I've been around guns most my life and started shooting probably when I was about 4ish. I don't think I would every feel the need to carry a firearm on a shoot and especially at a wedding/reception, but I don't live in an area with any sort of a crime rate so every ones situation is different. I've actually forgotten to lock my studio a couple times and thankfully nothing came of those times. I do think the arguments about having too much to carry are funny though. A small pistol can be just several ounces and would be carried under your arm most likely-so that would be a non-issue. If you are in the situations that you need the self-protection then follow the laws and do it, I would never think to ask on a forum though because it just brings up emotional responses. Also check on your local laws on self defense and the use of deadly force and if your insurance rates will go up if you carry a weapon due to increased liability.
I would never entertain the notion. Just because you 'can' doesn't mean you should.
Although up in Canada it's a moot point anyway.... it's pretty difficult to get a concealed carry permit. You need to demonstrate that you are constantly in real danger, or your job puts you at risk, or a combination of risk factors.
I can't imagine taking a bride into any situation where I felt so paranoid that I needed a firearm.
EvanW wrote:
If I were on a shoot where I thought I'd need to draw a gun I don't think I could concentrate on the work. Also bringing models or clients into a place that bad could also be cause for legal trouble when things go wrong.
And seriously a wedding? 200-300 people crowded into a room, your photographing the first dance and see a ninja approaching the happy couple from your peripheral vision, drop your camera lettting it swing on its harness as you spin around drawing your .45 and putting 4-5 rounds towards the ninja killing him while only hitting a few of the guests.
I have my CCW, and I haev also thougt about this as well.
The one thing, everyone has missed is this.
If someone wants to steal your gear from you, HE the bad guy can still hurt you or even kill you.
Just cause you give into the bad guys danmad does not mean you escape free and clear of injury or death.
I have yet to carry to any event, but there are very small hand guns that one can easy hide and not one person but the ccw holder would know.
Stupid people do stupid thing, anywhere and at anytime.
Just because I live in New Hampshire does not mean I can walk around like nothing is going to happen.
As far as any other day, I always carry when I go out.
Oh before I forget here in NH our motto is LIVE FREE OR DIE, and our gun laws pretty much match that motto.
You can open carry here "Not Conceled" without any permits what so ever. We are a shall issue state, you have a clean record, and you apply for a ccw, you get it in 10 days.
Here is a wake up call:
Police Have No Duty To Protect Individuals Google it.......
its called Concealed for a reason....DUH
um the idea is no-one knows you ARE packing heat...
so they the clients would/should never know...
if anyone came up to me say with a knife demand whatever
they will KNOW....yup .40 S&W from a Glock 27
Just want to mention that it's a pinch rude to assume the OP wants to carry because of any fear based emotion, many people carry firearms simply as an exercise of rights. There were once people far greater than ourselves who made absolutely certain that we would have this right, and maybe people carry if for no other reason than to honer them. Maybe there was a time when you bought your child an awesome present with your hard earned money and they were more interested in the box? Little bastards, don't they know how hard you worked for them to have that gift? Would be pretty cool if they respected that!
If I were hiring a photographer to shoot my daughter's wedding, I would want to know if he's carrying a gun at the wedding. I would be entitled to know that, and you should volunteer that information.
StarNut wrote:
If I were hiring a photographer to shoot my daughter's wedding, I would want to know if he's carrying a gun at the wedding. I would be entitled to know that, and you should volunteer that information.
under no obligation to do so...you are hiring me for my photography skills not my range skills....
We have a handgun and we're getting our concealed permit. We're very "pro-gun."
But I can't think of any situation at any wedding where I would consider taking it. I think Evan brought up some great points along with Gary - I'd side on the edge of caution. I seriously can't imagine any wedding where you would actually need to defend yourself using a gun. Maybe you need to bring it for the trip to the venue, but keep it in the car. I can think of countless times my husband could have really used a handgun in his car with one of his extensive driving jobs - but that was for reasons other than dangerous people.
There are reasons to consider exercising your rights, but I think that they are, in this case, completely unnecessary.
just don't get the why? insurance is to replace equipment if necessary, guns are to protect your life, family & home.....seems like an accident or lawsuit or both just waitning to happen...Also even though you have the right and CCW, your client may really disapprove and cost you your job, contract, money and reputation. Just because you have the right, doesn't mean you should....
Just a suggestion. Not trying to be an ass..........but, you're not concealing it if you're talking about it online. Just think about that, and good luck with your decision.
Many folks have mentioned that many states prohibit firearms in venues where alcohol is served. But no one seems to have mentioned the fact that several states also ban firearms in churches. So, to review, you probably cannot have the gun on you if you are photographing a wedding in a church or are at a reception where alcohol is being served. So, where, exactly, do you intend to carry the gun and why?
