Tips for shooting on the streets of NYC?

I'm visiting NYC in two weeks and would like all the advice I can get. I currently have a gripped 7D and it's definitely not hard to notice due to its size.

Anyone have any advice on urban shooting? A friend told me to use gaffer tape to wrap up the camera body so that the labels and logos are covered up & the body is protected. He also says that it makes the camera look cheaper and lower quality, to decrease the chances of unwanted attention.

I'm also thinking about getting a low-key neck strap or a hand-strap so I don't have to use the flashy RED canon neck-strap that screams 7D on it. Anyone else do this?

Any other tips to stay safe in NYC? I'm going to be carrying my Kata 3n1-30 bag:

I went to NYC a few years ago with my gripped 300D (I know it's not the most expensive camera either, but it was a DSLR nontheless). I also worried about theft and what not but after a while you just get used to having your camera out. There is seriously too much going on to have to constantly take your camera out, put it back it, etc. I carried mine around on a neck strap and just wrapped the strap around my wrist a few times. I went al around NYC also. From Wall St. to Tribeca, to Times Square, etc. The only time I put my camera in the bag was when I'd ride the Subway, but even then I couldn't resist taking it out and snapping some photographs.

Have fun!

In the touristy areas of NYC, it is really hard not to run into 100's of people carrying DSLR cameras these days.

Last week I was in Central Park on Saturday, and on 125th street SUnday morning, and I was shocked just how many cameras I saw.

Stuff happens, but I would not worry about it.

Yup, there are DSLR's everywhere out here... Just make sure you keep it simple in terms of what you bring along when you're out in the street. If you can help it, keep the lens changes to a minimum.

You shouldn't have much to worry about if you limit the gear you carry. I'd lose the backpack, a moderate zoom during the day, at night a fast prime and body only, wear a loose, dark colored jacket you can cover most of the camera with it. I live in NY, stay to the busy streets and crowded areas, you'll be fine. Enjoy and post some images after the trip...

tbh most "tourists" going to NYC are far too paranoid. most likely youll go to the touristy areas like time square, central park, etc. When you go there you will see HUNDREDS of people with dslrs around their necks or shoulders. i live very close to the city and spend most of my weekends there so heres what i would suggest:

1) stick to the main streets, try not to branch too far away from them because you can randomly end up in a sketchier area. but once again, youll likely stick to the stereotypicalish areas so youre good.

2) keep the camera around your neck. If it is on your shoulder hold the body/lens with your hand. Ive seen someone with it diagonally draped across their body with the camera body behind them and at a street corner have their 24-105L taken off (yes i alerted the guy when it happened and got to see a good chase and a photog vs. thief smackdown)

3) put the camera away on the subway in your backpack. If seated, leave the bag on or take it off, put it on the floor and inconspicuously hold onto it with a death grip just in case. Try not to make it look like you have a bag fully of valuable amazingness.


But in reality it is not as bad as people say. Do what you would normally do but be slightly more careful. Dont go somewhere that looks like you will get mugged and youll be fine hahaha

Thanks for all your inputs! I'm going to calumet later today to buy a small messenger bag, and probably going to sell this big backpack.

depends where you go... NYC is one of the safest city these days...

if you venture by yourself in, say side streets of harlem or south bronx or jamaica queens, yea, get worried... but if you're staying to the major areas... it's pretty safe.

like many big cities, there are opportunists targeting tourists like in subway, when gates close... the routine is snatch and exit train as door is closing..

revolving doors, they would come in and bump into you as if it was by mistake, then you notice your wallet is gone.

denim type pockets is harder to get hands into in comparison to slacks or chino/khaki type pockets... zippered pockets are better... fanny packs? well, if that's your thing.

watch out for how you carry or what you carry in your backpack... and be street wise...

but this is not only for NYC... i found parts of Paris or Milan to be more iffy...

I have insurance on my gear and it also helps remove worries about gear loss, as for personal safety, I usually shoot with a buddy and hope for the best!

Most of my street shots are from NYC...check out my website or flickr

NYC, especially Manhattan is pretty safe..I have never once felt threatened...I did get a non-canon strap because I didn't like advertising the 7D on it...

Best to be unassuming, which is why I use a 18-200 zoom

Very few times have I actually had someone ask me not to take their picture if they noticed I was...many more times have I actually been asked to take someones picture

Live View can be helpful in some situations

Best of luck...walk to you drop...it's amazing