayton]

I live out in the boondocks…LOL…but if I venture into the city..I stick to areas that are usually safe. I don’t stray too far from my car, and keep the cellphone handy at all times.

[Antoinette M. Olsen]

These advices is also important in daytime. When I am photografing I always leave keyes, wallet, cellphone and other important stuff at home or in the boot of my car, so nobody can see what’s in it.

[Nicholas Fulford]

I walk boldly, carry a large tripod as if it were a gattling machinegun, and have my camera strap firmly wrapped around my arm. Otherwise, be aware of where you are and who is around you, and don’t be distracted, (i.e. don’t use cellphone, ipod, et cetera.)

In Toronto, Canada I have never had a problem downtown either at night or day, and that is carrying a Nikon D3x with a backpack of lenses.

[tom dinning]

You can borrow my wife. She scares spiders.

[matarius777]

Get yourself one of the large 4D Maglights (it’s over 12 inches long, weighs a good kilo or more) and keep it prominent and handy, clipped to your belt. It feels very reassuring + it’s legal!

[David Haworth]

other tips might be choose Sunday or Tuesday nights.. more drunk loons out on Friday and Saturday.And watch the moon cycle… full moon equals werewolves and dipsticks.

[Simone]

My dog is my constant companion. He’s rather intimidating, alerts me right away if there’s a person (or animal) and shows his teeth/growls/barks on command. I live in a bit of a bad area of the city but I’m a night owl and drawn to the dark… Do I take risks esp. as a woman? Absolutely. But I’m not scared.

[tom dinning]

Wtch who you’re talking about sunseeker. That could be my wife.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

My Manfrotto monopod would do some pretty serious damage if used that way. It’s way old and heavy and has rather inconvenient screws which would be quite painful I imagine.

[tom dinning]

An old proverb says ‘ Those who carry weapons of defence become targets for the enemy’.
One would not step in front of a speeding car to photograph its approaching grill just to get ‘the shot’. No self-indulgent pride can shield you from a broken nose. If you feel unsafe, go home. If you don’t feel unsafe you are probably stupid.
And in relation to the torch being ‘legal’; if it can be shown that it was carried as a weapon and not a torch (and that’s easy to do after you clocked someone) it may well be considered a weapon and be declared illegal. The law for self-defence is not as clear cut as we may assume it is.
If you place yourself in the line of fire, be prepared to be shot.
Maybe I’m just getting too old for that stuff anyway. Hey, maybe that’s how I got to this age without upsetting too many people. Except my wife of course, but that doesn’t count.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Meh, when I travel overseas I am totally Mr Pacifist. Mainly cos even minor fights in the third world tend to escalate hell fast, a crowd gathers, arrests are made and bribes can get expensive.

In Australia, not so much. 😉

[Krista]

If I know I’m going to a dangerous area last at night, my id, money, and anything important go into my shoe. My phone goes into my bra on silent. I let people know where I’m going and when I should be back if I can’t find someone to go with me. Lastly, my camera has a drop coverage that I keep updated. I would MUCH rather throw my camera to the ground & get it replaced rather then letting someone steal it from me.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

If somebody tries to steal your camera, let them have it.

No camera is worth it.

[Lisa Hill]

I’m really, really bad at personal safety matters. In fact I’m really slack at any safety matters. Last week I took a wander along the beach at sunset, plonked my camera bag down and off I went. It wasn’t until it was pitch black that I realised I had no idea where I left my bag and spent 20 mins hunting for it along the rocks!!! I didn’t even take a torch and nearly broke my neck falling into a big hole. Note to self, be more vigilant.

[Alberto]

yesterday, at night, i went out to take a 5 minutes photo with a homemade camera with a nivea can. I wanted to be in the photo, so i stay in front of “this strange thing that nobody knows what is”….when a police car passed near me, slowly, very slowly and looking at me, trying to understand what i was doing there, so alone, so quiet, so…..hieratic.
I really thought they are going to tell me to go with them, and of course, i would have to say no….hehehe

In this case, good people could have been the bads…. 😉

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