Keeping equipment safe on a photoshoot?

[BuZzZeRkEr]

What are some of the precautions you take to ensure the safety of your equipment while on a shoot? I know I'm going to be carrying very expensive equipment with me on a wedding shoot (lenses and extra bodies etc.) that total into the thousands. During a shoot I know you can't watch all of your equipment all of the time. Any horror stories? Thanks for your time.

 

[Big Mike]

Ideally, an assistant would be perfect. Not only can they help you out but they can watch the gear etc.

What I have done, is to ask the B&G to appoint someone to help me out. Ideally it's someone who doesn't have to be in many photos but will be around anyway...maybe a boyfriend/spouse of a bride's maid etc. This person can help you carry gear and keep an eye on your stuff.

Another option is to always have your gear on your person. Use a backpack or sling style bag or even a belt system.

Of course, it's a good idea to have insurance for your gear, so that if it is stolen, it's not the end of the world. I always keep the memory cards on me, so in case my bag is stolen, I still have the client's photos safe.

 

[JIP]

I have done many wedings in what would be considered the "worst" neighborhoods here in Pittsburgh and I have NEVER had a problem. I think this is something that you may worry a little too much about. I guess mabye I have been a little lucky but i also think that most of the guests at a wedding wil have alot of respect for the gear of the photographer since I imagine if it is stolen the pictures of the people they came to see (friends, family??) will be no more.

 

[Big Mike]

I agree...theft is probably rare...but it's not unheard of. I've heard a few bad stories about such things happening at one of my cities busiest photo locations...and it's not really a bad area.

The worst one was that someone followed a photographer home and robbed her in her own driveway.

I've even seen video of thieves who target photographers at large hotels....where you would think that crime wouldn't be a problem. Amazing what you can get away with just by wearing a suit.

Again, these things are most likely quite rare...and you shouldn't let fear rule your actions.

 

[Socrates]

What are some of the precautions you take to ensure the safety of your equipment while on a shoot? I know I'm going to be carrying very expensive equipment with me on a wedding shoot (lenses and extra bodies etc.) that total into the thousands. During a shoot I know you can't watch all of your equipment all of the time. Any horror stories? Thanks for your time.

I put some of my gear on a "scheduled coverage" rider on my homeowner's insurance policy. $2500 worth of equipment covered for all risk, including me dropping something and the infamous "mysterious disappearance" (I don't know what happened - it was there a minute ago). Coverage is for replacement cost with zero deductible. Cost to me is $40/year.

I've never had anything stolen or lost but I'm paying for peace of mind.

 

[JIP]

I put some of my gear on a "scheduled coverage" rider on my homeowner's insurance policy. $2500 worth of equipment covered for all risk, including me dropping something and the infamous "mysterious disappearance" (I don't know what happened - it was there a minute ago). Coverage is for replacement cost with zero deductible. Cost to me is $40/year.

I've never had anything stolen or lost but I'm paying for peace of mind.

This is all well and good if you use your gear for personal use but I was told by my insurance company that if I was using my gear for profit it would have to be a special policy