Concealing the camera

[lament]

Any tips?

What's a good way to keep a camera so that it's not attracting attention, yet is accessible instantly? So far the best way I found is just to hold it in one hand. I suppose keeping it in an open bag or a large pocket works if the lens is covered with a filter (so you don't have to use a lenscap - takes too much time to take it off).

 

[dmr]

I've been practicing shooting from the hip, and adjusting the angle of the camera so I get approximately what I want. You do have to scale focus or approximate it.

On a recent trip, I saw a police officer stopping a car which was all jacked up high and I did get one of three shots I did of it. I held the camera in my right hand at waist level, aimed, but then tried to not give the impression I was looking at the subject.

 

[Glenn2]

My favorite concealed carry... Strap over shoulder, under a light jacket. With a compact wide-angle lens hardly any noticeable bump... Don't try this around airport security as it might look like you're packing heat.... ;-) It's also quite secure as the jacket has to come off before removing the camera. A waist strap with a snap hook on each end can be used to keep the camera from swinging if climbing or jogging. Clip it to the rings going through the eyelets.

This doesn't work very well with larger cameras like SLRs as they are too deep, but is great for thin rangefinders such as Leica.


Glenn

 

[emraphoto]

not to be un-original but i saw a video of winogrand one day and have practiced his method since. he holds the camera in one hand resting up around his shoulder (next to his ear sorta). when the photo presents itself it's a VERY small, hardly noticeable move from side of head to eye and back. it may not work for all but damn... it works real well for me.

 

[RML]

My M2 is covered in a gold cover. I just carry it in my hand. People notice it but don't pay too much attention to it. IMO openness is a much better way to conceal your camera than concealing your camera, which will cause people to take notice almost immediately. "Suspicious" behaviour triggers people's reflexes faster than accepted (or at least open) deviance of the normal.

 

[MadMan2k]

I don't conceal mine. People will see me walking with it and look at it, but most of them don't give it or me a second glance... they probably just think "Yep, he's got a camera, must be taking pictures. Oh well."

The Canon SLR sure draws more attention than the M3, though.

 

[Biggles]

Wrist strap, camera held in hand. Only cops and security guards tend to spot mine that way. I've walked in and out of camera stores(!) without seeing eyes lock onto it.

Does help that it's small and black, though, I think.

 

[easyrider]

TLR + 90degree viewers

TLR + 90degree viewers

A TLR is great for unobtrusive shooting.. also, I think Leica used to make an "around-the-corner" sort of viewer. Maybe someone else made it but it fitted a Leica.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[oftheherd]

A TLR is great for unobtrusive shooting.. also, I think Leica used to make an "around-the-corner" sort of viewer. Maybe someone else made it but it fitted a Leica.

That is actually surprisingly true. I think it's part of the see but don't take note because they don't see it come to your eyes. I have used my that way from the waist and scale focusing, and sometimes from a table or such by focusing on some other subject about the same distance, then moments later moving it where I want and taking the photo.

 

[kully]

I'm with RML, these are techniques that I even I would find suspicious and a may be a little nefarious.

I've found the best thing to do is have the camera in hand with a wrist-strap. RFs are small and with the white-lettering taped out it's just a small, black camera which is partially covered if I'm wearing a jacket anyway.

To not arose suspicion I've found the best thing is to stay in one place, becoming a part of the "street furniture".

Still, my photos are ****e and I am too shy - but, hey.

PS TLRs are great for making you seem super nerdy and therefore unthreatening but I always get people looking at it [Seagull] and fellow photo geeks asking my if it's a Rollei.

 

[Roma]

I used to try to conceal my camera, but typically ended up drawing more attention than keeping it out for everyone to see. Now, I just have it in my hand with a ragular strap wrapped around my wrist. It works out really well until I greet someone with a hand-shake 🙂

 

[Bobfrance]

There's the answer!

Make sure you're accompanied by a group of musicians - it's the perfect cover.
(A mariachi band would be my choice.)

Nobody will notice the guy with the camera. 🙂


Seriously though, I have sometimes thought about having an accomplice provide cover. You know the sort of thing - pretending to pose for a photo whilst you take a shot over their head or to the side. No one can ever tell.

 

[Xmas]

All you need to do is to bribe some street performers. They might be pleased to have some photos as well.

Noel

 

[ddunn]

I tend to do the same things HCB did. Wear the camera around my neck when going from place to place (see 1st photo). Then wrap the neckstrap around my wrist and carry the camera in my hand when shooting (next photo).

The Winogrand technique sounds interesting, but I'd worry about burning a hole in the shutter with the camera pointed up like that.

 

[furcafe]

I agree.

Body language is much more important than how you carry your cameras.

When shooting, my camera(s) & lens(es) are out in plain sight & most are shiny chrome. I've had the most success w/the "act like you're supposed to be taking pix & people will usually let you" method, not w/being sneaky, which even clueless tourists pick up on very quickly.

The camera is not necessarily the first thing that gets noticed. Some hulking great twit carrying a big shoulder bag and dressed inappropriately for the weather/location/era/their age, moving in a manner guaranteed to attract the attention of a myopic meerkat is far more likely. The camera is only, what, 5% of your total body mass (ok, 30% for some Canon DSLRs with 70-200 zoom attached).

Before worrying about how to conceal your "weapon", sort out what you wear and carry, and how you carry yourself. Stay still, or move sparingly. Don't stalk about like "man the hunter", pouncing on each photo opportunity. Become part of the scene, be at one with your milleu. Use the Force...

Regards,

Bill

 

[nightfly]

When I'm shooting, it's in my hand. When I'm not it's in whatever bag I'm carrying.

I don't use a strap because they tend to get caught up going from bag to hand and back.

Camera is taped but just cause I prefer the aesthetics and don't really want to discuss Leicas when I'm shooting should someone see the red dot or label. Yes, they could recognize the shape of the camera but if you're moving and walking and shooting it's just less of an invitation to chat. I think watching that Winogrand video and the Joel Meyerwitz one are somewhat enlightening. Obvious but purposeful and non intrusive.

That said, if I'm in an enclosed situation (subway car) I will shoot from the hip. I find my best shots are the super spontaneous ones where I barely think before the shot is taken. They happen quickly and no one takes notice. The one's I sorta plan come out much worse.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[ruben]

All you need to do is to bribe some street performers. They might be pleased to have some photos as well.

Noel

Noel ? twice at the same day ? whats next ?

Cheers,
Ruben