How to Stay SAFE while Photographing San Francisco 

I think that 'act local' is really the best advice. I was in SF and NYC recently and I tried to act like I'm living just around the corner, walking around to do my daily business. It didn't take long until other tourists asked me for the way and nobody looked twice when I was taking pictures. I never felt unsafe. Just blend in and nobody will care about you and your camera.

I was raised in SF and have lived here most of my life. Press and politicians with an axe to grind have been bloviating on the decline of SF my whole life - not to mention every action movie destroying the city. I have also spent a few years each living in Indianapolis, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Washington DC - all have had the same risks, and require the same skillset that you describe well in this video.

Before pandemic, I carried around a big Canon DSLR, a camera bag containing full camera gear and a tripod, and enjoyed capturing the beauty of SF. I could do that comfortably any time of the day from dawn to midnight. Once pandemic started, criminals started targeting photographers. I heard all kinds of horror stories of photographers being robbed in the city. It is sad and maddening at the same time. I gave up on photographing in the city all together.

Was in SF in May. Little camera pouch over my head and arm thru and under my jacket.. cameras were my Olympus trip 35 and pixel 8 pro. What a great city to visit and everyone I met was brilliant. There was a homeless / less well off member of society asking people to purchase him a burger at in n out burger. How do you turn someone down for food when they say please sir would you buy me a burger !! I obliged him. From the gentleman who recommended the Chinese where Keanu reeves eats in china town as i was struggling to find somewhere open as it was a tuesday ,to drinks with a bar man.. met some lovely people in a fantastic city. And the Olympus trip worked a treat. The tetris painted house near the painted ladies is well cool when photographed with a proper film camera. My x100vi didn't turn up in time for the trip. SF was a brilliant finish to my route 66 trip. Felt safer in SF than i feel at night in my home city in the uk. Next USA road trip. The Lincoln highway....

Great video. I live in a suburb outside Chicago but head downtown all the time for photography and the exact same rules apply. The news loves to tear the city apart but it's so beyond exaggerated. Summer in Chicago is such a great place to hang out.

When I am shooting I like to focus solely on the art. The scenery, the light, the people, the atmosphere. All of that. With my gears out always ready for the moment. I can do that in Japan, in Taiwan, in Hong Kong...etc. Free of any worry. That's the true freedom. Americans have this sickness and distorted perspective that what you have is completely normal and already the best possible situation possible.

I live in Sacramento and have been wanting to go to the city to photograph, this video was exactly what i needed to watch. Thanks!

San Francisco native here and I take photos in SF all the time. I use a brevite bag or sling so as not to call attention to myself and I only pull my camera out when I see a shot I like. Otherwise it really is about being aware of your surroundings. I keep a tracker in each bag as well just to add a little extra security. For those driving in the city, keep this in mind: thieves will break into a car regardless of whether or not they see something valuable through a window. Putting it under a seat, trunk, or covering it up will NOT stop them from breaking into your car and taking the gear. So if you’re going to have an expensive camera with you, KEEP IT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.

Good general tips that work well for any metro. Most of these we follow for just daily living(Seattle). Nothing too flashy for backpacks and keep nothing in the cars. Bought the Leica Q2 specifically, so I could have something low profile. No regrets.

I used to love photographing the city. I have many photos of all the scenic places like Golden Gate Bridge, bay bridge, palace of fine arts, city hall, Potrero Hill, Pier 14, etc. Now like many, I’m way too afraid to go back. I used to without fear go to all these places with a backpack and tripod attached to the back since I shot most of images during blue hour. For now I’m going to stick to shooting my kid’s swim meets and portraits.

Great tips, I go into a lot of different areas when shooting in cities. Keeping yourself aware of your surroundings helps as well, and like you said just look confident.

Living and photographing in SF I have to say I "second" your advice! Also like your suggested photo sites. I need to check out Bernal Heights for photography sometime.

I roll around with a big kit, but an even bigger crew. Strength in numbers. 💪

Hello, I'm an amateur photographer who takes photos in Japan. I am an amateur photographer in Japan and have never been to SF, but I found your video very informative. I will use it as a reference when I visit the US or SF someday. And thank you for all your great videos. I use them to learn English and to study photography.

I live in the Bay Area, last time I went to SF to shoot was around 2 years ago. Been meaning to go back but it can be scary when all you ever see are headline after headline. But I still love the city, definitely planning on going back soon. I just need to be prepared and more conscious while there this time.

Traveling in a group is another bit of advice I have for you. Whenever I head into SF I always have at least one friend with me if not 2 or 3. I have friends and family in and around the city, and when you travel in a pack of even 2 people it makes you a harder target especially for lone thieves. Add that to Dave's other advice and you should be able to get through without any major issues. I've never been a fan of camera bags that look like camera bags. I've either used a cube or gotten a bag from a company like Wandrd that makes other EDC bags and matches their design language across their lines so that when people see it it's just a bag. These tips have served me well in a number of Metro areas including both SF and Oakland.

I’ll say this depends where you go. I work in downtown and I am photographing before work, lunch hour and after work. Don’t be a fool and go into allies, be the only one in the street, late at night etc. I never felt unsafe bc I try to stay where people are when I feel like there are not enough people around. Been doing this for years. I often shoot with a Q or m2. But, if I feel like going to less crowded places for some reason, I take my OMD EM5… just in case. I do see a lot of smash and grabs tho. My friend got her Car’s manual stolen bc there wasn’t anything more to grab- lol!

Good tips! I agree that I think this will help with any major U.S. cities. I’d also add to get insurance on your camera gear. As a photographer from the southeastern U.S., I think I’ll stay safe by just never coming to SF 😅

Great tips and truly universal in my experience.

My last job had me traveling around the US. I have seen or been to small town USA, to the suburbs, and other major cities. I chose to live in San Francisco because it is far better than many other places. Was it better before? Maybe. All I know is it is better than most places in the US.

Great video. The most important thing is to not leave stuff in your car. I've photographed the city using a large format camera, even in the most touristic places, and I've never felt unsafe. Most people get robbed at parking lots, or their car windows get broken, this is the reason why I always use public transportation.

“I don’t even leave a jacket…” is no joke. Someone broke into my car to steal a yellow hat I got for free from a marathon.

I flew into San Fran for a few days in April, all the way from the UK! I had a little time to shoot some street with my Q2. I didn't feel unsafe, and was mainly around the Chinatown area, but it surprised me how much homelessness there was. Several Americans warned my female colleagues in advance to keep safe.

Did this video make me feel safer in SF for photography? Nope lol

Good advice from someone who lived in the city. My best advice is buy parking at BART or indoor paid parking and take public transit into/around the city. Can’t stress the “don’t bring your car” thing enough.

A lot of problems are hyper local and you wouldn’t know unless you lived somewhere which is a big reason tourists get into trouble. For example, you think the streets are a grid so as long as you are heading the right direction it’ll be fine but walking from market down 4th street to the Caltrain station is a much different experience than a parallel walk on 5th street.

Im from California and spent a lot of time in the bay, it’s definitely gotten worse but the rules you mention def do apply to major metro areas. Just recently, I was in DC and a homeless dude held me and my buddy at knife point while riding the Metro. He was deranged and clearly mentally unstable. Long story short, I had my X100VI in a small sling bag and The guy never saw my gear but we did end up getting into a scuffle as he refused to back away from us. Even though my sling bag fell on the ground, my camera was okay. I say all this because you need to be vigilant of your surroundings and the people. And I 100% recommend bringing a small knife concealed somewhere.

starts video with "it's not that bad in SF..." proceeds with showing special operations sniper level camouflaging concealment tactics :D

I'm based in Oakland! Thanks for sharing this!

Excellent video! I’m in my 70s and I still wander around the city every few weeks to take photos. I ditched the large DSLR 6 years ago and carry a small PacSafe bag over shoulder with an iPhone, small MOFT pocket tripod, a water bottle and some snacks. I intentionally stay away from the Tenderloin and parts of SOMA and have never had a problem at all. I love the city and there is no better place to get a great cup of coffee and wander with a camera! If interested, there are a few videos on a RU-vid channel under my name of SF as well as other parts of the world.

Been living here since the 70s. I appreciate the “it’s not as bad as it seems” but I am a photographer who also loves the landscape and has spent months all together shooting without problem but…. Over the last 15 years my car has been broken into three times where the equipment was stolen. A fourth time my entire car was stolen. So the best advice I can give those watching is the city has beautiful things to shoot, but you are being watched. And if they see you leave your car with a camera, it may be targeted and of course your person is also a target. I again, live in the Bay Area so most days you have a great lively life. Just know, as much as the video here wants to sound like “it’s the same every where” … it is not. The crime in SF and Oakland is horrible. I watched it get that way over the years. Be careful. Some If the points made here are smart. But they are smart because the city is a high crime city. Beautiful in MOST areas but plenty of crime. Enjoy. Be careful.

I went to SF 14 years ago when I first took up photography - I'd love to go back as I really enjoyed it. If I were visiting a place where I had to carry 2-3 lenses I would use a padded insert and place everything inside a non-branded, used backpack. Nowadays I will take either my Sony and 40 f2.5 or OM2n + 35 f2.8 if I'm shooting film - both relatively small packages and light, in a sling bag as you mentioned. The most important thing for me when travelling is to carry the lightest weight possible, even if that comprises getting some shots - comfort, safety and enjoyment when travelling is paramount. Btw - I'm using your Portra 35 + 120 presets as a base, which are great! Keep up the fantastic work and more 35mm / MF film content please!

I've been photographing in/around SF for over a decade without issues. No matter where you are, you need to be smart and aware of your surroundings. It's not as convenient for quick photography, but something like the McKinnon Nomatic 8L Sling is great for getting your camera out of sight when not in use.

Learning the layout of the city, routes to location etc. This is good advice so you look confident knowing where you are going, just like locals. What comes to camerabags, yeah maybe, but people have different situations and might not have that scuffy olde bag. For sure its a good advise but not reachable for every tourist. But location and routes investigation is indeed good advise. At least you get there faster.

I’ve had a few times where guys have walked up on me and asked odd questions trying to feel out if they could rob me or not. Bald guy asking where a barber shop is for example. Have to carry yourself in a confident way and hope for the best. It’s a really good idea to have insurance on your gear.

Good tips. I live in the East Bay. Most of the bad elements in SF were actually from out of town. I had a wonderful time this weekend at the 70th anniversary festival in North Beach. I even had my Fuji DSLR dangling on my side while walking on the street. Had a Nikkor 18-200VR mounted on it for the versatility. I used to being a Leica M body and a couple of small lenses in a sling bag but not this festive weekend.

I'm currently in SF for the first time and taking photos with a chunky full frame mirrorless camera called the Canon R5C. With it I have the RF14-35mm F4 and RF70-200mm F4 lenses which are very small considering what they are but they are still quite big lenses. I was a little worried about using this camera around SF especially after watching this video. I felt safe using it on a day tour I did but going around the city on my own taking the odd snap of things worried me a little more. Have to say though apart from Union Square and surroundings which seems pretty dodgy San Francisco feels very safe and friendly. I even felt confident enough to throw up my little drone and grab a couple of aerial shots today. However I think this holiday trip might be one of the last that I bring my full frame camera with multiple lenses. Main reasons are needing to carry a bag around and the weight. Also changing lenses even with these zooms I felt I was changing too often and it can be annoying in a big city. Plus doing this leaves you exposed as your juggling different things with the bag by your feet creating a potential window of opportunity for someone to try and take something. This leads me to the final reason and thats even though I felt safe today in SF taking photos I did makes some allowances by just using my 14-35mm to avoid changing lenses and I put the camera in the bag whenever I wasn't using it. So the danger is always on my mind and with so many people using phones as cameras these days having a big camera/lens combo seems to stand out even more. I have ordered a iphone 16 Pro and can see myself using that for many future travel trips as it solves all 3 problems of size & weight and carrying a camera bag, having 3/4 lens options without needing to change lenses and I think I would feel less concerned about being a target then. If I want to get more arty I do have a Fujifilm X100V which is good for city trips. But the iphones ultra wide, normal wide and 125mm which is around what I used my 70-200 most at would be good enough for 90% of things. I will keep my R5C for work jobs where size is not such a concern or trips where I want to photograph animals. Long winded comment so sorry for that but felt it was kind of relevant to your video and is something I have been thinking on a few trips now. I have always used 'proper cameras' so this is a big shift for me and I think either im getting older and want to do my travel photography more casually now or technology has just got to the point where I don't feel im losing as much quality anymore. TJK

I use cross body carry both for security and because I want to use two hands and don’t like the camera dangling when I bend over. But it requires a longer strap. Best is the paracord version by WotanCraft. You can get your ideal length simply by changing out the paracord.

Local California photographer here, I'm not entirely sure the comparison for SF is true for "any metro". I walked around NYC for 3 days with a large camera setup hanging around my hip until late into the night and never felt unsafe. Same for other large cities I've been; Boston, New Orleans, Fort Worth. Can't say I would feel comfortable doing the same in SF. If I go back to SF specifically for photography I'll probably follow your advice and bring a non photo bag and a smaller point and shoot style camera. Personally I feel like SF does need an extra bit of caution than most metros.

I’ve been into photography and videography on a professional level for 40 years. More often than not I bring my iPhone 15 Pro Max and have a fantastic time documenting the things I see and capturing beautiful imagery. It definitely has limitations. But I do have fun with it and get some great photos.

Good video 😊 What camera do you recommend for street vlogging ?

Great advice. I live in New York and walk around the city shooting every day in all kinds of areas. I have a Leica Q2 which I wear across my body and I've never had a problem. I haven't been to San Francisco in many years but I do recall that, like New York, it's a very walkable city.

Great advice. BTW, I moved from Miami, where I grew up, to SF in the mid 90s, and was often asked how I felt in Miami with all the violence. I just replied I never experienced any except a car break in (left a damned bottle of Absolut I got as a b-day gift in the back seat of my car) and a break in. I lived in SF for almost 7 years and did see some violence, but nothing major and never experienced any myself. Had a friend whose car was broken into several times, too. Since mid 2001 I live in Davis, 70-some miles from SF and visit The City every so often; I was just there yesterday. I drive down in a rental, usually a Zipcar, and carry a small Peak Design (PD) sling bag. I usually (like yesterday) carry my a7r3 with a 24-105mm f/4 zoom. It use the PD wrist strap to carry it in my hand. Bottom line: I feel safe. Have had that kit for over 6 years and used it in Madrid, Berlin, Miami, Amsterdam, NYC, Munich, LA, and some others. Even when I visited Portland OR, which has a super bad rep, I had no problems. Even last month, I did a short photo walk-about in Oakland, which has a super bad rep, and nothing. I know stuff can happen, but I feel safe, and the few times I don't I am careful and avoid the areas I might find myself in without noticing where I was going. It happens. Anyway, great video. Thank you.

Good tips. Lived in Bay Area for 12+ yrs now. Definitely got worse since pandemic but you're right, just use common sense. One bag that I love to use for my camera gear is the Brevite Jumper. It's a great "non-photography looking" backpack and I can get my camera, 2 lenses, and DJI Mini 3 Pro with controller and battery pack in it and you'd never know...plus room for jacket and extra stuff. I even took it to Africa for a 3 week safari with my 150-600 lens and it was great. Love the camera cube and sling bag tricks. I do those as well.

Great suggestions - I live in Marin and also know the city looks worse in TV news than real life - I took all the precautions when I went to Europe, I feel safer here than many areas there.

Thank you for great idea about Fjallraven Kanken 2 hip pack with Kanken mini shoulder pads attached. I just bought this combo today and it fit perfect to Fujifilm X100V.

Fantastic video! Full of really good advice.

Carry what you can afford to lose. A Canon QL17giii isn't an m6, but I have a lot more fun when I can focus on enjoying myself and making images and not worry about a nearly 10k investment walking away. Keep your exposed rolls/used card in your pockets; if your camera bag is taken, at least you'll have some images. And finally, I've found it hard to find decent pizza. Tony's Napoletino is amazing but the line is often crazy, Acqualin across the street is almost as good and rarely crowded....

great video. subscribed

I‘ve been seeing an Asian guy shooting street photos near SF Chinatown, the Ferry Building, and Pier 39 every Sat. I talked with him and he showed a lot of pics he took which are awesome.

also on my itinerary for this coming week. So a very helpful video as not going to lie, a little nervous about LA, San Fran, and Seattle even though I've already been to Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Philly, Houston, and other big cities.Especially a portion of the trip where I might have no option but to leave luggage in my car as I head to Alcatraz (between hotel stays). such a shame it is like this

The non-camera brand fanny pack is my go to now, but mainly cause of my back 🤣 got an Adidas fanny pack that fits a few rolls of film, my M6 or X100V, and an extra lens. I live in the Washington DC metro area, and I've learned that just about every tip you discussed, also applies here.

Great video. I have recently visited the city and had a great time. Never felt threaten. I used a messenger bag, so most of the time I put the camera ( Nikon ZF with a 24-200) back in the bag after using it. I try to walk as much as possible like I belong there and not like tourist. Even when I had to use google maps, I would look briefly at the directions, then pocket the phone rather than walk around with it in my hand to make it obvious that I do not know where I am going. But if you have to have it out for directions all the time, turn the sound off so others can't hear you're about to make a left in 10 ft lol.

really good tips. Thank you.

I stopped photography altogether because all of my gear was stolen when I was paying for the meter my girl was in the car too didn't start back up till now

I took my Sony a6000 to NYC and Seattle, with a 20mm pancake lens, that I could fit in my front pocket, and in a different pocket, put a 35mm and 50mm in a different pocket if I really needed to change lenses. I like that fanny pack idea though, I think I'll get one, big enough that can stick my a6700 with the pancake 20mm lens.

That’s interesting! I take my Sony a7r out all the time in Sydney and I’ve never had an issue. A few years ago there were rumours that someone was mugged just a few suburbs from where I live in the inner city, so it’s not the safest area either.

GREAT VIDEO! As a person who live in the Bay Area (Hercules) I found your video very informative, I currently own 3 Nikon Mirrorless Cameras (Z9, Z8, Zf), but have never thought about venturing into SF, mainly for safety reasons, although, even before watching the Video, my Zf would be the Camera I'd use if I were to take pictures in the City since it is my smallest Camera, which uses a Full Frame Lens. Should I eventually take on this task, I'll definitely switch to a Camera Bag and Strap that can blend in without gaining any attention :)

Most of the RU-vid photography videos I watch lately I just keep thinking about how impossible it is to go out and shoot in most major cities in Brazil, unfortunately. That said, having to look over my shoulder all the time like that is very annoying for something I do just for fun. I walked around taking pictures in SF a decade ago, it was amazing to say the least. This makes me sad.

Having lived in San Francisco for almost a decade... "Don't be stupid" is rule #1 in my book. If you're carrying around expensive gear, being obvious about, not paying attention to your surroundings... then bad things will happen to you. This was almost a decade ago now, but I was mugged, at gun point, in Potrero Hill. I was out late at night, with a tripod and a decently heavy kit doing some long exposure photography. It was probably close to 11pm, basically no one was out since it was a residential area. And not only was I not paying attention to what was going on around me... I had my headphones in listening to music. Was the mugging because SF isn't safe? No, I was an idiot and left myself open for a crime of opportunity. They got my camera, tripod and camera bag. Fortunately I wasn't hurt and the gear was insured (business gear). But don't be stupid. It could have been SF, or NYC, or London or just about anywhere else for that matter. I had let my guard down because I lived there.

Very nice video Dave. I’ve been doing the same thing for many years. Incognito and tone down approach is the best way to go. Can you please provide links to fjellreven kånken fannypack and strap ? Regarding the brand name is FJÄLL (as in mountain) and REVEN (as in fox) from Sweden. 😉

Lived in SF back in the 90’s and it is no more or less safe as ever. I have wandered all parts of the city with all kinds of equipment and never had an issue. I was also lucky that I grew up going to the city at a young age and learned so much through the years. You make some great points here. Know your surroundings and pay attention to the people that are near you. My straps are longer so that I can always wear them across body. It’s great to see the city going through a post COVID revival. Wandered through North Beach a month ago with my Q2 and had a blast! Another great video!

You'll be surprised how many people recognize my M11-P with 35mm APO as Leica all over the world (Europe, Japan, China, US, Canada). I always do cross-body as I can move much easier and it's stable. Just stay away from areas that are known to be not-so-good. Generally, at the main area (Market street, Lombard street, Russian Hill) are generally safe in the day. Just stay alert and leave if you spot something out of place. Parking are great, one of the safest parking lot I use if I visit SF is the White House Parking. It's expensive but local knows it is good. It's just a pity where this seldom happens in Europe but so often in the US - car break-in... Don't take public transportation since there were folks robbing money/stuff with box cutters and bus drivers / street car won't be able to do anything. It's pretty lawless and it is way worse these last 5 years. I avoid going to SF for photos, or if I want to take photos, I'll use my iPhone. Anyway, stay safe. Blending in would help a bit but doesn't matter as locals got robbed too. And don't wear any watches that aren't a simple Casio or Apple watch.

Also check with your camera insurance company if you’re a professional photographer . I am not covered if I leave any gear in a car and it gets stolen. Also I’m not covered if I’m not technically working. So it’s worth checking out what is covered and what’s not.

wise info Dave. what I tell people is act like you belong there which you kinda touched on.

Any suggestions for Fleet Week in SF?

As a local and a hobbyist using the Nikon Z system, I was looking forward to your video until you pulled out the $7,000 Leica M11 kit. I will say though that the city is beautiful, safe and I would not live anywhere else. People need to ignore the haters!

Great for Leica M's. How about mirrorless Nikon, Sony, etc. that most of the rest of us use? That's a really dark image of SF you are putting out.

It is safe to walk around San Francisco with a camera? Absolutely it is. I do it every day, with a bigger camera than Herring shows here, and a professional (large) wide angle lens. You are much more likely to damage your gear by dropping it than you are to get it stolen from your person in San Francisco. I do act like I know where I am going because I do (usually) know where I am going. I do sometimes put the camera away in a modest looking bag if the neighborhood or the situation feel a little dicey. Being aware of surroundings is always a good everywhere in the world. But crime against persons is relatively rare in San Francisco. Don't buy into the hype from right wing folks that SF is a crime ridden hell hole- it's not at all. SF is a beautiful city, and wonderful place to walk around and take photos. You have a nice camera, so use it. One warning I will agree with: don't leave anything of value in your car. I learned that lesson growing up in New York 50 years ago.

I don't know man...recommending a Leica just because it's supposedly "more conspicuous" (i doubt it) seems like odd advice. Also, the mention that you'd only carry your camera openly "in certain parts of SF" isn't very helpful either. It might be clear for you, as a local, where the good parts end and the bad parts start, but to any outsider that's not the case. I visit SF every other year or so and things are rapidly changing, so it's hard to keep track of which part is safe(ish). I do agree that the media makes it sound worse than it is in most parts of SF, but on the whole SF is still far worse than it should be given the region's wealth.

Can you make a preset to emulate portra 800

I've always loved visiting San Francisco. But, I must admit that it has the worst homeless problem of any major city that I've visited. Most large cities have a street or area given to the homeless. But, this area in San Francisco is the largest I've seen. Now that I think about it, the last time I was in San Francisco I was warned not to leave anything of value in my rental car because a rental could be spotted by the license plate and they were frequently broken into and/or stolen. So while in San Francisco I used taxis to get around the city. The decline of San Francisco is sad to see and experience. I would suggest not looking like a tourist as much as possible and stay away from the worst areas of town.

Get insurance. If you can list it on homeowners or rental insurance do that. If you have a more serious kit or business, or want accidental coverage, get dedicated camera insurance. It's saved me thousands of dollars. There is an aspect too where photography is more visible now, famous landmarks are busier, property crimes in places with a lot of disparity will likely be worse, compared to other electronics likes phones, laptops, etc. they are less protected and electronics left in cars are easier to find and if you are a professional working in SF a small Leica kit might not be an option, but I was fine in SF with multiple cameras and never had any issues and ended up getting my equipment stolen in a suburb of Denver where it looked and felt very safe. There's no guarantee wherever you are so be prepared. It's not always the worst parts of a city that are dangerous because they "feel" dangerous but the tourist and shopping areas that are heavily populated. Have insurance. Have backups. Only bring what you need. I do love the advice of not using branded camera bags as well. I have some for the outdoors but I try to always get them in tan and brown colors that look less technical. Any small backback or shoulder bag with a camera cube will work with smaller kits as well.

I normally use a reusable grocery bag, it's pretty discreet.

Clearly the burglars have’t realized the value of small cameras like leica

So why not just carry your cell phone?

Yep. San Francisco is no worse today than 25 years ago. Anyone who says different is Miss Information.

Next weeks RU-vid video: “How my Leica was stolen in SF” 😂😂 Good tips for most big cities, really hope the gov can get sf more under control. Has been a steady decline over the last 10-15 years

What about photographer doing wedding or quince pictures? I’ve seen videos of thieves just snatching the cameras from them in the middle of the shoot, these photographers don’t have a choice of which lens they bring to a professional shoot

Disneyland has not been the happiest place on earth for many people since ...

People just have to be street smart - I carry my camera gear in a 10litre shitty backpack and I think also dress appropriately they will pick you out from everybody

You are right about cars. Don't leave anything in your car that you ever want to see again. The rental car company will charge you for the broken window. Good idea for men and especially women, bring along someone who can watch your back.

San Francisco is a cesspool. I would never step foot in that city.

This really remind me of a topic: can a woman wear whatever she wants on the street? I finally understand the dilemma from a female perspective: in theory, we shouldn't be worry about our properties, but in reality, we have to behave as low key as possible.

LOL I photographed the worst parts of SF riding around on a freaking Vespa in the 80s, 90s and 2ks, starting at sunrise and going past 2am... our darkroom and studio was in a super tough part of the Bayview and I never had a problem... if you just go about your business in SF, you can do just fine... if you look for trouble, it will find you... and that's part of the fun 😉

$178k stolen from a Leica store? At least they were only able to nab one or two cameras.

Got a lot of scary people in these comments. Y’all just stay at home, be scared of the world and believe whatever the media tells you

Just use your phone camera. Problem solved

still statistically safer than most rural places in the US lol. that said, the car advice is very solid. obviously it's a much easier target due to the low likelihood of escalation/things going south so really leaving anything in a car anywhere in the country is probably just not a fantastic idea.

Freedom and democracy.

Nah man, I have a CCW with me.

This people know who is new because they are on the street the whole day just like a police officer he patrol same streets for months he knows the same people going to work the best thing to do is to act like you are ready for what ever and that's been alert alert alert. act you are not scare and your smart phone is the best camera you can carry. The iPhone 15 pro Max if they take it and they want to get to change password it will asked for your photo .

gonna watch this tomorrow but people afraid n complaining abt getting robbed in the bay esp sf are the problem most the time. v hard to have sympathy for white male (transplant) street photographers (with leicas), who do most of this discourse. Awareness, respect, and insurance solves most of ur problems.

So it's NOT safe...

Was in SF last year and was way safer feeling and cool imo than shooting in Los Angeles. We loved the city and for shooting street it was a great trip. But coming back from Tokyo, SF is a crime ridden trash dump. The American city has a lot to learn from Tokyo. I agree that the media has sensationalized SF but there are definite truths in the propaganda. Propaganda you're utilizing to make this video btw. I'd say you can carry any camera you want in SF as long as you're savvy. Affiliate links to gear isn't the answer, street smarts is a more useful tool.

This feels a little disingenuous. Crime rates are WAY higher in Bay Area than they are in other cities across the country. To be honest, you’ve just been lucky that you haven’t been targeted yet. You mention Disney world - how many cameras get stolen there? Even outside of Disney, how many cars are broken into in greater Orlando? People routinely leave their bags/luggage in their car in other cities with zero issues. Since you live there, it’s hard to see how bad SF has gotten, but as someone that has travelled there annually for the past 10 years, I can tell you it’s bad. Like, real bad. All your suggestions and tips are sensible for any trip, but your take on the Bay Area misses the mark.

I've been to San Francisco a number of times. Enjoyed it a lot. But now - no way. Sorry, but when you have to take so many precautions to avoid trouble, the easiest way to avoid trouble is to avoid the place like it has the plague. You won't convince me that San Franciscos' problems are similar to other metropolitan areas. They are only similar if you live in a war zone.

Be aware of your transitional spaces, always carry your self defense tools on you.

The best way, don't go. I grew up there, it's an absolute nightmare nowadays. You're being incredibly disingenuous.

There is no staying safe in that area until the politicians take crime serious, which they don’t. I know now 12 people I do work for who shutdown their businesses or sold their homes and moved to Florida. And San Francisco certainly doesn’t respect law abiding citizens protecting themselves and what they own.