Taking photos in rough neighborhoods

Sarah23 · Mar 19, 2008

I know this is totally an old subject by now...but had to put my .2 cents in.

Personally I carry a gun...but I do that no matter where I go. Mall, store, park...anywhere...and I live in a very safe area. Why? Because I would much rather be safe then sorry, and be able to protect myself and my children. But as stated before...that weapon is NOT to protect your equipment, its to protect YOU. You do not draw your weapon unless you are in fear for YOUR life and intend to actually shoot.

koigirl · Mar 19, 2008

Crystal Lynn (and others),

Are you assuming that the residents of this "unsafe" area are "minorities?

I've read thru the entire post and I'm surprised no one has just come out and say that they are afraid to be in areas populated by people who are not white? Could the sight of black and brown faces be the reason for fear?

Just know that crime happens everwhere. Would anyone be afraid in a neighborhood of white people? I guess it all depends on the skin you're living in.

abraxas · Mar 20, 2008

I'm just wondering -what- it is you're going to get out of this trip into the deepest, darkest nooks and crannies of the urban clutch? Like a million bucks or something? Is it worth, like, Ninja training, or sniper school?- Psychotic art maybe?

JerryPH · Mar 20, 2008

JohnMF said:
i like to carry a sword when i am taking photos in a rough neighbourhood, either that or a lance... if anyone gives me any trouble, i just get medieval on their ass...

That doesn't help when someone else gets medieval on your ass with a 44 magnum from 10 feet away... lol

NYPhotographer · Mar 20, 2008

I think the gun is a very good idea. I have spoken to many
police officers and almost all of them are 100% for the
2nd amendment. I see some posts saying it will get you into
trouble but I don't see how. Carrying the gun and showing it
if something occurs is way enough to scare anybody off.

Even though I'm too young, In NYC nobody can have a gun
unless your a cop or you hire a $1,000,000 lawyer. I am also
too young to carry pepper spray so I am left with nothing really.
I keep my camera in a camera bag inside my backpack (school type).

When my cousins come to Brooklyn from Florida they are always
scared and I don't know why. If you walk around like a tourist or
like your scared obviously someone will take advantage of it.
Just walk around like it's your neighborhood too and that's it.

And now one of my favorite quotes I've heard from cops:
"I would rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6"

bhop · Mar 20, 2008

abraxas said:
I'm just wondering -what- it is you're going to get out of this trip into the deepest, darkest nooks and crannies of the urban clutch? Like a million bucks or something? Is it worth, like, Ninja training, or sniper school?- Psychotic art maybe?

I think he was just asking about the neighborhood he lives in..

Socrates · Mar 20, 2008

NYPhotographer said:
I think the gun is a very good idea. I have spoken to many
police officers and almost all of them are 100% for the
2nd amendment. I see some posts saying it will get you into
trouble but I don't see how. Carrying the gun and showing it
if something occurs is way enough to scare anybody off.

Even though I'm too young, In NYC nobody can have a gun
unless your a cop or you hire a $1,000,000 lawyer. I am also
too young to carry pepper spray so I am left with nothing really.
I keep my camera in a camera bag inside my backpack (school type).

When my cousins come to Brooklyn from Florida they are always
scared and I don't know why. If you walk around like a tourist or
like your scared obviously someone will take advantage of it.
Just walk around like it's your neighborhood too and that's it.

And now one of my favorite quotes I've heard from cops:
"I would rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6"

With that type of thinking, I doubt seriously that you'll live long enough to drink legally.

By the way, that quote has nothing to do with carrying a weapon.

NYPhotographer · Mar 20, 2008

Socrates said:
With that type of thinking, I doubt seriously that you'll live long enough to drink legally.

What did I say wrong?

Socrates · Mar 20, 2008

NYPhotographer said:
What did I say wrong?

"Carrying the gun and showing it if something occurs is way enough to scare anybody off."

No. It's a good way to die.

NYPhotographer · Mar 20, 2008

Socrates said:
"Carrying the gun and showing it if something occurs is way enough to scare anybody off."

No. It's a good way to die.

No. This is a way to survive.

Muggers don't want to fight with you. If you show them
that you are armed and are ready to fight back they WILL
back down!!

Mystwalker · Mar 20, 2008

koigirl said:
Crystal Lynn (and others),

Are you assuming that the residents of this "unsafe" area are "minorities?

I've read thru the entire post and I'm surprised no one has just come out and say that they are afraid to be in areas populated by people who are not white? Could the sight of black and brown faces be the reason for fear?

Just know that crime happens everwhere. Would anyone be afraid in a neighborhood of white people? I guess it all depends on the skin you're living in.

I do not know the areas mentioned because I have never been there.

Unfortunately, many of these "unsafe areas" are minorities.

Yes, you can get beat up or shot in any area, but your chance of getting jumped for your equipment increases when you carry more around your neck (DSLR+lens) then most residents make in a month.

Also, I believe OP live in or close to this area.

Best idea is to insure your equipment. You can be Rambo, beat up your attackers, and lose everything to their stinking lawyers. In college, an African American (to be politically correct) tried to mug me - I kicked his butt - I got slapped with excessive something or another ... I guess I can't kick him after I had him on ground? In this sue happy nation of ours, you are better off giving up your equipment and dealing with insurance company.

$25 for $2500 worth of equipment is a steal compared to hiring a lawyer to explain why you had to shoot the ass (10 times) trying to mug you.

Socrates · Mar 20, 2008

NYPhotographer said:
No. This is a way to survive.

Muggers don't want to fight with you. If you show them
that you are armed and are ready to fight back they WILL
back down!!

As I said, you won't make it to 18 with that thinking.

Socrates · Mar 20, 2008

Mystwalker said:
... I guess I can't kick him after I had him on ground?

That's absolutely correct. You have the right to defend yourself but not to exact revenge afterwards. Be glad that it was only a civil suit. You could have been brought up on criminal charges.

NYPhotographer · Mar 20, 2008

Socrates said:
That's absolutely correct. You have the right to defend yourself but not to exact revenge afterwards. Be glad that it was only a civil suit. You could have been brought up on criminal charges.

That's just stupid.
I think if someone is getting mugged and fights back
it's the attackers fault if he ends up in a coma.