Gear getting stolen... I've had that. I was not a pro yet, but soon after swore to myself this would never happen again. So far so good... A few of my own tips. True : a proper camera bag (with logos, "tech" looks, signs and clues about photography) screams "Take me, steal me... I'm filled with high-priced gear !". Lots of good camera bags don't look like it, mine being Benro's Traveller 200. It looks rather ugly, but has a top compartement where you can place personnal belongings. The computer pocket is next against the spine, remaining invisible for those who don't specifically search for it. It didn't cost that much, and does the job pretty well... providing you don't try to fit a full-size drone in ! All "good things" are in the lower one, with a side access and a back access. But... Never use locks on a bag/backpack. If locks are visible to others, they shall understand there is something pricey to hide. So I just use small carabiners. There're not theft-proof so to speak, but if anyone tries to unlock them... it's going to take time to open the tiny stuff, then slide it the right way up, then remove it, then slide the zip... enough time for you to notice. All my bag zippers are fitted so, with carabiners looking like fancy pieces of gadgetery. This trick proved so efficient, even in crowded metros or buses, that I don't see myself ever changing it. Take some "decoy" memory cards along. I've learnt that when, a teenager, I would go to concerts and record some (for my own pleasure, not for selling tapes !)... sometimes getting caught by security. So, I decided to try and take some cassettes that would be handed in case they'd search for supports to seize from me. That worked sooooo well ! Now, it's what I do when going to some places : after shooting, I remove the full card, store it somewhere (belt is a good idea, make-up pouches too, messy wallet as well, etc.), then replace it with a card full of various pictures. That card is a cheap 32 Gb I bought for the price of a sandwich, but it looks "pro" with golden printings and stuff, branded "Integral PRO". As of now, I didn't have to use the trick... but the cost is, by far, not a burden compared to the loss of a "real" memory card full of valuable photos and/or videos. I praise folks at Peak Design for their products... owning 3 of them (with a 4th on debate). But a bag with a magnetic latch just doesn't make it for me as a protection for my gear. Even with those buckles-and-loops, their bags have an upper flap that opens in a snap... giving full access to the whole content. Maybe the newly designed "Zip" range will solve that problem, but the (otherwise well-tought) "Everyday" range can't provide enough protection for my camera gear, so... no, I do not share your opinion on this particular topic. Great content, thank you for that good work... frank, honest, from experience. Keep up with it !

@NicoleGlass

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your tips! Really great points and I'll definitely remove some locks (guilty of that). I've pinned your comment to the top so that future viewers can read this as well :)

@gillesmatheronpro

4 жыл бұрын

Nicole Glass thank you for your opinion and initiative. But, as always, these tips of mine perform well for me but would eventually not for others. It depends (among other things) on what type of attitude everyone has regarding their gear : full confidence, paranoïa (I've seen that), distance, average, etc. And I write this to whoever may come for reading : I never ever forced anyone to blindly copy and duplicate my own behaviour and/or ideas given, whether about gear or anything else. I've just noticed, throughout the years, the more things seem obvious the more they attract. You'd be surprised to now how many high-value things get carried in non-protective conditions... just so they don't get noticed. And I worked nearly a decade (yes, I've had many lives !) in aeronautics, including airports and airlines security. The carabiners trick works just fine, the only thing is to find some slim ones so they fit your zippers, and not too flashy (see above !), and strong enough so they don't give up after 6 months. and one must choose to slip them through metal loops, NOT lace ! The remaining problems is thieves managing to cut through the bag fabric with blades (hidden in their sleeves so they don't get noticed). I also worked at the Tour Eiffel (don't call me mythomaniac, all that is 100% true) many years, in the event departement, and I let you imagine how many of these cases we had to deal with each month. Well, there are some things to do to get yourself protected against this... but I won't go into detail, simply because I ignore if all this meet legal requirements in each and every coutry of your readers and subscribers. Nothing violent though, but "efficient" enough ! ;-) A simple first-level solution is to use a tough high-deniers (like 600D) made backpack or, better, aramid. Inner matrix of fabric is dense enough to slow the guy. And when a burglar gets slowed down, he just gives up and jumps to his next "case". They aim at efficiency, time/profit high ratios, speed, cloaking, and just hate being forced to spend time stealing. This is why all those fancy bags full of bright ideas, but no protective assets, are just a joke ! Then you can also slip a personal high-volume pocket alarm in the game. You can tie it to the most exposed zipper from the inside... the thing being released when someone tries to sneak in. I've had that for years fitted on my own suitcase... and it works twice, with such an effect, you can imagine it ! Thank you for considering our comments, and rest assured your work is appreciated.

@gillesmatheronpro

4 жыл бұрын

@@NicoleGlass thank you for your opinion and initiative. But, as always, these tips of mine perform well for me but would eventually not for others. It depends (among other things) on what type of attitude everyone has regarding their gear : full confidence, paranoïa (I've seen that), distance, average, etc. And I write this to whoever may come for reading : I never ever forced anyone to blindly copy and duplicate my own behaviour and/or ideas given, whether about gear or anything else. I've just noticed, throughout the years, the more things seem obvious the more they attract. You'd be surprised to now how many high-value things get carried in non-protective conditions... just so they don't get noticed. And I worked nearly a decade (yes, I've had many lives !) in aeronautics, including airports and airlines security. The carabiners trick works just fine, the only thing is to find some slim ones so they fit your zippers, and not too flashy (see above !), and strong enough so they don't give up after 6 months. and one must choose to slip them through metal loops, NOT lace ! The remaining problems is thieves managing to cut through the bag fabric with blades (hidden in their sleeves so they don't get noticed). I also worked at the Tour Eiffel (don't call me mythomaniac, all that is 100% true) many years, in the event departement, and I let you imagine how many of these cases we had to deal with each month. Well, there are some things to do to get yourself protected against this... but I won't go into detail, simply because I ignore if all this meet legal requirements in each and every coutry of your readers and subscribers. Nothing violent though, but "efficient" enough ! ;-) A simple first-level solution is to use a tough high-deniers (like 600D) made backpack or, better, aramid. Inner matrix of fabric is dense enough to slow the guy. And when a burglar gets slowed down, he just gives up and jumps to his next "case". They aim at efficiency, time/profit high ratios, speed, cloaking, and just hate being forced to spend time stealing. This is why all those fancy bags full of bright ideas, but no protective assets, are just a joke ! Then you can also slip a personal high-volume pocket alarm in the game. You can tie it to the most exposed zipper from the inside... the thing being released when someone tries to sneak in. I've had that for years fitted on my own suitcase... and it works twice, with such an effect, you can imagine it ! Thank you for considering our comments, and rest assured your work is appreciated.

Take photos of your passport, drivers license and other documents before you go. Store the pics on an SD card and keep that in your belt or secret storage place. You can't use them in place of the real things but if you have to go to a US Embassy to get a replacement, the photos can be helpful.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips Jim! I'm currently at the airport on my way over there and I have photos of everything :)

A good way to protect yourself from getting your gear stolen is to hire a local guide. They will go out of their way to keep their meal ticket safe and that's you.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

That's a great tip, thanks! :)

Another great job Nicole... The belt was my favorite, I have to get one :-) I haven't taken my gear too far from home, but when I do I'll definitely check into insurance. Be well, stay encouraged, and I wish you the safest and most enjoyable time in Vietnam!!!

I'm glad you mentioned travel insurance . . . insurance on your gear in general is a very good idea even when you're home.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Yes definitely. But my regular camera insurance is unfortunately only applicable in the United States, not for my trips.

@mcloutier5

5 жыл бұрын

@@NicoleGlass: Here's an idea that might sell and it's something you could do. Take pictures of the hard copy of the 448-page report everyone is talking about in front of some appropriate government buildings. In lieu of printing all the pages, just the volume covers with a bunch of blanks or some individual pages that lend themselves to shoot.

@tofulosophy

5 жыл бұрын

Any idea what companies are good to use to insure my gear? Not necessarily for travel but even while at home (in the US)

@helloitsmeterrykelly1944

5 жыл бұрын

Jay T www.ppa.com/benefits/protection/basic-equipment-insurance

I absolutely loved your video! Thank you so much for the tips

@NicoleGlass

3 жыл бұрын

Sure thing 😊

I usually carry my backpack in front of me when I travel - just in case!

Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing this informative video.

Those were great!

Thanks for this I never really considered taking out the memory cards. Although I do back up on a hard drive. My whole mentality with gear is always have it with you. Meaning when sitting down I place the strap around my legs over them so I can feel the gear. I never leave equipment in a car. Had a friend visiting San Fransisco he placed his gear in his rental car in the trunk when he got back the windows were broken and all his Leica cameras and lenses where gone. I think it was over 10 grand worth of stuff. He did have insurance. I used to have it but the equipment I carry all together isnt worth what I was paying. It has been over 10 years and luckily no theft. But l may be a little more paranoid with making sure I can feel and see my equipment at all times. I have had a racing road bike stolen when I was not looking and been robbed at gun point in front of Paramount Studios in 2003 managed to fight back and not get shot but that's a long story. But travel insurance maybe a good option for gear. Thanks be safe!

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I am actually on the plane to Vietnam right now as I read these comments. Sounds like you take a lot of precautions, which is good. I'm definitely not as careful as I should be when I'm in my hometown, but when I travel I am overly cautious. And wow... getting all that Leica gear stolen... that hurts!! I'm glad your friend had insurance!

That was good sound advice. I will be using some of your tips where I visit here in my state of Florida. Thanks for sharing

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

I think bag snatching is a little less common in Florida ;) but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry!

thanks and bon voyage!

Good tips

I've had all my camera gear stolen from my apartment. I'd immediately given up on finding it. I didn't have insurance coverage either. Luckily, my daughter hunted it down! She knew what it meant to me. For years after I carried my gear EVERYWHERE - to the office, into restaurants, bars, etc. EVERYWHERE! It never left my sight. I eventually got more gear, so I had to get a good backpack to store it. After a lot of research, I decided on a Kata 3N1 (now owned by Manfrotto), which could be worn one of three ways. As a sling type, and it's combination of zippers & fast-snap buckles, it's pretty secure from theft. Of course, I realize, you can't always take (ALL) your gear with you ALL the time. Sometimes, that makes it MORE LIKELY to be stolen. The one other suggestion that might work (for some), is a GPS locator(s) hidden in/on your pack/bag. Also, just like to say, thank you Nicole for all that you do & share with us. Your insight is always invaluable.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Don, thanks for this valuable comment. I will look into this bag for the future. I am sorry to hear you got your gear stolen from your apartment, out of all places. Did someone break in? I'm glad your daughter got it back for you! I'm also curious how she found it! I am always on the edge between "take my gear and risk it" or "leave it and sacrifice the amazing photography that could be done". Usually I choose the photography opportunities.

Insurance and add random pieces of tape to your gear so it looks like it's trash and held together by tape haha

@Skill_Issue92

5 жыл бұрын

Gaff tape so it's easy to clean white so it stands out and gets dirty looking

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Haha that's an amazing tip. Basically make my bag look like garbage! Unique idea

I am going in a trip in a few weeks to Europe and just here to see how to protect my camera gear (it is a family trip), but I am a photographer and no way I am going to miss the opportunity of taking photos in Europe (aka Italy), this is my first trip to Europe

@NicoleGlass

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Have an amazing time, Italy is beautiful.

Hi Nicole, honestly I didn’t take any special prevention for my trip around Asia and after one year I didn’t have any problems... But let’s fingercross 😉 Enjoy your trip

I use a tactical belt (On Amazon.), thru the side or back straps of my camera bags. then around with a shoulder strap around to the opposite side. Travel with a group if possible. Have a safe and wonderful trip... :)

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Terrific idea, thanks for the suggestion! I figured at least I few of you would have some creative ideas :)

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. Enjoy Asia! Look forward to your videos and photos.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the poetic words Brian! I am en route and looking forward to it :)

Don't wear a strap that screams out a name brand. Buy a sling strap and always wear it across your shoulder, cover your camera logos and anything shinny with gaff tape, buy a silicone camera skin- it dulls out a camera a lot. buy a flash shoe cover or tape it up. buy cheap lens caps with no logos, buy a bag that looks like crap. If you have L series lenses, cover the red ring with tape or black rubber band. Use a marker (not permanent) to cover all writings on your lens. These tricks are used by "gorilla" or "ninja" photographers

That belt is a genius invention lol

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

I know right? So sneaky!

Happy Easter

You will love Vietnam

Hey Nicole: I was insured by World Nomads back in 2008 I think when my camera was stolen in Mexico. They did not pay for the entire camera, despite it being less than a year old and it was a Lumix Panasonic, not a DSLR... but at least it was something. I've been robbed cameras three times when traveling -in Argentina, Indonesia and Mexico, (that's the only time I was protected), and once my apartment was burglarized in Jersey City and I did not have insurance, losing all my memory cards from a 6-month trip in Europe with a person who later died... two cameras were gone, including a second Lumix Panasonic and a manual professional film canon, but the memory cards were the most painful part as I had not had a chance to back up 2/3 of them. A second hand apple computer was also stolen from me last year, and second hand was all I could afford. So It's painful and costly to carry electronics like that, and each robbery set me back years. As far as I know, most traveling insurances do not cover cameras any longer because of the high costs and the frequency of robberies. A few specialized companies do cover gear but the policies are prohibitively expensive to most of us. Please, DO let us know when you find a company that would insure gear at a reasonable price! Also, if you could share with us in a video how you deal with batteries and chargers for so many cameras and drones... I find carrying bulky chargers (at least two for each camera plus 4 batteries for each) really cumbersome. The weight of my backpacks have lead to injuries (I'm a small person, 5'2, with bad feet) Do you carry one charger-fits-all-batteries charger? Is there any such thing? Do you carry more than one charger for the same type of battery, and just in case one burns up during a surge? It takes a full day to charge the 4 batteries for a Panasonic camcorder and 4 for a Canon. How do you solve this? Thanks for your wonderful channel!

@andrew_koala2974

3 жыл бұрын

******** burglarized ?? What kind of corrupted English are you using. The correct word is BURGLED Only children age 4 say burglarized. PRO TIP: Buy a dictionary and undertake an extensive reading course to become fluent in the English language.

@LanaOkeaness

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrew_koala2974 wow are you seriously bullying someone over a world they might have mispronounced, when they just shared such a crazy story? That is so low of you to do. And even if English is not this persons first language, I’d like to see you try to be fluent in their language. Your entitlement is through the roof and you just appear pathetic, when you are leaving such narrow minded targeted comments about someone who’s done absolutely nothing to you to deserve that.

@kraquehaus

Жыл бұрын

@@andrew_koala2974 You might want to study some more grammar and punctuation to help become fluent in the English language. For example, when starting a sentence, you always start with a capital letter. Also, there are no spaces between the last word and the punctuation of said sentence. Then again, the single word, “burglarized” is not a proper sentence. (That’s just a few notes on the first line of your comment.) On the second line of your comment , when writing a sentence that is a question, you must end it with a question mark. I hope you find these notes helpful in working towards your mastery of English, Andrew. As for the main complaint of your comment, it seems you didn’t actually reference a dictionary, which is a bit ironic given the basis of your post. The word “burglarized” is indeed a viable English word with no explicitly notated usage specified for extremely young people speaking English as their first and primary language. “Burgled” means something has been illegally entered or broken into. “Burglarized” is the more correct term as it has a far broader meaning and more connotations. In fact, if you do look up “burgle” in the dictionary, it points you to “burglarized” for a more thorough definition. I find it odd that your “PRO TIP” for becoming fluent in English is to buy a dictionary. A dictionary is fantastic for discovering the definition or words you do not understand the meaning of, but I have never heard of anyone becoming fluent in a language with the use of a dictionary alone. Which languages that you are fluent in did you learn by the use of a dictionary? Surely you must be fluent in a few languages and have found a dictionary extremely useful in learning them, which, however odd it might seem to everyone else, must have worked for you, correct? I would love to learn more about your technique as it is most unorthodox. It seems that you need a bit more work on English, but that is very understandable as it is a very difficult language to master. As it obviously is not English, what language is your primary language? If I may, I recommend Duolingo as a great tool to hone your skills in other languages. Watching films with native English audio and your primary language as subtitles is also a fantastic way to learn the language and its many nuances.

Another thing you could do is to cover the Canon logo on 5D mk4 with black electrical tape when walking around with camera in hand. Never advertise the brand you are carrying. I did that when I was wandering around in Barcelona at night last year. I like your zipper belt idea. Thanks for another good helpful video.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

That is brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion 😊 Definitely something I’ll try

@andrew_koala2974

3 жыл бұрын

Albert Moy Don't use Electrical tape. The adhesive is dreadful. Use Sign Vinyl. It is very inexpensive and comes in 16 million colors. Find it at any Signage equipment supplier or Sign Shop.

I've had a belt like that before, and while it's useful I wouldn't recommend wearing it in the airport. The airport security agents in the UK thought I was trying to smuggle something..lol..

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Lol, that's kind of funny. Yeah I wasn't planning to wear it at airports, just when traveling in the country (and when not wearing leggings)...

@komradson7357

2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Did they take it away from you? They noticed the hidden zipper?

@Smartdoggy

2 жыл бұрын

@@komradson7357 They inspected the belt and checked if there was anything hidden inside, then gave it back to me.

@komradson7357

2 жыл бұрын

@@Smartdoggy ohh my God They weren't playing 😅 Do you still use it, or do you think a money clip that clips inside pants is better?

Try TATA AIG Travel insurance !

Mostly for being in the US and other first world nations, I use a lot of hidden AirTags. I try to have one directly on any pricy item I roam around with and do my best to hide them. I also have one AirTag attached and hidden in the main bag they reside in. So if someone steals my bag with, say, my camera and wallet in it, but then decide to throw my bag out the window of their car because they found an AirTag on my bag, I will still know where my camera and wallet are. I’m just hoping more AirTag cases come out that are made into disguises (e.g., like an AirTag built into a lens cap, which I have seen images for online, but haven’t yet seen for sale on Amazon…). My 2¢.

@NicoleGlass

Жыл бұрын

That's a great idea!!

👍

Click to analyze your clip

@NicoleGlass

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah... I noticed that afterwards

And don't forget your tripod can be a great dissuasion "weapon" 😁😁😁

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Lol, very true!! :)

Greetings from Phuket, Thailand. Do your travel plans include Thailand?

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Greetings! Not this time around, one day I hope 🤞🏻

Um... It may have changed but a pal of mine traveled to Vietnam about 16 months ago, and didn't have a good time getting his drone (Mavic - the 1st one..) into the country... Of course you'll have checked that... ! 🤗

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I can't even begin to emphasize how many hours I've spent researching this. I went to the Vietnamese Embassy to try to get a permit, no luck. But I figure, if they hold my drone at the airport, that's ok. As long as I get it back before I go to China.

@CatMilton1

5 жыл бұрын

Nicole Glass Phew! I didn't _think_ you'd have overlooked this 👍🏼 I wish you safe and beautiful(ly captured) journey - and whilst I'm here, thank you very much for your videos. Subscriber but more a lurker than commentor, so I'll use this moment for the 'thanks' 🤗

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Cat! Appreciate the kind words. I am definitely always curious to know who's watching so it's nice to see some new faces in the comments :)

I have a feeling once you got to Vietnam you found of all places Asia is not really the worst for theft. Thailand I always found the safest of all. You more or less need to watch for tourists not the locals. As with anywhere however, there are places and times of day in Nam and other SE Asia countries that you really need to have your head on a swivel. Most those locations I found are adjacent to where there are large groups of tourists, its poorly lit and there are generally lots of places in the area where people are partying. These areas in any country attract the pickpockets and muggers because after all a drunk tourist is likely to have valuables and be an easy target. I came across your video because I am about to travel to Rio. Under normal circumstances Brazil has quite the reputation for thieves and worse. I am assuming with COVID and the decline in tourism, those of us who are travelling to keep the KZread viewers entertained and share experiences are going to be easier to target. I would never do this in Asia but for South America my kit now includes 3 cans of pepper spray strong enough for a bear that sprays in a very wide jet, a high decibel personal alarm and if it really is as bad as the media makes it out to be (highly doubtful) it is fairly easy to acquire a taser while travelling. I hope you enjoyed Asia and found it as safe as I do. I have made it my home the past couple years and can't wait to go back. Also I noticed a comment below about taking photos of your travel documents and putting them on a memory card. Do not do that unless you encrypt the card. No one can see the stuff we store on our phones (providing you have it secured) so it is pretty safe to carry images of a passport on one and take it instead of your actual ID while you are out but a memory card is far to easy to get the data from and there is never any guarantee that the muggers wont take everything you have. For documents email them to yourself or store them on any online platform that requires authentication to access and that's normally the best way to go. If you are in trouble, an official or hotel will assist you in getting access to the stored documents. Carrying it around digitally on a memory card is a good way to get your information stolen. It's also a good way to lose it yourself if you happen to misplace the small card.

I know what to buy this lady for her birthday Definitely memory cards

@NicoleGlass

4 жыл бұрын

Lol! I could definitely always use more 😂

I use a Kelly Moore camera bag that looks like a handbag not a camera bag.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

A readme file on each memory card containing your contact details. My username on my notebook includes my phone number. Sticky labels on everything containing phone number.

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

That’s a great idea, thanks! 🙏🏻 I’m on the plane now so I will definitely do this

When I was in Vietnam, no one attempted to steal anything, given that I was armed with a Styer sub-machine gun, M16 rifle, and a 9mm semi Automatic pistol. Any bandit would have found themself shot. I wore a Military uniform in those days. Get the picture Nicole?

@celestial_78

2 жыл бұрын

Ahhhhhh, thats a good one! Get my like.

Nothing against anti-theft gear, and there are some good suggestions here, but your #1 defense is always, always, alway going to be situational awareness. Take the time to notice everything and everyone in the the environment around you with a critical eye. Notice how the woman in the clip wasn't paying attention to the motorcycle coming up behind her? Extreme observation skills should be as natural as breathing, especially for photography!

Check analyse.

5:30 you forgot to analyze ur video so it has that annoying overlay

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Oh man, sorry about that. I should have caught that. 😬

@LegionOfWeirdos

5 жыл бұрын

"Annoying" is kind of a stretch unless you're really touchy. Kind of surprised the overlay would render into the finished video if don't finish the warp stabilization. I would have just figured it'd leave the footage shaky. I learned something, 'cause that's never happened to me... 'cause I'm perfect (*cough*cough*) 😎

Why two drones ?

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

I usually throw the tiny drone in my day bag and use the larger one for those times when I want high quality footage (I sell footage to a few different television series).

@hopeshere160

5 жыл бұрын

@@NicoleGlass oh i see . Does phantom has more fine than mavic pro ?

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah it’s much better in quality. The Mavic Air is obviously just more convenient

I have a foolproof plan that works every time that protects my camera gear when I travel: I don't travel. Works every time!

Sorry you live in the USA and your worried about danger in Vietnam? Wow,

@NicoleGlass

5 жыл бұрын

Not danger. Vietnam is actually very safe for female travelers. Bag snatching is a different story, and quite common.

@CameraMystique

5 жыл бұрын

Contrary to popular belief, it's far more possible to get robbed in major European cities nowadays than in the US. I don't know about Asia.