10 Safety Tips For Photographers When Traveling

Take more than one battery charger if practical. You don't want to waste your holiday searching for camera shops when your only charger breaks or is damaged.

Take more than one battery charger if practical. You don't want to waste your holiday searching for camera shops when your only charger breaks or is damaged.

When in big cities like New York: Don't look up. Locals don't look up, only forwards or at the floor. Looking up singles you out, and most skyscrapers aren't recognisable from their ground floors anyway, due to stepped recession.

When in big cities like New York:
Don't look up. Locals don't look up, only forwards or at the floor. Looking up singles you out, and most skyscrapers aren't recognisable from their ground floors anyway, due to stepped recession.

If you are taking a 'big name' brand camera, put a piece of 15mm black electrical tape over the name/logo. Change the strap with the brand on it, to a plain, black generic strap. Carry the camera with the neck strap round your neck & across your body, messenger bag style, so it can't be ripped away or snatched, sometimes by thieves on motorbikes/scooters. same with camera bag or consider a photo-vest. I wish the big names like Nikon & Canon would produce an all black camera strap. They could have the name on it just in black so it doesn't shout "look at me I'm expensive!" instead of the garish red or yellow trim/name. Stay safe, enjoy your photography!

If you are taking a 'big name' brand camera, put a piece of 15mm black electrical tape over the name/logo. Change the strap with the brand on it, to a plain, black generic strap. Carry the camera with the neck strap round your neck & across your body, messenger bag style, so it can't be ripped away or snatched, sometimes by thieves on motorbikes/scooters. same with camera bag or consider a photo-vest.
I wish the big names like Nikon & Canon would produce an all black camera strap. They could have the name on it just in black so it doesn't shout "look at me I'm expensive!" instead of the garish red or yellow trim/name.
Stay safe, enjoy your photography!

Invest in Pacsafe plain black anti-slash camera straps, and rotate the 'lock' fully the wrong way against the 'hook' so fast fingers can't unlock it as I had attempted in Florence when in the normal 'locked' position. Carry the absolute minimum of kit, having to keep changing nice fast primes is a dangerous distraction and makes you more obvious, a good quality zoom with a modern sensor will cover most situations, and less risk of a dirty sensor too, 18-200 on DX 28-300 on FX if buying new seem to be the best all rounders currently, with a wider angle lens for other situations if your really need to. I'm us an old 28-200 D as I prefer it's more compact length when carrying, and a 14-24 in it's case, again with a Pacsafe strap worn messenger style, for wide angle, with a spare battery or two and memory cards in separate clothing pockets. Keep a clear photocopy of your purchase receipts for the gear your using in your hand luggage, useful if customs want to be difficult, also if a false accusation of theft is made against you, remember on-line copies as a back-up may not be available to you depending on the local legal procedures, and leave the originals securely at home. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, if you feel something is wrong/unsafe always trust your instincts, better to lose a shot that your gear/life. Different cultures have different issues, respect is important, make friends not enemy's, loud mouthed bad attitudes are very bad news that leave a lasting impression for those that follow later, don't expect anyone/everyone to speak YOUR language. Buying a replacement eye-piece in Rome the Americans that had been there before left a bad impression about English speakers, thankfully when the shop owner asked if we were American and we said no we're English his attitude changed completely from defensive can't be arsed to as helpful and friendly as possible, no matter his lack of English and our poor halting but polite attempts at Italian. Even cultures seemingly similar to your norm can be risky, for instance Pisa has a particular problem with a gang of 15-18 year old girls targeting older/infirm tourists, camera gear attracts them like flies round ****, the Police and security 'service' are considered by the locals to only be window dressing for reassurance of tourists worried about terrorism, which pretty much sums it up, poncing around and trying to look good is all they seem to do, when they can be bothered to leave their air conditioned office. The girls, 3-9 of them depending on how many they are going after follow you from the very public 'field of miracles' where 'snatch and run' is risky, but not unknown, onto the surrounding quieter streets, we were going on by train and they were quite happy to spray the stations CCTV camera's with paint to avoid being identified, thankfully we met a local Italian guide who ran them off. Previous groups reported the same gang were obvious by the lack of bags etc, now they've learn't it makes them stand out, tourists and locals usually have at least a hand/man bag, and now they carry them too, awareness of who's looking hard at you, and your gear, may be the only warning you get. The same applies in London, where the 'moped' (650cc scooters) gangs will ride up pavements etc to snatch phones/gear/bags and think nothing of dragging you by your bag strap for some distance in the hope you'll let go, over kerbs and abraded on tarmac isn't good for your health, and don't expect the MET Police to do more than give you a crime number, if your lucky, they're not allowed to pursue them as it might spark a riot if the little darlings get hurt!

Invest in Pacsafe plain black anti-slash camera straps, and rotate the 'lock' fully the wrong way against the 'hook' so fast fingers can't unlock it as I had attempted in Florence when in the normal 'locked' position.

Carry the absolute minimum of kit, having to keep changing nice fast primes is a dangerous distraction and makes you more obvious, a good quality zoom with a modern sensor will cover most situations, and less risk of a dirty sensor too, 18-200 on DX 28-300 on FX if buying new seem to be the best all rounders currently, with a wider angle lens for other situations if your really need to.
I'm us an old 28-200 D as I prefer it's more compact length when carrying, and a 14-24 in it's case, again with a Pacsafe strap worn messenger style, for wide angle, with a spare battery or two and memory cards in separate clothing pockets.

Keep a clear photocopy of your purchase receipts for the gear your using in your hand luggage, useful if customs want to be difficult, also if a false accusation of theft is made against you, remember on-line copies as a back-up may not be available to you depending on the local legal procedures, and leave the originals securely at home.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, if you feel something is wrong/unsafe always trust your instincts, better to lose a shot that your gear/life.

Different cultures have different issues, respect is important, make friends not enemy's, loud mouthed bad attitudes are very bad news that leave a lasting impression for those that follow later, don't expect anyone/everyone to speak YOUR language. Buying a replacement eye-piece in Rome the Americans that had been there before left a bad impression about English speakers, thankfully when the shop owner asked if we were American and we said no we're English his attitude changed completely from defensive can't be arsed to as helpful and friendly as possible, no matter his lack of English and our poor halting but polite attempts at Italian.

Even cultures seemingly similar to your norm can be risky, for instance Pisa has a particular problem with a gang of 15-18 year old girls targeting older/infirm tourists, camera gear attracts them like flies round ****, the Police and security 'service' are considered by the locals to only be window dressing for reassurance of tourists worried about terrorism, which pretty much sums it up, poncing around and trying to look good is all they seem to do, when they can be bothered to leave their air conditioned office. The girls, 3-9 of them depending on how many they are going after follow you from the very public 'field of miracles' where 'snatch and run' is risky, but not unknown, onto the surrounding quieter streets, we were going on by train and they were quite happy to spray the stations CCTV camera's with paint to avoid being identified, thankfully we met a local Italian guide who ran them off. Previous groups reported the same gang were obvious by the lack of bags etc, now they've learn't it makes them stand out, tourists and locals usually have at least a hand/man bag, and now they carry them too, awareness of who's looking hard at you, and your gear, may be the only warning you get.
The same applies in London, where the 'moped' (650cc scooters) gangs will ride up pavements etc to snatch phones/gear/bags and think nothing of dragging you by your bag strap for some distance in the hope you'll let go, over kerbs and abraded on tarmac isn't good for your health, and don't expect the MET Police to do more than give you a crime number, if your lucky, they're not allowed to pursue them as it might spark a riot if the little darlings get hurt!

Hi, I recently had my camera stolen and would like to replace it. Can you recommend a good camera to replace it? I have always been interested in photography, and now I am a travel nurse and I would like to advance my photography skills and I need a new camera. Thanks. Best regards, Elizabeth McGlone

Hi,
I recently had my camera stolen and would like to replace it. Can you recommend a good camera to replace it? I have always been interested in photography, and now I am a travel nurse and I would like to advance my photography skills and I need a new camera.
Thanks.

Best regards,
Elizabeth McGlone

Good advice on traveling , lots of things i did not consider ...... Thank you

Good advice on traveling , lots of things i did not consider ......

Thank you

What is this overseas holiday thing? I'm confused...

What is this overseas holiday thing? I'm confused...

Dear Liz, If you have to ask strangers what camera to buy, you really have a problem. Do you need a better one than you lost? If so, I always recommend a Nikon D750 as a very good to excellent 24Mp camera, or any 24MP Canon or Sony in the under $1800 range. It is mostly that Nikon is a great brand with many excellent used lenses and it is old and very low in price, at about $1,400. The kit lens should be a good deal depending on how/what you shoot. I always recommend buying a used lens or two. Always test and compare lenses first.

Dear Liz, If you have to ask strangers what camera to buy, you really have a problem. Do you need a better one than you lost? If so,
I always recommend a Nikon D750 as a very good to excellent 24Mp camera, or any 24MP Canon or Sony in the under $1800 range. It is mostly that Nikon is a great brand with many excellent used lenses and it is old and very low in price, at about $1,400. The kit lens should be a good deal depending on how/what you shoot. I always recommend buying a used lens or two. Always test and compare lenses first.

Some people who get confused easily should stay home. They are the people who get robbed the most. I have never been robbed of a Camera or any equipment, only once in my apt. Next best advice: Travel with 2-3 others, and buy insurance before you go from a Co. near you.

Some people who get confused easily should stay home. They are the people who get robbed the most. I have never been robbed
of a Camera or any equipment, only once in my apt. Next best advice: Travel with 2-3 others, and buy insurance before you go
from a Co. near you.

[quote]Dear Liz, If you have to ask strangers what camera to buy, you really have a problem. Do you need a better one than you lost? If so, I always recommend a Nikon D750 as a very good to excellent 24Mp camera, or any 24MP Canon or Sony in the under $1800 range. It is mostly that Nikon is a great brand with many excellent used lenses and it is old and very low in price, at about $1,400. The kit lens should be a good deal depending on how/what you shoot. I always recommend buying a used lens or two. Always test and compare lenses first.[/quote] Not everyone has a massive knowledge of cameras and lenses. This may be Liz's first dip into more advanced photography, and a surefire way to put someone off a hobby and what is a welcoming and friendly website is to tell them they have a problem. @elizabethwmcglone - It might be best if you posted your query in [link=https://www.ephotozine.com/forums/beginner-photographers-273]This[/link] forum. Plenty of people to give you good advise there!

Quote:Dear Liz, If you have to ask strangers what camera to buy, you really have a problem. Do you need a better one than you lost? If so,
I always recommend a Nikon D750 as a very good to excellent 24Mp camera, or any 24MP Canon or Sony in the under $1800 range. It is mostly that Nikon is a great brand with many excellent used lenses and it is old and very low in price, at about $1,400. The kit lens should be a good deal depending on how/what you shoot. I always recommend buying a used lens or two. Always test and compare lenses first.


Not everyone has a massive knowledge of cameras and lenses. This may be Liz's first dip into more advanced photography, and a surefire way to put someone off a hobby and what is a welcoming and friendly website is to tell them they have a problem.

@elizabethwmcglone - It might be best if you posted your query in This forum. Plenty of people to give you good advise there!

[i]When in big cities like New York - Don't look up.[/i] Whilst I agree that looking up in a place like New York may not be wise, I'm not so sure it's a good general rule. Certainly in many towns and cities, the architecture (60s & 70s era not included!) is much more interesting on the upper floors. The ground floors tend to be fairly bland shop fronts, dominated by the 'usual suspects' with their standardised 'this could be anywhere' corporate branding, but above there's a whole range of different styles and ages. I have never bothered, but I do know someone who swears by the "looking official" approach as a way to discourage interference when taking photos of buildings etc. in a public place. A visible lanyard with a name badge on show seems (to him at least) to provide some "reason to be there" aura; if challenged a reply of "oh this? I didn't realise I was still wearing it!" could be used.

When in big cities like New York - Don't look up.

Whilst I agree that looking up in a place like New York may not be wise, I'm not so sure it's a good general rule.

Certainly in many towns and cities, the architecture (60s & 70s era not included!) is much more interesting on the upper floors.

The ground floors tend to be fairly bland shop fronts, dominated by the 'usual suspects' with their standardised 'this could be anywhere' corporate branding, but above there's a whole range of different styles and ages.

I have never bothered, but I do know someone who swears by the "looking official" approach as a way to discourage interference when taking photos of buildings etc. in a public place. A visible lanyard with a name badge on show seems (to him at least) to provide some "reason to be there" aura; if challenged a reply of "oh this? I didn't realise I was still wearing it!" could be used.

Is it worth putting an airtag or similar in your camera bag?

Is it worth putting an airtag or similar in your camera bag?