top of page
Search

Traveling Photographer Jobs: How to Be Safe When Traveling

Writer's picture: Makenzi StarrMakenzi Starr

travel photographer jobs

 

Traveling photographer jobs can require many alone plane rides.


Have you flown by yourself?

Did you feel anxious or nervous?


It can be very nerve-racking!


It is important to keep yourself and your photo equipment safe.


Here are some tips that can help you.


Let's get started!

 

Tip #1 for Traveling Photographer Jobs: Don't be on your phone.

This is not to say you can not look at your phone at all. However, it is essential that you are aware of your surroundings. Being glued to your phone can allow someone to follow you without you noticing. If you have your headphones in and are watching a show intently, it could be very easy for someone to come up and take your camera bag. Be actively looking around to see if there is anything that may seem off. If you are aware of your surroundings you will be better off scouting out situations that feel off. Reading a room with your senses can help you stay out of bad situations. Being on your phone constantly can dampen that sense to detect.

traveling safely while alone

Tip #2 for Traveling Photographer Jobs: Packing your equipment.

It is best if you can make your camera bag not look like a camera bag. If other people know you have camera equipment, you are more likely to get robbed. The less they know about you by your outward appearance, the better. This is why I recommend getting a different camera bag that looks like a regular backpack. You can easily find these on amazon.com. It is smart to put some of your gear in your checked bag and some with you, so that if any situation occurs where you lose one, you have backup equipment. I personally always have my equipment with me on my carryon, cause I guard it with my life, having it always in hand.


Tip #3 for Traveling Photographer Jobs: Batteries.

On planes there are specific rules about batteries.


TSA rules state that you can bring dry batteries (common household batteries AA, AAA, C, and D batteries) in both your carry-on and checked bags. Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less in a device are allowed in carry-on bags and checked bags, with some limits. Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours are only allowed in carry-on bags, under the same limits as above.


With these limits, make sure your equipment is good to go. You do not want them to have to open your bag and show everyone your expensive equipment.

traveling with drone equipment

Tip #4 for Traveling Photographer Jobs: Don't look expensive.

While in the airport dress very casual. You do not want to seem like you have a lot of money. If a client is picking you up from the airport, you can change quickly in the bathroom of your destination airport. This way it is less time where you look expensive, but you still look presentable for you job.


Tip #5 for Travel Photographer Jobs: Rental car vs Taxi.

You can use either. However, it is important to be smart.


Usually when you walk outside of the airport there is a line of taxi's waiting and some drivers may come up to you and ask, can I give you a ride? NEVER accept that invitation. You HAVE to be the one to call the Taxi or Uber. You need to be the one to reach out to the driver. A lot of people have been kidnapped because they just got into a stranger's car who did not have the authorization to be a Taxi driver. Even when you call a driver and they come and you still do not feel comfortable with the driver, you have every right to call a different one.


When renting a car do your research beforehand. Know which company you are renting from. Once you get off the plane go directly to the car renting booths and pull up the information you have on your phone. You have even print it beforehand. Feeling confident is half the game. When you talk with the receptionist at the booth, listen carefully to their instructions. Make sure you understand everything. Then, double check where to go to get the car. You do not want to get lost. Once you get into the rental, be quick and confident in your movements: Put your luggage in, take before photos of the car from the four angles (making sure they do not charge you for previous damages), and get into the car to drive away. Do not spend unnecessary time in the parking lot alone.


Tip #6 for Travel Photographer Jobs: Staying apart of a group

You can still look like you are in the majority without having a big group. For example, do not go sit in a corner by yourself. Walk where the people are walking, and sit where the majority are sitting. When there are more people there are more witnesses. However there is balance of too many people and not enough, because you also do not want to be in a place where people are so jammed packed that someone can slip their hand in your pocket and steal your phone. Try to find a balance of a medium sized crowd. However, overall you should stay in public places. No need to go to a dark alley by yourself.

how to travel alone in an airport

Tip #7 for Travel Photographer Jobs: Go with your Gut

In the end, use your gut. If you get a bad feeling, there is NO reason to figure out why you are having that feeling, just get out. If you know something bad is going to happen, run, scream, kick, or whatever you can to get away. Go to a public space, and call someone as you walk. Do not rationalize. Your safety is of utmost importance.


And please, do not stop here, keep doing more research.

There are many great guides to help you be the most prepared you can be.


When you can, bring a friend (someone you trust) to travel with you.

Two minds and skills are always better than one.


Travel safe!






19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Business Address: Logan, Utah 

Phone Number: 385-238-6459

© 2024 by  Makenzi Starr 

bottom of page