Taking photos in rough areas?

[breakdown]

What do you guys suggest?

I was in Colombia last year and I ended up missing so many good photo opportunities because the guys I was with (they were locals) would get mad at me and tell me to put my camera away. They said I was just asking for trouble and asking to get robbed by doing that.

I don't know what else to do though. I mean, a lot of photojournalists work in some of the worst places in the world and they obviously aren't worried about their gear too much.

One part of me says just don't worry about it and do what's necessary to get the shot. The other part thinks that I would feel pretty stupid having a few grand worth of gear stolen.

[FlyingPhotog]

I think you just have to weigh the options of

Getting The shot Vs Getting Shot...

Being paid to be there and having the expectation placed upon you that you will deliver the images needed by a publication is a little different than risking life, limb or property to get a snapshot for the family album, isnt'?

Besides which, the pros know who they can and can't trust, they may (or may not) be under government protection or at least the protection of someone who actually is in charge (it may even be the bad guys...)

[cosworth]

I've walked around with a 1Ds and a white L lens in some pretty oddball places and in third world countries.

Dress down, take off your fancy watch and don't shave for a while. Look well worn.

So no rolex daytona, boyd coddington signature series hawaiian shirt with gucci loafers. If it gets stolen that's fine. You ARE insured right?

[flipstyle72]

I guess it all depends on what's your priorities for a given shot...lol. Screw the gear, I'd be more concerned about my life for angering someone by taking a picture.

Have you seen Hunting Party? (movie)

[Livinthalife]

I mean, a lot of photojournalists work in some of the worst places in the world and they obviously aren't worried about their gear too much.

I think they are more concerned about their lives. And 10G$s in gear means nothing compared to that. also I'm sure they are insured.

[Bootlegger0173]

Look like you belong there, or

like you have a definate purpose for being there. Confident. Don't lollygag around like you don't have a clue.

Take charge attitude, yet not overtly pushy.

[artyboy]

I've walked around with a 1Ds and a white L lens in some pretty oddball places and in third world countries.

Dress down, take off your fancy watch and don't shave for a while. Look well worn.

So no rolex daytona, boyd coddington signature series hawaiian shirt with gucci loafers. If it gets stolen that's fine. You ARE insured right?

reminds me of John Malcovich in The Killing Fields :D very true, then they'll see you more as a working-class photographer rather than a rich dude stuffed with luxurious goods. be careful in third world countries (been there), you'll do better to store yr camera/lens inside a well-worn bag hidden from view while walking about (instead of hanging it on your neck/shoulder). be mindful of people trailing you too. sometimes its curiousity.. sometimes its not.

[i_am_hydrogen]

I'd never venture into sketchy areas because my gear is too conspicuous. I've known people who've been jacked for their cameras. It just isn't worth losing thousands of dollars in equipment for a shot.