Mardi Gras - Cover up camera labels?

I think what Luna was alluding to was our military adage: "complacency kills."
If you're not paying attention, someone is going to exploit it. For the most part, vigilance can prevent most theft in those situations so, while they are still victims, their complacency is also culpability in many of these cases.

As far as the tape question goes, I subscribe to the theory that humans are curious creatures that will look at details more than just a brick of color. My M8 is all black and almost never gets noticed but my M9 still had the "M9" and red dot on the front; it gets me into conversations almost every day. Same camera in outward appearance but one elicits a reaction that the other does not.

Phil Forrest
 
PKR said:
You're correct Roger, tape was not involved. My point was not to underestimate .. tape or no tape.
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Which I most heartily second, as does Phil_F_NM most eloquently, even though he and I disagree (and apparently have had very different experiences) over taping.

Cheers,

R.
 
Covering up labels on the D300 isn't going to disguise it anymore than covering up labels on a Landrover will disguise it. It's obviously a big digital SLR.

I think hiding labels on a Leica is almost always pointless. Most people don't know about Leica. Someone who does will recognize the camera in an instant, labeled or not.

In other words, thieves who are just looking for a quick way to score some cash aren't looking for particular brands. Thieves who are looking for particular brands won't be fooled by hiding the name.

Mardi Gras is great. Stunningly crowded in the Quarter, with many, many well-lubricated people. Use common sense and watch your wallet.

Hint: If I was going to steal a camera or pick a pocket, I'd hang out along the parade route and make my move when people leap to catch the beads thrown from the floats.
 
wgerrard said:
Covering up labels on the D300 isn't going to disguise it anymore than covering up labels on a Landrover will disguise it. It's obviously a big digital SLR.

I think hiding labels on a Leica is almost always pointless. Most people don't know about Leica. Someone who does will recognize the camera in an instant, labeled or not.

In other words, thieves who are just looking for a quick way to score some cash aren't looking for particular brands. Thieves who are looking for particular brands won't be fooled by hiding the name.

Mardi Gras is great. Stunningly crowded in the Quarter, with many, many well-lubricated people. Use common sense and watch your wallet.

Hint: If I was going to steal a camera or pick a pocket, I'd hang out along the parade route and make my move when people leap to catch the beads thrown from the floats.
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Dear Bill,

No, a Land Rover is a big, non-digital...

Sorry, couldn't resist.

But I agree 100% with everything else you wrote.

Cheers,

R. (wearer of chained wallet, believer in neck straps...)
 
I'll second Steve M.'s advise to promptly heed the kindly police officer's advise to go home. The sweep starts at midnight on Fat Tuesday. It's worth watching if you happen to be in the Quarter, where some finite portion of the celebrants will be driven away courtesy of the police because they have managed to immobilize themselves.

And beware the hurricanes, spilled on you or consumed by you.

Years ago, in the '70's, I was at a Mardi Gras in February (Brrrrr!). Missed a chance for a great photo: A phalanx of mounted police formed up on a side street just before midnight on Fat Tuesday in the Quarter, preparing to make their sweep through the crowds. In the lead were a male cop and a female cop. Just a few seconds before midnight, they pulled their horses together, embraced, and kissed. Great stuff and I missed it. But, there was that guy in a gorilla suit who rode up the hotel elevator with us...
 
This is easy, if it makes you feel better tape the labels. And with the availability and price of tape these days taping up you labels is not an effort or costly....

I would probably not do it, if I was afraid of thieves, I would just leave the camera at home.
 
sig said:
This is easy, if it makes you feel better tape the labels. And with the availability and price of tape these days taping up you labels is not an effort or costly....

I would probably not do it, if I was afraid of thieves, I would just leave the camera at home.
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Yep, this is how I feel. I tape over my gear because I like how it looks. Some people like keeping theirs look crystal clear without a scratch, others pride the wear marks from years of use. From the clamoring for all black models of popular cameras that don't initially have one, the all black look is clearly desirable, and some of us don't mind if it was a factory job or courtesy of Mr Gaffer.

I find it also cuts down on people who want to whig out on gear talk. When asked what camera it is, I just say, "I don't know".
 
In 30+ years of off & on Mardi Gras participation, I had one thing stolen: A large ziplock bag of beads placed on the rail of the truck float we were riding on. That's all folks.
 
emraphoto said:
any of the latter would have worked. i swear the iphone will be in the crick before the spring is over.

believe what you wish. i am not one to put a lot of effort into convincing others they are wrong.

what i know from experience is this... 1/ there are "camera thieves". they know a leica from a panasonic. 2/ being a thief does not preclude one from being clever. not a theory, not a rule. something i have learnt.
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Thanks for taking the time to explain your words.

About "covering dots," I simply won't wear straps with the camera brand prominently displayed.
 
I've done my share of traveling; from LA to Montreal to Kentucky and all in between. I guess I got nervous because I found a website put out by NOLA about not having any valuables in sight during Mardi Gras. Being 6'2" and a big man, I doubt anyone will trouble me, but I wanted to see what folks thought on the subject of covering up. Thanks folks, and hopefully the trip is a success and fun. I may end up on assignment while I'm there too, see what happens. The paper is being wishywashy at the moment.
 
Phil_F_NM said:
I think what Luna was alluding to was our military adage: "complacency kills."
If you're not paying attention, someone is going to exploit it.
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Very true Phil. I remember in Iraq when I was leaving the FOBs there was always a big sign that said "!COMPLACENCY KILLS!" in big letters.
This was the point I was trying to get across. Tape doesn't matter. There are better steps you can take to distant yourself from becoming a victim, even in the most dangerous situation. I know, because I've been there.
 
Luna,
When & where in Iraq were you? I was at Camp Fallujah, August 2004- early 2005. I was independent duty combat photo with Seabee battalion 4. I think it's interesting and good to connect with folks who were out there. It always piques my curiosity. Next week I'm interviewing a journalist who was there for the "push" into the city. I haven't seen or talked with him since before that battle.

As for the tape, out in Iraq I had to spray paint the straps black of my issued Nikon gear. Perfect bright yellow thing to aim at.

Phil Forrest
 
September 2005 - March 2006.
Our home base was Taqaddam but we spent some time everywhere. I'm so glad to be out of that place. And, as of Jan 22, I'm actually "out" of the Marine Corps as well. Growing my hair out and everything....
Flat black spray paint. I miss the stuff. Unfortunaly, we couldn't make a humvee or big 7-ton truck less obscure by covering up the OSHKOSH label on the grill with some tape. Before I went out, I always took plenty of Red Bulls and Black&Milds to ensure I was on my toes.
 
I grew my hair out for a while. Biggest thing for me was not shaving. Last time a razor touched my face was July 11, 2005, day before I started terminal leave. I've trimmed the beard since but haven't shaved it off. My face has never been happier.

Phil Forrest
 
Mudman said:
fair enough, thanks for the thoughts folks. For the Mardi Gras festival itself, I'm not sure how many photos I'll take to be honest. More intersted in the city for the rest of the time I'm there. Thanks for the tips on clothing. I was curious what's like down there. Hit -30 F here in upstate NY the other day.
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We're in the 60's now. We had a spell of 30 degree weather for about a week which is basically an ice age for us down here.

Crowds for a parade on St Charles/Napoleon Ave are fine, day or night. Shame the news usually just shows dumbasses on Bourbon St and everyone thinks that's what MG is about. Come on down and have a great time!
 
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