disguising your gear. do you do it?

Raymate wrote:
I have a selection of bags for the area so I blend in, when in Toronto I use a "Zellers"

I hear that Walmart brand is also popular.

This is what I use for insurance. I usually try to keep it on me seperate from my camera bag.

15" long, solid ash. I turn them myself on my woodlathe, (other very expensive hobby) Plan on making a few smaller ones that are easier to disguise.

And yes I know that it is possible for it to be used on me if they ever got a hold of it, but I'm willing to take that risk.

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sadly i think if i were to carry that around with me it'd just get me arrested instead.

Yep, no worries here either. I have carried my gear with me many places. I just moved to Denver and have yet to take my stuff downtown but that time is coming.

I start college in 2 weeks, and majoring in Photography. I recently placed an order of over $4000 worth of gear and will be getting insurance on it when it arrives. So there really is no need in living a life in paranoia.

Insurance is cheap. I got that just in case I drop something, not so much for me getting mugged.

And again, if you are a confident looking person with a purpose, generally people leave you alone. You just cant look like a big target.

I own a Tamrac bag and carry it everywhere I go. No need in disguising it. To me it's like a disgrace to your camera equipment because you know you wont be able to fully express yourself with the fear of being mugged. You will miss a lot of photo ops.

As a rule I don't hide my gear and I have shot in some rough places in both Edinburgh and Clydeside in Glasgow. Being a big guy helps, I am 6 foot tall ex highland games competitor, but remember there is always someone bigger just round the corner.
I have used the insert from my Domke F2 in an old beat-up Breghaus rucksack, but this was more to sneak gear around rather than prevent theft. It did do a good job of hiding a mark II, two lenses and a flash, so could be worth considering if you want to keep a low profile.

John