Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hello people,

Just looking for ideas and tips how others lock down their gear on site on the job.

For photography I'm fine, usually walk in with one bag and rest in my car. However shooting video solo is a bit tricky....

Any ideas?

For video work I bring a gear bag of random tools, tape, batteries, flashlights, adapters, cables. I also have my glide track, and a medium sized tripod. Glide Track and Tripod I'm concerned about, because those things together is over $1000.....gear bag would just be frustrating to replace all the bits and pieces....

I try to bring a lackey/friend to help watch stuff but sometimes not possible....

The important thing is to never walk to far away from your gear. I think if your packing light its best to carry everything with you. If your packing lots of gear then I would secure it all together. If you have enough gear it can become its own anchor.

I always daisy chain my pelican cases with a New York Kryptonite chain and the biggest locks I can thread through the locking tabs. When assembled it becomes a chain of very large and heavy anchors. A friend or assistant to watch over your stuff is a must too.

There is no fail safe way to prevent theft. You can only make it as difficult as possible for thieves to make an easy score.

That's a good question.
I've often wondered what photographers do to secure their gear while at a wedding.

I can't recall a time where I've seen them secure their gear in some fashion.

Perhaps something from Pacsafe (http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?) would suffice?

This is kinda related to the other topic about security and Europe trips

http://tpmg.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18723


When travelling, I usually have a PACSAFE mesh net and a keyed padlock for when I am away from my 3-5 star lodging. Flying overseas I will always have a case to check, and camera bags to carry-on. Every camera bag I have, will fit into my luggage case. If I don't have my gear on an outing, my camera bag is in my luggage, and locked. If for some reason I find out I made an error in judgement about the security of the hotel, I'll put the PACSAFE over the luggage.

On job sites, it's a different thing. Photographic jobs are about timing, getting the right shot at the right time. You can't afford to unleash your equipment before grabbing that "other lens" or whatever. Your assistant should also be your security.
If I don't have an assistant, then I always place my bag, cover down, but not closed, within view. Example, if at a banquet, my bag is at the foot of the head table. The other thing is, like other post suggests, you'll have gear, gear, and more gear... leave what you are not likely going to use (extra tripod, third body, backup slaves, extension cords) in the extra gear bag, in the car trunk. My main bag is also likely to be the one and only that looks the way it looks... big, camera bag. Guests and passer-by's will not have it. It is a camera bag, not a camera bag that looks like a messenger bag etc.. so it's kind of obvious.
Having said that, only the bag is obvious. My gear is never obvious to casual onlookers. Unless you have one or sell them for a living, (or TPMG addicts) you won't know what my gear is. Brands, model numbers, I don't get paid to advertise them, so i don't... they're concealed. I also don't talk gear with guests, no matter how much they ask because that can't see the brand name. The only thing the event attendees should recognize, is that "that big camera bag, belongs to the photographer."

Lastly, I always assume the risk. It's never the client's fault. Therefore my contract prices include a number($) that is enough to keep me calm during the job, but not so much that I am careless.

(never in my travels or crazy disorderly jobs have I had my gear stolen)