Destination wedding, scared of getting robbed!

[camz]

Have you networked with any local credible photographers? I tend to try to network locally that way they can show me around or get good advice of what to do and where to go for a shoot. So far it's worked out well and the ones I've been in contact with tend to watch out for other photographers, even though it's just word of advice. Some drinks or a lunch out usually suffice for a trade.

Also don't check in your gear. I would try to fit in everything in maybe a pelican case where it's all within carry on so you can keep an eye out. You'll highly likely lose your gear in the airport rather then getting robbed physically. And stick with your crew at all times - you should be good.

Have Fun! =D

 

[CCericola]

Funny you mention Jamaica. I was working at a studio in PA. The studio manager was married to a PA State Policeman who was from Jamaica. I was taking over for her when she went on vacation to Jamaica. She told me they were only going to a select few places via car. The rest of the time relatives were meeting them at the resort. Her husband wouldn't even think of taking her strolling away from the resort. At the time I thought it was odd that a state cop was afraid to walk around outside of a resort.

Another time I was working for another studio doing school pictures. The guy I was partnered with was telling us a story at lunch when he went to Jamaica. He rented a car and was driving around when he made a turn and ran smack dab into a protest mob. They hit and rocked his car. He yelled out the window that he was Canadian (he wasn't) and funny thing, they let him pass. When he returned the rental he was glad he paid for insurance. The car was in sad shape.

 

[MLeeK]

Excellent advice!!! I never check my main gear. I can't carry on strobes and all kinds of crap, but I always carry on my main camera, one 70-200 f/2.8, 28-75 f/2.8 and 2 flashes, memory cards,etc. I can do anything with those items if all of my luggage gets lost.

 

[Derrel]

Jamaica is friendly. Who told you that? They despise Americans.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

I think as long as you are with your group, who are locals, you won't be harassed like we are as tourists. No matter what, it's a pretty poor country and you do need to keep your gear safe.

On another note, I use a terrarium pad in my bag to keep my gear warmed and tempered. They are cheap and easy.

 

[kundalini]

I was in Tanzania and Ghana Africa this past March with most of my gear (D300, D700, about 8 lenses and a couple of speedlights) without a hitch. Mind you while I was out and about, I only packed one body and a couple of lenses and put them in an old day pack that looked nothing like a camera bag. The rest of the gear was locked in the room safe. Although there was an occasion or two that I got slightly nervous (only on the inside), I had no issues at all. I also dressed down, actually looked quite shabby. I did hook up with the same local driver on each excursion and tipped him well, especially on the first trip. He was a wealth of information on the local ways of things and places to visit.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Funny you mention Jamaica. I was working at a studio in PA. The studio manager was married to a PA State Policeman who was from Jamaica. I was taking over for her when she went on vacation to Jamaica. She told me they were only going to a select few places via car. The rest of the time relatives were meeting them at the resort. Her husband wouldn't even think of taking her strolling away from the resort. At the time I thought it was odd that a state cop was afraid to walk around outside of a resort.

Another time I was working for another studio doing school pictures. The guy I was partnered with was telling us a story at lunch when he went to Jamaica. He rented a car and was driving around when he made a turn and ran smack dab into a protest mob. They hit and rocked his car. He yelled out the window that he was Canadian (he wasn't) and funny thing, they let him pass. When he returned the rental he was glad he paid for insurance. The car was in sad shape.

Replace Jamaica with France in your post and it could very well be another true story, especially right now when, for the sake of the upcoming elections, they are ramping up the fear factor. All in regards to our sun-tanned brothers

Jamaica is friendly. Who told you that? They despise Americans.

This is kinda funny coming from someone who seems to despise everyone outside the US.


To the OP: I went there to visit a friend, a US citizen who lived there for 8 years and only moved back because of schooling opportunities for his daughter. He's kept his house there which, besides a great cheap vacation opportunity for his friends, means he intends to go back. I don't think that would be the case if he had spent 8 years dodging bullets and knives, rapists and murderers.

You know, ever since I moved to France I keep hearing about the state of insecurity here but whenever I ask people about specific incidents that they have direct knowledge of... major silence. One person's cousin had her purse snatched and that's it. Wow, I'm scared for my life.

Look I'm not trying to make fun of your being scared but you need to keep it in check. It's not worth it.

 

[skieur]

Funny you mention Jamaica. I was working at a studio in PA. The studio manager was married to a PA State Policeman who was from Jamaica. I was taking over for her when she went on vacation to Jamaica. She told me they were only going to a select few places via car. The rest of the time relatives were meeting them at the resort. Her husband wouldn't even think of taking her strolling away from the resort. At the time I thought it was odd that a state cop was afraid to walk around outside of a resort.

Another time I was working for another studio doing school pictures. The guy I was partnered with was telling us a story at lunch when he went to Jamaica. He rented a car and was driving around when he made a turn and ran smack dab into a protest mob. They hit and rocked his car. He yelled out the window that he was Canadian (he wasn't) and funny thing, they let him pass. When he returned the rental he was glad he paid for insurance. The car was in sad shape.

I was talking to a hotel manager, I knew at a travel show. He happened to mention that he was recently transfered to the chain's hotel in Jamaica and was shocked to learn that standard instructions for hotel security on the grounds after 10:00 pm. was to shoot first (if in doubt) and they were all armed.

skieur

 

[Tee]

Jamaica was a second home for me in the early to mid-90's because of work. I have been all over the island and have experienced the gambit of safe to fearing for my life. Once, while walking the road to Dunn's River falls some co-workers and I spotted a house that had a huge giant tree growing out of it. We walked down and asked if we could look inside. The family let us in and even fed us. On the flip side, I was held at gunpoint in Kingston and did not get the friendly welcome vibe. Resorts are a whole different beast. They make money from tourists so I suspect trips and events organized by the hotel will prove to be more safe. And yeah- the humidity can be thick.