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Archive 2013 · Night & Morning Photo Safety
  
 
astro-ep
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Howdy folks,

I spend a lot of time outside at night doing astrophotography (not much this year though). But I spend the majority of this in the relative safety of my backyard. I deal with skunks, foxes and 600W of light trespass. But rarely do I have any other encounters.

There are many here that venture out for night shoots. Many of these appear to shoot in areas that appear to be fairly isolated. To make the situation worse, most are carrying expensive equipment. I was curious how these folks handle safety and security.

Traveling in larger groups is good, but can hinder the actual task of photography. What about those that venture out alone, or in small groups. What are you doing for safety? How do you handle encounters (both of the 2 & 4 legged variety)? Are any of you are registered for Conceal Carry, or is the even a consideration?

Eric
Mar 07, 2013 at 12:30 PM
dgdg
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


I would be wary about isolated night shoots that are near or easily accessible to the general population. If you are out hiking or camping, that is relatively safe I would think.

You should consider joining your local astronomy club. You will meet a nice group of enthusiastic people who love dark clear skies even if you just have a tripod and camera. Once you get to know some people, you can arrange to go out to specific locales with one or two individuals more spontaneously.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/suncityastronomy/
http://www.go-astronomy.com/astronomy-club.php?ID=194
Mar 07, 2013 at 12:50 PM
ghdarnell
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


That's a great question! I will be doing night ventures as I travel from PA to CA, and have been a little worried about that as well. Mostly because I am afraid I am going to walk right off a cliff (not that I'm having nightmares or anything!) but also rattlesnakes.


Mar 07, 2013 at 12:59 PM
astro-ep
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


@dgdg:
Thanks for the info... I definitely have the Astro-side covered.

I was just thinking about doing some night photography and was curious about how other's handled safety.

Eric
Mar 07, 2013 at 02:21 PM
ben egbert
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Well I go to isolated places alone and yes, there are some safety issues. Mostly driving on dark icy roads or walking in deep snow to get to the place I need to be. Possibility of car trouble, dead battery, freezing, no cell service etc.

I guess I never worry about people, I am in Utah and feel fairly safe in that regard. I worry more if there are other people in the vicinity. Many of the places I go are basically unused by other people.


Mar 07, 2013 at 02:28 PM
Genes Home
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Hi,

Valid questions this day and age, I suppose. I live in Texas and photograph all over the west and southwest.

1. 4 legged critters I really don't worry about anywhere in these areas, with one exception, that being mountain lions. They WILL and DO stalk and attack humans for food, and are known or potential problems at some places (like Bosque del Apache in New Mexico). I make a point of simply checking with local state or federal fish and wildlife officers if I am going to a new area, and taking their guidance. Other critters lik skunks and the like are generally easily avoidable. On open range (lots of that in these areas) your real problem may actually be a cow walking over or past your camera rig and knocking it down.

1.a. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are a bit different. I ALWAYS have a canister of bear spray ALL the time and I ALWAYS retreat to the car after setting up and starting the system running, even if it is in a parking lot (which it normally is). Actually, elk, bison, and moose are more of an issue than bear most of the time, but you can't win an arguement with any of them.

2. Snakes I hate, but again, are easily avoidable. Just be watching where you go and where you set up.

3. People I have never had a problem with, maybe because I am normally in or near a public area, public park, or something similar even if alone. Thus, I try to not look like a potential target when near the public. Like Ben, above, I actually tend to prepare more for the "unplanned accident" when I am by myself on a back route camping somewhere with no cell service (which there is an amazing amount of in the sw region). If you feel REALLY paranoid about this issue, a satellite phone or a SPOT emergency locater would be cheap insurance (the latter much more affordable - -http://www.findmespot.com/en/). However, I will admit to a little trick that I use when way out in nowhere on a back road. I always have spare gear with me and it is always set up so that it looks like there are two of us at the camp site with the vehicle. Again, why look like an easy target.

4. Re the concealed carry thing...........I am a life member of the NRA, retired military, AND a firearms instructor (and a 30 competitor in the USPSA, should you know what that is). My advice is to walk carefully here. My REAL advice is to visit the area in the daytime first, and do some research, maybe even talk to the local sheriff or police department about your plan. Nearly always they will tell you the straight scoop about problems or issues you need to be aware of. As an example, I was in central California last year, visiting Yosemite and points south of there, including some long time friends. When we discussed my plans, and called the sheriff's office, the info that came back was to come into the office and get a marked up map of areas of the national forest to strictly avoid due to drug activity. It is FAR easier to plan ahead and avoid problems than to find out you have lugged a gun and ammo blindly into a location, gotten into trouble, and found yourself alone and outgunned. If you think you might need it, are you really going to be doing your best photography work, or are you going to be stressed out worrying about every sound in the dark? If so, why even be there?..........I am sure others will have other opinions, this is just mine.

Gene
Mar 07, 2013 at 06:24 PM
n7vy
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


I conceal carry all the time while capturing images. You never know who you will run into.

30+ years ago while photographing with my Hassleblad, I had a gentleman come up to me and started a conversation. He said how nice the weather was and said I had a very pretty camera. He then said that " he wanted it" and drew a knife. I immediately drew my .45 from my small of the back holster and he immediately left. I reported to the Yavapai County Sheriffs office as soon as I got into Prescott.

You never know who you will run into. It's difficult to lower your guard when you have 5-10 thousands of dollars close to you. I enjoy the surroundings and capture the moment. By the way, I live in Arizona where you can open carry and recently allowed no permit conceal carry.


Mar 07, 2013 at 06:24 PM
Scott Stoness
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


I am from Canada and we are not allowed to carry hand guns, but even if I was, I doubt I would. I carry bear spray.

Get insurance for people. I suspect that if you have to shoot someone to defend your camera it will likely bother you a whole lot. I really doubt that I could fire a high caliber gun in the dark with any certainty about what I was shooting and I suspect that the a grizzly bear would be just very annoyed by a glancing wound.

Take bear spray, talk and sing a lot, and practice your draw for grizzlies.My experience this summer when a grizzly came runing at me in full stride is that in the time it takes to figure out what is going to happen the bear will have you. By the time I took to decide whether to drop my expensive lens and camera and get my bear spray the bear went by me 5' away at full stride.

For polar bears, its best to have someone right beside you with a shot gun ready to go and make sure that they are proficient enough not to shoot you before the bear.You have to be lucky to win against a polar bear anything other than a shot gun.
Mar 08, 2013 at 12:27 AM
Ben Horne
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


There is a lot of paranoia out there -- too much in my opinion. It's easy for your imagination to run wild in the dark, and IMO, having a gun in these circumstances is just foolish. The last thing we need is a person in the dark with a gun and an active imagination. Also, this false sense of security will not protect you against the real enemies out there --- which are often the elements, lack of planning, and lack of common sense.

I've never felt threatened on any of my trips to some rather remote areas. What gets most people in trouble is lack of planning, and not being able to take care of yourself if something happens (vehicle breaks down, you get injured, etc). I love the Southwest because you really don't have to worry about critters in the same way that you do in Yellowstone for example. If you are the paranoid type, it would likely be better to carry a canister of bear spray --- even if you're not in bear country. That stuff works on humans too... and I can tell you first hand that it is absolutely nasty stuff.
Mar 08, 2013 at 01:09 AM
Phrasikleia
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Ben Horne wrote:
There is a lot of paranoia out there -- too much in my opinion. It's easy for your imagination to run wild in the dark, and IMO, having a gun in these circumstances is just foolish. The last thing we need is a person in the dark with a gun and an active imagination. Also, this false sense of security will not protect you against the real enemies out there --- which are often the elements, lack of planning, and lack of common sense.

I've never felt threatened on any of my trips to some rather remote areas. What gets...Show more →

I have to agree about the bear spray (or the smaller pepper spray canisters if it's mainly people you're worried about). Another great security device: a good-sized dog, if you have one. Bring Fido along, and you'll have both an alarm system and a bodyguard.


Mar 08, 2013 at 02:16 AM
Camperjim
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


You probably need to assess the risks that pertain to the area you are visiting. People are very rarely an issue. Animals can much more likely to be a concern. For most areas, dogs are a concern. People seem to think their dogs are always friendly and fail to realize they can be very protective and will attack. I have absolutely no patience with this behavior. When I used to do a lot of night fishing, I carried a large gaff -- not for fish but for protection. I remember more than once having a dog come at me snarling and barking. The owners would always say don't worry ... he doesn't bite. I would pull out my gaff and say he will only bite once. Somehow at that point they would also become concerned and would restrain the dog. Wild animals are very rarely a concern. Exceptions are grizzly bears in areas like Glacier NP and mountain lions in areas like Mojave NP. In bear country I carry bear spray and am alert and cautious. I also avoid hiking in the dark. It is also better to be in a group even with just one other person.

Slips and falls are more of an issue. Sometimes it is best just to let the shot go. The last time at Arches I felt unsteady and gave up trying to get to the spot for shooting turret arch thru the north wall arch. I am especially cautious if I am alone in a remote area. Getting lost can also be a concern. I keep thinking it is time for me to get a hikers gps.

I don't carry a firearm, but I am glad some others do so. You are unlikely to be mugged in a remote area. The potential mugger is more likely to be worried about being shot.
Mar 08, 2013 at 07:30 AM
LandPirate
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


I'm in my 24th year in law enforcement. I see you're in El Paso. The truth of the matter is that you are not in a safe zone. Anywhere along the southern border has the potential to be dangerous. Drug and human smugglers and desperate illegal aliens often cross at night. There's many documented instances where they encounter someone and take their vehicle and/or valuables. Some of these folks, especially the cartel members, have ZERO regard for human life. If you don't believe me then check out Borderlandbeat.com and watch the videos. The media isn't going to report it and the fed. gov. isn't going to warn you. It goes against their political agenda.

My suggestion is that you obtain and become proficient with a firearm. When seconds count, we (law enforcement) are only minutes away. Keep in mind, in Texas you don't need a concealed carry license to carry a firearm in your vehicle. It must be concealed (out of view). This does not permit you to carry it on your person. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

If you're in a remote location and there's a confrontation you will be on your own. So be prepared to handle the situation on your own. You cannot expect any assistance until well after the event is over. Furthermore, keep your situational awareness high. Don't get so involved in your activity that you are oblivious to what's happening around you.

With all of that said, go and have fun but keep a healthy dose of awareness and caution with you.


Mar 08, 2013 at 08:40 AM
astro-ep
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Some great (and sometimes amusing) info here. I'm not a paranoid person, just one who takes pride in being prepared for any situation. Plus, I'm not as young as I used to be and tend to be more cautious.

My main interest here was see how others felt about their adventures. It seems that most are confident about their surroundings. It also seems that most are more cautious about the furry encounters (vs. the upright ones), and the dangers of falling or being stranded. That's not what I would have expected.

I love to photograph along the Rio Grande. I'm usually alone, and there are always dogs running loose. I love dogs and have a big rottweiler, so big dogs don't intimidate me. But I always take a big club with me when I shoot alone. Even the appearance of this, usually makes dogs go running. Bear spray is a great idea.

When I was younger, I used to spend a lot of time in the Desert at night. We had motorcycles and off-road buggies. It was great fun. But that same activity today is very different, here along the border.

Thanks for the input and stories. Interesting stuff.

Eric






Mar 08, 2013 at 03:50 PM
blueimage
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Eric, your question is certainly a valid one for those without experience venturing off the beaten path at night. Most of my experience is in places where conflicts with other people is not much of a possibility - if it was, I'd carry a gun.

In my opinion, the biggest safety precaution you can take when doing night photography in remote areas is to use really good lights. Both a headlamp (with a red light mode) and a powerful flashlight. You need to be able see well to cover some ground safely...and to be able to work with the camera during set-up and exposure. Their are lots of headlamp options that have a red light mode...I use a Fenix HL30.

For good flashlights, the options cover a vast range of pricing and ability....I use a Lupine 'Betty'. The Lupine lights are German made, and expensive, but they are a precision instrument like your camera gear - they turn the darkest night into day, and take the mystery out of setting up your composition in the dark. They also have very even light for painting if you wish to employ that in your image.

In your neck of the woods, your biggest wildlife concern would be rattlesnakes, which do not like being stepped on (done that) Good lights and being cautious will mitigate the snake risks substantially. Venturing into the darkness with your camera is a lonely prospect - but filled with rewards. I've had many memorable moments shooting in the dark....from coyotes that have decided to just hang out with me for hours - to being guarded by Massai warriors with spears in Africa as I exposed star shots....

I suggest driving a bit to get out of the harms way around the border - like just a couple hours up into New Mexico where you'll be safe to explore the night. Good luck.

Jim
Mar 08, 2013 at 04:12 PM
astro-ep
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Thanks Jim... a photographer flashaholic, just like me

I definitely have the night-into-day equipment covered. None of mine are 2600lm. But I have lights up to 2500lm, which really take care of business.

Interestingly one night while doing a little visual astronomy, I heard something beside me and turned to look. Standing about 2 feet from me was a red-tail fox, as surprised to see me as I was to see her. We stared at each other for about 30 seconds and then she decided to see about dinner and ran off. It turned out that she had a litter in my neighbor's back yard. I'd regularly find piles of feathers in my yard, from her evening adventures.

Eric
Mar 08, 2013 at 04:24 PM
ckcarr
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


The reports had been on the radio all day, though he hadn't paid much attention to them. Some crazy man had escaped from the state asylum. They were calling him the Hook Man since he had lost his right arm and had it replaced with a hook. He was a killer, and all the photographers in the region were warned to keep watch and report anything suspicious since they traveled frequently in remote locations. But this didn't concern him. He was more worried about those star trails on this perfect moonless night.

After preparing for the night’s photography he also decided to carry a small transistor radio, just for company. Then he hopped in the car and was off. When he arrived at the trailhead he noticed it was conspicuously empty. “Great!” he thought to himself. And put his backpack on and headed off into the dark. As the time approached midnight, the Milky Way was spectacular; he was having a great time with several successful shots. About that time he heard a slight rustling in the brush about 50 feet away. He stopped, listened for a few minutes but never heard anything, and then resumed his photography.

And then the announcer came on the radio and repeated the warning from that afternoon. An insane killer with a hook in place of his right hand was still loose in the area. Suddenly, the dark, moonless night didn't seem so exciting to him anymore. The trees were darker than normal, dark shadows were all around, and a cold breeze had begun blowing. A chilling graveyard type wind, usually the kind found on dark fall nights. He felt a chill down his spine. His mind started playing tricks on him, he started hearing noises in the brush… or did he? Regardless he thought “A perfect spot for a deranged mad-man to lurk…” and with that he quickly packed up and was practically running down the trail to get back to his car, and the safety within.

Then he felt it, something had brushed his camera backpack, once, and then a second time. And with that he was gone. Running as fast as his legs would propel him he reached his car in record time. Fumbling for his keys,he dropped them. Cursing,he picked them back up and unlocked the door, threw his pack into the passenger seat and went roaring down the long dark road as fast as his driving skills would allow.

When he finally hit the main highway, his heartbeat was barely back to normal. But he had calmed down somewhat. So he started turning to his right to turn on the radio. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a glint of something shiny. And then he saw it. A bloody hook hung from the back of his photo backpack!




Mar 08, 2013 at 09:30 PM
Mitchell Derr
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


ckcarr wrote:
The reports had been on the radio all day, though he hadn't paid much attention to them. Some crazy man had escaped from the state asylum. They were calling him the Hook Man since he had lost his right arm and had it replaced with a hook. He was a killer, and all the photographers in the region were warned to keep watch and report anything suspicious since they traveled frequently in remote locations. But this didn't concern him. He was more worried about those star trails on this perfect moonless night.

After preparing for the night�s photography he also...Show more →

Awesome story! ckcarr = Dean Koonz!
Mar 08, 2013 at 09:49 PM
harshaj1
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


ckcarr wrote:
The reports had been on the radio all day, though he hadn't paid much attention to them. Some crazy man had escaped from the state asylum. They were calling him the Hook Man since he had lost his right arm and had it replaced with a hook. He was a killer, and all the photographers in the region were warned to keep watch and report anything suspicious since they traveled frequently in remote locations. But this didn't concern him. He was more worried about those star trails on this perfect moonless night.

After preparing for the night’s photography he also...Show more →
I get goosebumps just reading this. What a story.
harsha
Mar 08, 2013 at 10:02 PM
astro-ep
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


Ha ha... Too funny.
Thanks fo that.
Eric
Mar 08, 2013 at 10:35 PM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Night & Morning Photo Safety


For years I have travelled into backcountry locations, frequently by myself, and have never worried about dangers from other people. FWIW, I've never had a problem, either. I may worry about the weather, or about how I'll get from point A to point B, or sometimes about being lonely - though most often I enjoy that - but virtually never experience fears about other people.

The only time I've gotten rattled while shooting at night was in a relatively urbanized area. I had gone to this location, where I frequently photograph at night, and met up with a group of perhaps a half dozen other photographers. They had not shot this location before and were anxious to get started, so I told them to go ahead and wander off into this place while I made a photograph, and that I would catch up with them soon. They left, a few minutes later I finished my shot, and I headed into the area where they had gone.

I never saw them again the entire evening. Being familiar with the location I went ahead and started shooting on my own, walking down darkened roadways, wandering up dead end alleys, climbing the odd staircase. I shot like this for several hours in complete solitude, not seeing another person and enjoying the quiet. Then, for no particular reason that I can recall, I started to think about myself wandering around in the dark in this abandoned industrial area not far from a city with a reputation for some criminal activity, carrying thousands of dollars worth of gear... and for the first time I could recall, I got a very bad feeling about things. I very quickly packed up and left.

Was I ever in any actual danger? Almost certainly not.

Edited on Mar 09, 2013 at 03:45 PM · View previous versions
Mar 08, 2013 at 11:43 PM
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