Has anyone ever been robbed or mugged while out shooting?

[12sndsgood]

Never been mugged or harassed, but if you think NO gives you some shady looking characters. Try visiting Columbia or Nicaragua where you gear is worth more than several years of pay to folks there... If you keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings you should do ok, and trust any gut feelings or little hairs raising that you get.

Years? what a misleading statement, either you're never been to any of those countries or you're talking about a canon 1dx with a bunch of L lenses to make such comparison. It varies a lot, but in average I don't think most people carry more than $2000 on gear when out shooting, or even $1000.
The south american country is Colombia.

I dont think he mentioned most people. He was mentioning himself.

 

[Alex_B]

I'm not talking a someone in particular or a particular group. I have traveled to 9 different countries and MOST people carry p&s or superzooms, SOME (an increasing number of people) carry entry level dslr, and very few people carry profesional equipment.

30+ countries visited, and I agree there are many people with p&s and bridge cameras. But for those people their photographic equipment is usually not their most valuable item they carry, it is just one item among many others. But this thread was about those people who are afraid of their most valuable possessions, their photographic equipment, being at risk.

But this discussion is irrelevant, as the comparison to yearly income was not referring to an average of all people with a camera anyway

 

[12sndsgood]

I have thought about getting my permit to carry, doing automotive photography you tend to find yourself in some more rundown areas. Carrying a gun would have nothing to do with saving my camera, it's insured. it's about protecting myself just in case.

 

[zcar21]

But this discussion is irrelevant, as the comparison to yearly income was not referring to an average of all people with a camera anyway

I agree with you there, but if I had a canon t3i, like the OP, and someone tells me that if I go to Colombia or Nicaragua my gear would be worth several years' pay of the people there I would think that person is crazy or don't know absolutely nothing.

 

[Kbarredo]

not very many people think they can mug a 280lbs powerlifter with a carbon steel tripod. I ALWAYS carry a tripod just in case. Although I should get insurance for when my size does not scare them away. I have to say you americans that carry guns make me so envious. Us gun owners here in canada are automatically treated as murderers. They basically want innocent people to be defenseless here. I cant even carry pepper spray. Although I do carry dog mace which is legal under the pest control act. I dont understand the difference though because they both sting.

 

[Compaq]

Being mugged is the least of your Canadian problem. Tar oil is what I speak of. (yes, I know we invest in it)

 

[bentcountershaft]

Can't Canadians just throw a hocky puck in the air to distract the attacker and run?

 

[bratkinson]

I've only been mugged once, and that was almost 50 years ago, walking alone in an undesirable neighborhood at night....long before I picked up a real camera.

Whether with camera or without, the best defense is to be aware of your surroundings, avoiding, if possible, risky situations or neighborhoods. Yea, it might be great artistic opportunity to take pix of homeless people late at night, but doing so alone would be very risky. Alternatively, travel with several friends other than Mr Smith and Mr Wesson. On the other hand, I've strolled downtown Chicago alone with camera in hand, taking pictures, midday on a weekday without incident. Crowds are always a good protection.

 

[jowensphoto]

Never been mugged or harassed, but if you think NO gives you some shady looking characters. Try visiting Columbia or Nicaragua where you gear is worth more than several years of pay to folks there... If you keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings you should do ok, and trust any gut feelings or little hairs raising that you get.

Years? what a misleading statement, either you're never been to any of those countries or you're talking about a canon 1dx with a bunch of L lenses to make such comparison. It varies a lot, but in average I don't think most people carry more than $2000 on gear when out shooting, or even $1000.
The south american country is Colombia.

$1000-$2000 is not much equipment. My camera, lens, and speedlight that get carried to every location are worth about $1500. And I have a pretty cheap camera. Someone carrying a 5D, extra lens and external flash are going to be carrying a lot more in terms of monetary value.

I'm in the process of procuring a CCW, but in the mean time, I carry a boxcutter and pepper spray. Never had to use them, but if I did, it would be in that order

 

[Netskimmer]

I have to say you americans that carry guns make me so envious. Us gun owners here in canada are automatically treated as murderers. They basically want innocent people to be defenseless here.

Unfortunately Obama and his conspirators are doing their best to make that happen here as well. For the time being, a nice big camera will get you treated like a criminal/terrorist here more than a gun in most places.

 

[MrElveUK]

Me personally no but I was out with a friend once and some guy approached us and asked him to borrow his camera (looked dodgy) and wouldn't go away until my friend threatened to call the police. So. Be wary ;P

 

[Netskimmer]

Borrow his camera? What on earth for?

 

[jowensphoto]

Yeah, that's sketchy at best.

 

[Alex_B]

Borrow his camera? What on earth for?

Borrow = give it to him and he will walk away with it.

polite way of mugging

 

[MrElveUK]

Borrow his camera? What on earth for?

Borrow = give it to him and he will walk away with it.

polite way of mugging

Nailed it in one!