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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Photography Discussion => Topic started by: PaulieWalnuts on February 21, 2016, 21:33

Title: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on February 21, 2016, 21:33
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: MarcvsTvllivs on February 22, 2016, 04:27
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?

The only weapon I carry is comprehensive equipment insurance. Getting mugged means a camera upgrade for me...
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: Tror on February 22, 2016, 04:38
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?

The only weapon I carry is comprehensive equipment insurance. Getting mugged means a camera upgrade for me...

Better Idea than a knife :-) In which country was Paulie? Mind sharing the city?
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: Shelma1 on February 22, 2016, 05:04
I've been attacked, grabbed, hit, threatened, yelled at...I think some men feel it's their duty to harass small women. I've carried pepper spray a couple of times but never used it. An iPhone is sometimes effective...when people see they're being recorded they try to calm down. I would think pepper spray would be better than a knife, because you don"t have to be so close to use it. But I'm always concerned that I'll wind up being sprayed more than they will.
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on February 22, 2016, 07:42
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?

The only weapon I carry is comprehensive equipment insurance. Getting mugged means a camera upgrade for me...

Insurance is great for replacing equipment but what about your life? Some people just want to steal but some seem more interested in doing harm.
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on February 22, 2016, 07:43
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?

The only weapon I carry is comprehensive equipment insurance. Getting mugged means a camera upgrade for me...

Better Idea than a knife :-) In which country was Paulie? Mind sharing the city?

USA. Major southeastern city.
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on February 22, 2016, 07:44
I've been attacked, grabbed, hit, threatened, yelled at...I think some men feel it's their duty to harass small women. I've carried pepper spray a couple of times but never used it. An iPhone is sometimes effective...when people see they're being recorded they try to calm down. I would think pepper spray would be better than a knife, because you don"t have to be so close to use it. But I'm always concerned that I'll wind up being sprayed more than they will.

Wow, sorry to hear that. Good point with the phone.
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: Shelma1 on February 22, 2016, 08:16
I've been attacked, grabbed, hit, threatened, yelled at...I think some men feel it's their duty to harass small women. I've carried pepper spray a couple of times but never used it. An iPhone is sometimes effective...when people see they're being recorded they try to calm down. I would think pepper spray would be better than a knife, because you don"t have to be so close to use it. But I'm always concerned that I'll wind up being sprayed more than they will.

Wow, sorry to hear that. Good point with the phone.

Thanks. The funny thing is that I've been threatened, attacked and screamed at in Manhattan...which I guess is to be expected, perhaps...but also in quiet suburbs, where I apparently threaten and infuriate men by cycling and walking my Chihuahuas. You know when I never, ever got harassed? When I walked my German Shepherd. A big dog is really the best deterrent, and a camera phone makes people think twice.
Title: Re: Photographer Weapons & Safety
Post by: memakephoto on February 22, 2016, 09:03
I've been attacked, grabbed, hit, threatened, yelled at...I think some men feel it's their duty to harass small women. I've carried pepper spray a couple of times but never used it. An iPhone is sometimes effective...when people see they're being recorded they try to calm down. I would think pepper spray would be better than a knife, because you don"t have to be so close to use it. But I'm always concerned that I'll wind up being sprayed more than they will.

Wow, sorry to hear that. Good point with the phone.

Thanks. The funny thing is that I've been threatened, attacked and screamed at in Manhattan...which I guess is to be expected, perhaps...but also in quiet suburbs, where I apparently threaten and infuriate men by cycling and walking my Chihuahuas. You know when I never, ever got harassed? When I walked my German Shepherd. A big dog is really the best deterrent, and a camera phone makes people think twice.

A dog is excellent for protection. The bigger and meaner looking the better. And pepper spray sounds good too but if someone's going to attack and rob you, why would they let you keep your phone? Especially if you took their photo with it. For simple harassment maybe it will encourage civil behavior but not in a full on assault situation.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: sigalavaca on February 22, 2016, 09:14
I live in downtown Sao Paulo, very close to an area formerly known as crackland now at the very early stage of gentrification. Since it's been years, despite being a foreigner here in Brazil  I learned the street slang, body language and I know my "neighbours" (dealers, prostitutes, homeless) which guarantees me safety.

Besides the insurance, when I travel to unknown cities, either here in Brazil or in my case major African cities, I usually try to get in touch with local photojournalists or even amateur photographers to show me around or to join me in urban exploration. It's been a great experience and I made many friends along the way, not to mention increased security and access to less explored suburbs.

Insurance is great, but when you are in the middle of a trip it could take weeks to replace all your equipment so my extra layer of security and threat mitigation is provided by local companion.

EDIT: pepper spray or knife can be useful against a lonely mugger in a deserted street, but quite ineffective in crowds or unknown places with no safe zone to go afterwards
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Nikovsk on February 22, 2016, 11:23
Having a local guide can be quite useful, but the best idea is to avoid ** places like Detroit, Malmo, Cairo, Salvador altogether. If you must go, bring your worst equipment, a crappy give-away phone and just cash for the day. Traveling in two or more is a good deterrent, but not enough if they have guns or in large groups. More likely they just want to rob you and keep out of trouble. If they really want to hurt you, not many options left - run or fight back.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: ShadySue on February 22, 2016, 12:28
Having a local guide can be quite useful, but the best idea is to avoid ** places like Detroit, Malmo, Cairo, Salvador altogether. If you must go, bring your worst equipment, a crappy give-away phone and just cash for the day.
MALMO? I screamed. In SWEDEN? So I Googled,  and right enough, there it was, in a list of the top ten most dangerous cities in Europe and sounding very scary. Then I noticed it was #9 and  they had Glasgow at #3!!! That latter opinion is at least 30 years old for a city whose tagline (taken from an extensive visitor survey) is 'People Make Glasgow'.
Still, Malmo sounded much scarier.
So far, reactions to seem to be along the lines of: "She doesn't  look like she'd know what to do with a camera like that."
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: noodle on February 22, 2016, 13:30
Monopd with a heavy ballhead can serve more than one useful purpose
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Microstockphoto on February 22, 2016, 14:49
i always go on a shoot in my M1 Abrams
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Hildegarde on February 22, 2016, 15:44
My husband is usually with me and our dogs.

One time a mentally disturbed man in a big city started yelling at me and getting in my face.  Scary. 
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Holmes on February 22, 2016, 15:48
I had a guy really get in my face when shooting a home for a RE agent with my drone. I was over the listed property but he was the neighbor. I was calm and professional... but he kept playing tough guy...

then i snapped and started screaming in his face and he freaked and turned into a kitten and apologized so I would calm down LOL
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on February 22, 2016, 18:17
Monopd with a heavy ballhead can serve more than one useful purpose

We have a winner! I can finally use my monopod for something. Just have to figure out how to add a trailer hitch ball to the end. And practice my martial arts yells.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: cascoly on February 22, 2016, 19:25
Monopd with a heavy ballhead can serve more than one useful purpose

We have a winner! I can finally use my monopod for something. Just have to figure out how to add a trailer hitch ball to the end. And practice my martial arts yells.

monopod came in handy also for fending off dogs while trekking the Andes
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: etudiante_rapide on February 22, 2016, 19:31
i travelled all over the world, only carrying as little as i can, with as little money i can in a neck strap envelope containing very little money. i dress very simply, probably less than a mugger.
wherever i go, i hear doors slamming as i approach in the early mornings past midnight.
nothing ever happened to me.

one day last year, back home, i was out taking shots for a client. in what i consider my home turf.
very safe. i ended up being confronted by a guy and i was civil to him. i turned around to walk away and he turned me around and smashed me in the head against the concrete before someone
up in a building called the cops.
the cops came and instead of arresting the guy, laughed because he was a friend of the crooked cops. i ended up with 7 stitches and concussion and bruises all over that kept  me in hospital for a week. the ambulance people told me they had known of this guy and never was he ever arrested.

really, there isn't anything to keep you safe. unless you carry a gun. if they want to hurt you,
they will. it has nothing to do with robbing you.
and yes, i know capoeira and it still didn't help.  if i had won , it would only be in time before that brute come finding me again.
needless to say, i moved out of that city. also, i no longer consider any place safe.

in another incident, a friend of mine was attacked by a bunch of guys. he grabbed the knife off one of his attacker. because he was black, he was threatened by the cops for carrying a knife; never mind being the single person being attacked by a group welding knives.

in other words, don't play hero. usually, the innocent guy ends up being charged with A&B, especially if you're the pigeon.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: MarcvsTvllivs on February 23, 2016, 02:58
i travelled all over the world, only carrying as little as i can, with as little money i can in a neck strap envelope containing very little money. i dress very simply, probably less than a mugger.
wherever i go, i hear doors slamming as i approach in the early mornings past midnight.
nothing ever happened to me.

one day last year, back home, i was out taking shots for a client. in what i consider my home turf.
very safe. i ended up being confronted by a guy and i was civil to him. i turned around to walk away and he turned me around and smashed me in the head against the concrete before someone
up in a building called the cops.
the cops came and instead of arresting the guy, laughed because he was a friend of the crooked cops. i ended up with 7 stitches and concussion and bruises all over that kept  me in hospital for a week. the ambulance people told me they had known of this guy and never was he ever arrested.

really, there isn't anything to keep you safe. unless you carry a gun. if they want to hurt you,
they will. it has nothing to do with robbing you.
and yes, i know capoeira and it still didn't help.  if i had won , it would only be in time before that brute come finding me again.
needless to say, i moved out of that city. also, i no longer consider any place safe.

in another incident, a friend of mine was attacked by a bunch of guys. he grabbed the knife off one of his attacker. because he was black, he was threatened by the cops for carrying a knife; never mind being the single person being attacked by a group welding knives.

in other words, don't play hero. usually, the innocent guy ends up being charged with A&B, especially if you're the pigeon.

Yikes! Where do you live? Chicago? Seriously though, that sounds like some terribly broken police.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: etudiante_rapide on February 23, 2016, 10:31
Yikes! Where do you live? Chicago? Seriously though, that sounds like some terribly broken police.

not , no chicago or even boston nor manhattan. i lived all over the place due to my job entails.
but what i mean to say is not where you live that is known to be dangerous that matters,
but that it is where you drop your guard and think it is the safest city in the world that gets you into trouble.  yes, i have worked and lived in the most dangerous cities in the world ...
according to Forbes... but i never got robbed in those cities.

i got robbed ... and beaten up ... in the most known to be safest cities . it's all politically correct
but the cops are not all they show in magazines... esp if you're ethnic different 8)
as i said, manhattan, sao paulo, chicago, boston,etc... are full of ethnics, people are used to seeing
different culturals and caucasians alike ...they mix very easily with you as you do not appear like a martian. it is where you stand out that is more prone to trouble and where the duke of hazard type police do not always side with the good guys ;)
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: jefftakespics2 on February 23, 2016, 11:32
I worked as a photojournalist for many years and although I was threatened too many times to count, the only people that actually assaulted me were the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the Maple Leafs players and the corrupt Mayor of a small city. (None were actually much of an assault) I was always lucky I guess, but also had a good sense of what I could get away with and when to back down, etc. 
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: etudiante_rapide on February 23, 2016, 11:43
I worked as a photojournalist for many years and although I was threatened too many times to count, the only people that actually assaulted me were the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the Maple Leafs players and the corrupt Mayor of a small city. (None were actually much of an assault)
I was always lucky I guess, but also had a good sense of what I could get away with and when to back down
, etc.

well said. and with the experience comes knowing when and where to not stand out conspicuos or obnoxiously.  a lone foreigner or visible with a bag of expensive equipment
is not only bait to muggers, but also a threat to ppl like you said... owner of venues or politicians with territorial mentality. 
even venues official photographers can get you into trouble too.
..
as no doubt i am sure it was how you got into trouble at maple leafs.

i once got into trouble just being where some politician was walking with a sweet looking young lady .
i was not even shooting photos of them. .. but pointed in that direction.
before you know it, i had plain-clothes police and body-guards asking for my passport.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: bpepz on February 25, 2016, 11:43
Scary stuff here. I guess I am lucky I have not run into problems yet despite all the traveling I've done. These stories almost make me think I am overdue.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Copidosoma on February 25, 2016, 12:10


I've always found that being discreet is about 90% of the battle as far as keeping your gear and yourself safe.

Don't walk around with your camera and a big lens around your neck. You look like a naive target. Buy a shoulder bag (not something that looks like a camera bag).
If you are travelling alone, keep alert. If you look like you are paying attention you probably aren't worth the risk. Don't stand around staring at your phone or map looking lost. Stick to areas with people. Don't walk down empty streets. Just be smart.

One of the riskiest spots I ever found myself in was some area of Sao Paulo that I don't really need to ever go back to. But, once I clued in it became pretty clear that I needed to get out of there. Pay attention and when you start to feel uncomfortable, just leave. It isn't worth risking your gear and your life for a photo.

95% of the stories I've heard of travellers getting into trouble involved walking around at night and alcohol. Just be smart about it.

Having said that, you can get mugged anywhere. Good insurance can bring you alot of piece of mind.

Folks who carry knives and clubs, would you really be willing to stick that knife into a person's brain (do you even know how you would do that?) to stop an attack? Do you think that stabbing them anywhere else is going to save your life? Do you have any idea what it would be like to defend yourself in court over a matter like this (he was trying to steal my camera so I killed him)?  :o

Discretion is the better part of valor.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: etudiante_rapide on February 25, 2016, 12:32


I've always found that being discreet is about 90% of the battle as far as keeping your gear and yourself safe.


100% well said every word. that is why the new mirrorless or leica in their heydays of cartier-bresson captured the best people pictures of all time.
i used to be in a booth with "professionals" all carrying the biggest longest (phallic symbol LOL)...
and me with the tiny minox or leice or nikonos. the pros look at me like , "who's these amateur???"

needless to say, when i turn away from the venue and started shooting the crowd,
no one stared at me or told me to stop.
otoh, when i was at a country-fair , sort of a woodstock type thing where all is love and free.
i happen to walk there after a "pro shoot"  with my biggest and longest .
i don't know how many dirty looks i got from both men and women
just walking . i didn't have to point the camera at them, ...
just the perception, "don't you dare point that at me or my gal".

even from a distance, when i point it in the direction ...
i can still see from the pictures i got.. lots of nasty faces...

ie. they knew someone was taking shots at them, and they did not like it.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Copidosoma on February 25, 2016, 12:52


I've always found that being discreet is about 90% of the battle as far as keeping your gear and yourself safe.



even from a distance, when i point it in the direction ...
i can still see from the pictures i got.. lots of nasty faces...

ie. they knew someone was taking shots at them, and they did not like it.

This is why I'll never travel with a DSLR again. Unless it is strictly a landscape or wildlife trip.

As soon as you pull out a large camera and point it at someone they will notice. If you try to do it "sneaky-like" they won't like it.

I often used a cheap point and shoot to get shots because I knew it wasn't appropriate to use my DSLR. Sucks, but you have to be smart about things sometimes.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: jefftakespics2 on February 25, 2016, 16:48
A photojournalist friend of mine always used Leica rangefinders when doing street photography, travelling to poor countries, war zones, etc with crappy looking black tape all over them to making them looking like old pieces of junk. He still does that now with with Sonys.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: jingel on February 25, 2016, 18:09
Some advice from Russian here.

Before going to a country you never been before ALWAYS google it’s local emergency numbers (phone numbers for police and ambulance, they're not always the same). 911 or 112 are not an option in far too many countries.
Note: sometimes emerg. numbers vary from one cellular provider to another (google provider you are going to use, for example: vodafone emergency numbers). It is always better to buy a local SIM card, because with your home SIM you will be able to dial only 112 (which can fail you in some not-so-rare cases).

Toughest situations I got into happened with me in Israel (100 for police and 101 for ambulance, if you care :-). Nothing really tough though. Just bunch of muslim teenagers who have tried to rob me. Discrete posture and rude language worked well that time.
Large cities equals constant danger, keep that in mind. Safest place I ever been is Montenegro.

Do your best to learn how to pronounce name of the place you are going to, preferably in the native language.
Always prefer shoes and clothes in which you can run fastest (sneakers instead of heavy boots, you know).

If you feel in danger, better call a police. If you forgot to save a particular emerg. number in your phone, call 112, or simulate a call. Stay at the distance and stare directly at the source of danger, while describing it in details to your (imaginary or real) phone interlocutor. In case of real danger this will probably work much better than trying to take a photo or video of subject onto your phone camera (feel free to do it after a call).

ALWAYS keep your distance, especially when someone is following you.
At evening and night you can carry a metal flashlight with you (on flight put batteries in the regular luggage and not carry on luggage). Those things have two useful functions: blind aggressor with light and smash him in the head, but really-really good strategy is to blind aggressor and run away.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: AlessandraRC on February 25, 2016, 21:55
I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, and looking poor and inconspicuous will confer 2/3 of the protection you need.

Camera stays in the bag unless there is something to take a picture of. Camera strap and camera bag do not have the brand written on them. Look around before and after you take a shot. Clear out as soon as you are done with a location, make sure you are not being followed.

Having other people around makes no difference, robbers have no problems attacking groups of people. It can even worse: more photographers around, more  stuff to rob.

Now, these days thieves seem to prefer ipads and iphones and fancy phones over cameras. That's a relief.

 
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: skyfish on February 26, 2016, 01:58
Some of beautiful and high quality images i took in districts of Brussels where it is not safe to come with expensive gear. No secret. A policeman was with me. Regarding weddings i have regularly calls for false orders. The purpose - they want a photographer to come in not secure place/ not secure time. Of course, if for wedding they don't want to give details and sign a contract with identity proof, then no go to their quarters for "soirée de mariage".
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Symbiostock Official on February 26, 2016, 02:05
They have a lot of bullsh*t laws in different places that protect the aggressor more than the victim (ie, no knife, no pepper spray, not even a baton) so if you want to remain relatively defended without feeling like you may get arrested, or worse, afraid of using your weapon for self defense, the best answer is a relatively lightweight and cheap monopod.

I got a $5 monopod that is retractable and pretty much use it as a 'walking' stick. The authorities will never bother you and anyone who tries to harass you will think twice as soon as you grab it and look at them.

In the end there is nothing you can do if you are targeted; however, don't put yourself in a position where the laws can make it even worse. Find a middle ground like a monopod or even a selfie stick that you feel you can swing at a moment's notice without issue. I know a woman in Australia, elderly, who got arrested for carrying pepper spray despite the fact that she had been mugged before.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Susanita on February 26, 2016, 05:25
I am often in Barcelona (pickpocket capital of Europe) - I have a bright orange piece of string knotted around my wrist which is attached to a pin in a very loud alarm in my bag/s - (which comes out of the 'alarm' when pulled)   This is noticed by thieves and I have not yet been attacked. Told this to a friend who bought one and when a skateboarder grabbed his briefcase, the fright was so great that he fell off, dropping the briefcase and abandoning the skateboard.  My friend took both back home.... You can't stop the alarm except by pushing the pin back in.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Dr Bouz on February 29, 2016, 11:39
if you carry any offensive weapon (which knife is) - you have increased possibility that you will actually use it some day.
 which you DO NOT want.
 o.k. i live in country where carrying guns and knifes is illegal, and people are not really aggressive in general - so almost no one is stabbed or killed by guns at the streets.
 so, from my point of view (i said my - it has not to be someone else's) - it is better for you even to sustain even injuries  rather than to actually kill someone.  but as i said - people do not kill each other at the streets here where i live. fights after sport events, or at late weekend hours - here and there - yes, but stabbing/shooting/gang shooting/firearm victims -no. (it happens, but so rarely that i can say "no")
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: bruce.l on April 06, 2016, 19:58
Was out shooting in a city I hadn't been to before and ran into trouble. I noticed a guy across the street checking me out. Sizing me up. Then he started following me. When I went to go back down the street he crossed the street and stood in my way yelling something. I stopped and he was about 15 feet in front of me. He was probably in his early 30s, strong build, and may have been homeless, on drugs, or just a mouthy thug looking for a victim. I'm a pretty big guy and just stared him down until he backed off. He still followed me and kept yelling.

I've had a few minor run-ins with people but nothing as close to a brawl as this. When I'm in my hometown I carry a knife. Can't do that when traveling on an airplane.

Ever have any problems like this? You carry any extra protection while traveling?

The only weapon I carry is comprehensive equipment insurance. Getting mugged means a camera upgrade for me...
I second this, I have $2 insurance for no questions asked insurance in my $3,500 worth of camera gear.  Not worth the risk to your life unless you are home with your concealed carry.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: emjaysmith on April 07, 2016, 00:44
On our first trip to India we found ourselves on a busy train station with a bunch of apprehensive elderly people while the guide went to sort out the train.
At my suggestion we put all their belongings with ours and I stood watch over them making eye contact with anyone who even looked in our direction.
Amazingly enough every time I looked in their direction the potential miscreants hastily walked away.
It was some 15 minutes later that I realized why when an Indian policeman with a big stick came along the platform. I was dressed so similarly to him that I was obviously being mistaken for a police officer and he was not carrying the stick for show.
If he didn't like the look of anyone they had to move fast before he could give them a good whack with the stick.
I can imagine that there are places where being mistaken for a cop could cause no end of problems but in India it would appear that confidence, eye contact and dressing like a cop can help to avoid incidents.
Title: Re: Photographer Safety While Traveling
Post by: Firewall on April 07, 2016, 03:48
I had an escort of a police truck with a big machine gun in the back in Guatemala. That seem to have scared off potential robbers.