Keeping your camera safe while touring around a city
One of the things I get asked most often is how do I not worry about getting my bag, camera, or purse stolen while walking around a city I’m travelling in. Taking some easy precautions for keeping your camera safe when you are travelling is important because you will be doing a lot of walking. These easy precautions will make it so you don’t have to worry about keeping your camera safe. There are some cities that are more prevalent to pickpockets and thieves but this tip is good for everyday so you get into the habit.
If the camera you are using is a larger point and shoot, a mirrorless camera or a DSLR I always recommend that you carry this on one shoulder with a long strap to fit comfortably along your side to keep your camera safe. You are more likely to take photos and be able to catch that quick moment in time without missing it by digging into your bag to find your camera. This advice can worry people to think it is much easier to get this stolen from them.
To counter the worry about your camera being out of your bag, there are two things I like to do. First, if it is a camera that has a protruding lens, you want to make sure that the camera is sitting on your shoulder so the lens is tucked into you, not facing out. This makes the camera more inconspicuous, and a lot less bumps to the lens.
The second is easier when you are a woman, but I like to tie a scarf around the strap somewhere so when it is on my shoulder the scarf covers the fact that I have a camera on my shoulder.
If you are just using your phone for your camera, I would purchase a wrist or neck strap for your phone so you always have it secured
With your day bag, it will depend on the type of bag you like to carry around. When you carry a bag on just one shoulder, this can include using a backpack that is slung only on one shoulder, you want to carry this bag and/or camera on the shoulder that is away from the street. In most cases, bag snatches in big cities are usually done by someone who can make a quick get away. Someone on a bicycle or a motorcycle can easily and very quickly snatch your bag if it is worn on the street side and then zoom off.
If you wear a cross body bag or a backpack on both shoulders, this is not as much of a concern. Not everyone likes to carry these options, so keep this smart rule of thumb. When you are walking always be aware of what side your bag and/or camera is on in relation to the street and make the shoulder switch when needed. It is a small but effective safety precaution that can be done very easily.
Want more tips and tricks like keeping your camera safe to help you improve your travel photography?
Learn the secrets professional photographers use to create amazing travel photos through our Art of Travel Photography course. We focus on camera phones and tablets, but a lot of the course teaches you techniques that are useful for any camera you may use.