How to Stay SAFE while Photographing San Francisco

What is it REALLY like with photography in San Francisco? Is it safe? I'll share some of my thoughts and tips with you for taking photos in this incredible city. Visit this link for exact locations and examples of the photos you can get: dave.online/writings/san-franc...
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[@matt_phistopheles]

I think that 'act local' is really the best advice. I was in SF and NYC recently and I tried to act like I'm living just around the corner, walking around to do my daily business. It didn't take long until other tourists asked me for the way and nobody looked twice when I was taking pictures. I never felt unsafe. Just blend in and nobody will care about you and your camera.

[@davidherring]

Agreed!

[@qwertyqart]

starts video with "it's not that bad in SF..." proceeds with showing special operations sniper level camouflaging concealment tactics :D

[@davidherring]

Please don’t misquote me because I never said those words, and additionally the tips I gave apply to every city, as I stated multiple times. Take care.

[@Nualchemist]

Before pandemic, I carried around a big Canon DSLR, a camera bag containing full camera gear and a tripod, and enjoyed capturing the beauty of SF. I could do that comfortably any time of the day from dawn to midnight. Once pandemic started, criminals started targeting photographers. I heard all kinds of horror stories of photographers being robbed in the city. It is sad and maddening at the same time. I gave up on photographing in the city all together.

[@davidherring]

I hear you. We all have our own experiences and perspectives.

[@KDIY]

Great video. The most important thing is to not leave stuff in your car. I've photographed the city using a large format camera, even in the most touristic places, and I've never felt unsafe. Most people get robbed at parking lots, or their car windows get broken, this is the reason why I always use public transportation.

[@davidherring]

Good advice!

[@robmitchell7355]

I was raised in SF and have lived here most of my life. Press and politicians with an axe to grind have been bloviating on the decline of SF my whole life - not to mention every action movie destroying the city. I have also spent a few years each living in Indianapolis, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Washington DC - all have had the same risks, and require the same skillset that you describe well in this video.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing. It really is true - it's in every city, but SF just gets such a bad rap.

[@Anon54387]

@@davidherring Some cities really are worse than others, and soft on crime policies (especially violent crimes) really does not help matters.

[@skip24ftlb]

Was in SF in May. Little camera pouch over my head and arm thru and under my jacket.. cameras were my Olympus trip 35 and pixel 8 pro. What a great city to visit and everyone I met was brilliant. There was a homeless / less well off member of society asking people to purchase him a burger at in n out burger. How do you turn someone down for food when they say please sir would you buy me a burger !! I obliged him. From the gentleman who recommended the Chinese where Keanu reeves eats in china town as i was struggling to find somewhere open as it was a tuesday ,to drinks with a bar man.. met some lovely people in a fantastic city. And the Olympus trip worked a treat. The tetris painted house near the painted ladies is well cool when photographed with a proper film camera. My x100vi didn't turn up in time for the trip. SF was a brilliant finish to my route 66 trip. Felt safer in SF than i feel at night in my home city in the uk. Next USA road trip. The Lincoln highway....

[@davidherring]

This is my experience as well. I’ve never felt in danger in SF, but I recognize it could happen anytime and has sadly happened to many people.

[@JenHamon]

A lot of problems are hyper local and you wouldn’t know unless you lived somewhere which is a big reason tourists get into trouble. For example, you think the streets are a grid so as long as you are heading the right direction it’ll be fine but walking from market down 4th street to the Caltrain station is a much different experience than a parallel walk on 5th street.

[@davidherring]

Yes, many things I addressed here are hyper local. That said, I take these same precautions in any metro, both and internationally.

[@boostedmaniac]

I used to love photographing the city. I have many photos of all the scenic places like Golden Gate Bridge, bay bridge, palace of fine arts, city hall, Potrero Hill, Pier 14, etc. Now like many, I’m way too afraid to go back. I used to without fear go to all these places with a backpack and tripod attached to the back since I shot most of images during blue hour. For now I’m going to stick to shooting my kid’s swim meets and portraits.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Anon54387]

It just takes one scary or unsettling experience to change one's perspective. So often we tell ourselves it can't or it won't happen to us, but when it does or in a situation where even it MIGHT, one never quite looks at things the same.

[@donjagoe]

Great tips and truly universal in my experience.

[@davidherring]

Thanks! I hope it’s universal. People are crazy everywhere.

[@twbcreative]

Good general tips that work well for any metro. Most of these we follow for just daily living(Seattle). Nothing too flashy for backpacks and keep nothing in the cars. Bought the Leica Q2 specifically, so I could have something low profile. No regrets.

[@davidherring]

For sure. I do these whether I have a camera or not.

[@rybread81]

Great tips, I go into a lot of different areas when shooting in cities. Keeping yourself aware of your surroundings helps as well, and like you said just look confident.

[@davidherring]

For sure! Thanks for the comment.

[@jdsd771007]

Most important statement. If you are not hyper aware of you, yourself, your surroundings, and all the people around you, you are setting yourself up for failure. You can use any bag and camera you like, so long as you are aware of everything going on around you. I lived in LA for 15 years. Camera (Sony + backpack)was never a problem. Car, broken in to and stolen as well though 🤣

[@wildfirephotography]

Fantastic video! Full of really good advice.

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@austinnoblephotos]

I’ve had a few times where guys have walked up on me and asked odd questions trying to feel out if they could rob me or not. Bald guy asking where a barber shop is for example. Have to carry yourself in a confident way and hope for the best. It’s a really good idea to have insurance on your gear.

[@davidherring]

Crazy! And yes, insurance is a great call!

[@awejames]

I live in the Bay Area, last time I went to SF to shoot was around 2 years ago. Been meaning to go back but it can be scary when all you ever see are headline after headline. But I still love the city, definitely planning on going back soon. I just need to be prepared and more conscious while there this time.

[@davidherring]

Biggest thing is just be wise about how you carry yourself. This would apply to any city.

[@Anon54387]

@@davidherring That, frankly, is so much hogwash. The hardened criminal doesn't care about how you "carry" yourself.

[@lunatalino1502]

Great video. I live in a suburb outside Chicago but head downtown all the time for photography and the exact same rules apply. The news loves to tear the city apart but it's so beyond exaggerated. Summer in Chicago is such a great place to hang out.

[@davidherring]

Yeah I don’t think I ever hear good news about Chicago, much like SF. Media loves tearing these cities down.

[@Anon54387]

@@davidherring There's some truth to it, it's not just that they want to tear a city down, Chicago has some truly frightening areas. There are parts of Chicago that have a homicide rate twice that of nations like Honduras, and if you didn't have some familiarity with the city you'd perhaps not even know it. Same with Los Angeles, not every bad neighborhood has that graffiti and litter strewn look that one might associate with a bad neighborhood, some dangerous areas of Los Angeles actually look well kept.

[@popularzero]

Traveling in a group is another bit of advice I have for you. Whenever I head into SF I always have at least one friend with me if not 2 or 3. I have friends and family in and around the city, and when you travel in a pack of even 2 people it makes you a harder target especially for lone thieves. Add that to Dave's other advice and you should be able to get through without any major issues. I've never been a fan of camera bags that look like camera bags. I've either used a cube or gotten a bag from a company like Wandrd that makes other EDC bags and matches their design language across their lines so that when people see it it's just a bag. These tips have served me well in a number of Metro areas including both SF and Oakland.

[@davidherring]

All of this is well said! Thanks for sharing!

[@blue-graphy]

Hello, I'm an amateur photographer who takes photos in Japan. I am an amateur photographer in Japan and have never been to SF, but I found your video very informative. I will use it as a reference when I visit the US or SF someday. And thank you for all your great videos. I use them to learn English and to study photography.

[@davidherring]

I'm so glad you enjoy my videos! Wishing you the best in Japan!

[@AmericanWanderlust500]

Good tips! I agree that I think this will help with any major U.S. cities. I’d also add to get insurance on your camera gear. As a photographer from the southeastern U.S., I think I’ll stay safe by just never coming to SF 😅

[@davidherring]

Good call with the insurance! For what it costs per year, it's a no-brainer to protect what you've invested.

[@simonbnyc]

Great advice. I live in New York and walk around the city shooting every day in all kinds of areas. I have a Leica Q2 which I wear across my body and I've never had a problem. I haven't been to San Francisco in many years but I do recall that, like New York, it's a very walkable city.

[@davidherring]

SF is very walkable but you have to love hills!

[@valentinlaboda884]

Thank you for great idea about Fjallraven Kanken 2 hip pack with Kanken mini shoulder pads attached. I just bought this combo today and it fit perfect to Fujifilm X100V.

[@davidherring]

Nice! That’s a perfect sized bag for that camera.

[@LifeinDigitalFilms]

I'm based in Oakland! Thanks for sharing this!

[@davidherring]

Happy to!

[@garymc8956]

I use cross body carry both for security and because I want to use two hands and don’t like the camera dangling when I bend over. But it requires a longer strap. Best is the paracord version by WotanCraft. You can get your ideal length simply by changing out the paracord.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@user-hs8zr6ln7k]

Great video. I have recently visited the city and had a great time. Never felt threaten. I used a messenger bag, so most of the time I put the camera ( Nikon ZF with a 24-200) back in the bag after using it. I try to walk as much as possible like I belong there and not like tourist. Even when I had to use google maps, I would look briefly at the directions, then pocket the phone rather than walk around with it in my hand to make it obvious that I do not know where I am going. But if you have to have it out for directions all the time, turn the sound off so others can't hear you're about to make a left in 10 ft lol.

[@davidherring]

You did it right! I’ve never felt threatened or anything in the city, but I’m always aware that any day I go could change that.

[@ab185]

I've been photographing in/around SF for over a decade without issues. No matter where you are, you need to be smart and aware of your surroundings. It's not as convenient for quick photography, but something like the McKinnon Nomatic 8L Sling is great for getting your camera out of sight when not in use.

[@davidherring]

Yeah slings or anything crossbody is probably the best option. Thanks for sharing!

[@erichung9043]

Good tips. I live in the East Bay. Most of the bad elements in SF were actually from out of town. I had a wonderful time this weekend at the 70th anniversary festival in North Beach. I even had my Fuji DSLR dangling on my side while walking on the street. Had a Nikkor 18-200VR mounted on it for the versatility. I used to being a Leica M body and a couple of small lenses in a sling bag but not this festive weekend.

[@davidherring]

I feel like a festival would be pretty safe. And yes, it’s sad that a lot of the bad elements aren’t from the city. That said, I watched a group of teens walking home from school in their uniforms and backpacks (maybe a few were 9th grade) and small a minivan window and take stuff.

[@vikdaddy]

I flew into San Fran for a few days in April, all the way from the UK! I had a little time to shoot some street with my Q2. I didn't feel unsafe, and was mainly around the Chinatown area, but it surprised me how much homelessness there was. Several Americans warned my female colleagues in advance to keep safe.

[@davidherring]

Yeah, homelessness is pretty heartbreaking to see. It’s increasingly everywhere. I see just as much in LA, San Jose, Portland, and Seattle.

[@vikdaddy]

I@@davidherring it's a problem in the UK too, since 2010

[@eskomies]

Learning the layout of the city, routes to location etc. This is good advice so you look confident knowing where you are going, just like locals. What comes to camerabags, yeah maybe, but people have different situations and might not have that scuffy olde bag. For sure its a good advise but not reachable for every tourist. But location and routes investigation is indeed good advise. At least you get there faster.

[@davidherring]

For sure. But I would throw my camera into a cheap backpack from Target before a Peak Design bag in SF anyday.

[@EktaHomie]

The non-camera brand fanny pack is my go to now, but mainly cause of my back 🤣 got an Adidas fanny pack that fits a few rolls of film, my M6 or X100V, and an extra lens. I live in the Washington DC metro area, and I've learned that just about every tip you discussed, also applies here.

[@davidherring]

Yes! The fanny pack is the best! These rules definitely apply to any major metro.

[@alphapapa4446]

Im from California and spent a lot of time in the bay, it’s definitely gotten worse but the rules you mention def do apply to major metro areas. Just recently, I was in DC and a homeless dude held me and my buddy at knife point while riding the Metro. He was deranged and clearly mentally unstable. Long story short, I had my X100VI in a small sling bag and The guy never saw my gear but we did end up getting into a scuffle as he refused to back away from us. Even though my sling bag fell on the ground, my camera was okay. I say all this because you need to be vigilant of your surroundings and the people. And I 100% recommend bringing a small knife concealed somewhere.

[@davidherring]

That's a crazy story!

[@TheRiehlThing42]

I took my Sony a6000 to NYC and Seattle, with a 20mm pancake lens, that I could fit in my front pocket, and in a different pocket, put a 35mm and 50mm in a different pocket if I really needed to change lenses. I like that fanny pack idea though, I think I'll get one, big enough that can stick my a6700 with the pancake 20mm lens.

[@davidherring]

Fanny pack is great because it also forces me not over carry haha.

[@TCMx3]

still statistically safer than most rural places in the US lol. that said, the car advice is very solid. obviously it's a much easier target due to the low likelihood of escalation/things going south so really leaving anything in a car anywhere in the country is probably just not a fantastic idea.

[@davidherring]

Rental cars and out-of-state plates are especially targeted because there is an assumption that the persons travel-belongings are in the car. Car break-ins (smash-and-grab) are where most of the theft happens.

[@musa7606]

"still statistically safer than most rural places in the US lol" How is that?

[@Anon54387]

@@musa7606 He's obviously living in a dream world. I can walk around my small hometown in farm country any time of day and night and not worry. The same cannot be said of most big cities. San Franciscans are delusional. Sure, they make a lot of money, but the cost of living is so much higher than doing their corresponding job elsewhere would mean they'd come out ahead financially over living in SF. And that snotty attitude to those who don't live "on the peninsula" like it's a crime to live in the East Bay.

[@412foto]

also on my itinerary for this coming week. So a very helpful video as not going to lie, a little nervous about LA, San Fran, and Seattle even though I've already been to Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Philly, Houston, and other big cities.Especially a portion of the trip where I might have no option but to leave luggage in my car as I head to Alcatraz (between hotel stays). such a shame it is like this

[@davidherring]

Tough call. Park somewhere with a security / gate guard. Use Spot Hero to find an interior garage (like a hotel). That would be safest.

[@412foto]

@@davidherring thanks. Maybe I will check my bag at the desk at hotel leaving and stay in their garage and uber to alcatraz and back before going to my next hotel

[@davidherring]

@412foto this is a good call.

[@abhishekbanerjee3214]

Can you make a preset to emulate portra 800

[@davidherring]

Keep your eyes open very soon.

[@moraes_ac]

Most of the KZbin photography videos I watch lately I just keep thinking about how impossible it is to go out and shoot in most major cities in Brazil, unfortunately. That said, having to look over my shoulder all the time like that is very annoying for something I do just for fun. I walked around taking pictures in SF a decade ago, it was amazing to say the least. This makes me sad.

[@davidherring]

It is sad, but it’s our reality.

[@SirIronJim]

GREAT VIDEO! As a person who live in the Bay Area (Hercules) I found your video very informative, I currently own 3 Nikon Mirrorless Cameras (Z9, Z8, Zf), but have never thought about venturing into SF, mainly for safety reasons, although, even before watching the Video, my Zf would be the Camera I'd use if I were to take pictures in the City since it is my smallest Camera, which uses a Full Frame Lens. Should I eventually take on this task, I'll definitely switch to a Camera Bag and Strap that can blend in without gaining any attention :)

[@davidherring]

Thanks! I don't think you'd have anything to worry about with the Zf, and also just in-general playing it smart and safe. Don't be afraid to come capture this beautiful city.

[@rodschweiger4195]

You are right about cars. Don't leave anything in your car that you ever want to see again. The rental car company will charge you for the broken window. Good idea for men and especially women, bring along someone who can watch your back.

[@davidherring]

Good advice!

[@Anon54387]

Does anyone bother to ask themselves WHY they have to bring someone to watch their back? It sounds like a horrible way to live, and not much better than one cannot leave an item in one's car.

[@merricfoley6481]

That’s interesting! I take my Sony a7r out all the time in Sydney and I’ve never had an issue. A few years ago there were rumours that someone was mugged just a few suburbs from where I live in the inner city, so it’s not the safest area either.

[@davidherring]

Honestly, it can happen anywhere.

[@jessicahaydahlrichardson7951]

Also check with your camera insurance company if you’re a professional photographer . I am not covered if I leave any gear in a car and it gets stolen. Also I’m not covered if I’m not technically working. So it’s worth checking out what is covered and what’s not.

[@davidherring]

Good advice!

[@Chromatomic]

That's interesting, I had homeowner/rental insurance cover car thefts though so it could be still covered depending on what policies you have outside of professional insurance.

[@zzzzondi]

As a local and a hobbyist using the Nikon Z system, I was looking forward to your video until you pulled out the $7,000 Leica M11 kit. I will say though that the city is beautiful, safe and I would not live anywhere else. People need to ignore the haters!

[@davidherring]

I use my Leica M11 all the time and therefore use it in SF.

[@zzzzondi]

@@davidherring I guess my point is that you are using a camera that is perfect and stealth for the city but is not within reach for a poor, amateur photographer like me.

[@davidherring]

@@zzzzondi I use to use the Fuji X100V and even an old Canon point and shoot film camera. Use what you have fun with! :-)

[@musa7606]

@@zzzzondi The idea is to use a smaller camera that doesn't draw as much attention as a larger "pro" looking camera. They can be had very inexpensively.

[@JPWineberg]

Lived in SF back in the 90’s and it is no more or less safe as ever. I have wandered all parts of the city with all kinds of equipment and never had an issue. I was also lucky that I grew up going to the city at a young age and learned so much through the years. You make some great points here. Know your surroundings and pay attention to the people that are near you. My straps are longer so that I can always wear them across body. It’s great to see the city going through a post COVID revival. Wandered through North Beach a month ago with my Q2 and had a blast! Another great video!

[@davidherring]

What a great experience you had! Thanks for sharing. North Beach is a great place to photo walk.

[@davidmascorro5636]

wise info Dave. what I tell people is act like you belong there which you kinda touched on.

[@davidherring]

Thanks! Absolutely - just act like you belong and you can easily blend in.

[@j-m-e4478]

I normally use a reusable grocery bag, it's pretty discreet.

[@davidherring]

I imagine that is discreet!

[@miketan4803]

Disneyland has not been the happiest place on earth for many people since ...

[@davidherring]

Seems like everyone there is pretty happy.

[@Anonymous-oi9nf]

This really remind me of a topic: can a woman wear whatever she wants on the street? I finally understand the dilemma from a female perspective: in theory, we shouldn't be worry about our properties, but in reality, we have to behave as low key as possible.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Chromatomic]

Get insurance. If you can list it on homeowners or rental insurance do that. If you have a more serious kit or business, or want accidental coverage, get dedicated camera insurance. It's saved me thousands of dollars. There is an aspect too where photography is more visible now, famous landmarks are busier, property crimes in places with a lot of disparity will likely be worse, compared to other electronics likes phones, laptops, etc. they are less protected and electronics left in cars are easier to find and if you are a professional working in SF a small Leica kit might not be an option, but I was fine in SF with multiple cameras and never had any issues and ended up getting my equipment stolen in a suburb of Denver where it looked and felt very safe. There's no guarantee wherever you are so be prepared. It's not always the worst parts of a city that are dangerous because they "feel" dangerous but the tourist and shopping areas that are heavily populated. Have insurance. Have backups. Only bring what you need. I do love the advice of not using branded camera bags as well. I have some for the outdoors but I try to always get them in tan and brown colors that look less technical. Any small backback or shoulder bag with a camera cube will work with smaller kits as well.

[@davidherring]

Good advice. I have always had my gear insured, and it’s definitely brings peace of mind.

[@raymondludlow5970]

People just have to be street smart - I carry my camera gear in a 10litre shitty backpack and I think also dress appropriately they will pick you out from everybody

[@davidherring]

Agreed.

[@user-oq1we2sh8r]

Great for Leica M's. How about mirrorless Nikon, Sony, etc. that most of the rest of us use? That's a really dark image of SF you are putting out.

[@davidherring]

I use to have a camera that was “only for SF.” Even though I was a Sony shooter, I used the Fuji X100V as my SF camera and never took my Sony into the city. That was my experience. I know some people who do the same with a Ricoh. It’s ultimately about you and your comfort level.

[@user-oq1we2sh8r]

@@davidherring I used to walk around SF with no fear. I guess I need to dig out the Kodak. LOL See you on your next workshop. Alan

[@musa7606]

He's referring to a smaller camera. Maybe try a camera with a pancake lens or smaller vintage lens, or a small MFT camera. I love my Olympus Pen E-P5 with the Lumix 20mmm 1.7... very small, very pocketable, very nice images for the price.

[@user-oq1we2sh8r]

Thanks Musa,.I used to walk around SF with a D850. I just got back from shooting (Zf & Q3) in Manhattan twice from the Battery to Harlem. While I appreciate Dave and his warning us about SF it's just sad that we have to take such precautions. Alan

[@NullN8]

Next weeks KZbin video: “How my Leica was stolen in SF” 😂😂 Good tips for most big cities, really hope the gov can get sf more under control. Has been a steady decline over the last 10-15 years

[@davidherring]

I shoot in the city all the time. Anything can happen at anytime, but I do stand by the tips in this video and I think they do help. SF definitely has its problems, but so does NYC, Chicago, LA, Seattle, KC, Dallas, and many other US metros.

[@sierragold]

When the State of CA gives out free money, no deterrents for assault, shoplifting and burglary, free needles and free meth kits for the homeless what did they think was going to happen? SF used to be my old stomping grounds in the early 1980's. Even then, Union Square smelled like urine, but I never felt unsafe in the city. I moved to rural Northern CA in the late 1980's and nowadays you couldn't pay me to visit SF. My sister has lived there for about 20 years now (still does) and she said she has to sidestep human feces when walking to work-- and she lives in a relatively nice neighborhood. She also said because of the free needle program, there are literally hundreds of thousands of used needles littered all over the city. No thanks. As beautiful as I know SF used to be, it's just an ugly fact that it's too dangerous and risky to visit. As a single female it's a hard pass. Maybe single males feel more safe.

[@bmon9682]

gonna watch this tomorrow but people afraid n complaining abt getting robbed in the bay esp sf are the problem most the time. v hard to have sympathy for white male (transplant) street photographers (with leicas), who do most of this discourse. Awareness, respect, and insurance solves most of ur problems.

[@davidherring]

I don't personally know a single person who has been robbed. They're mostly tourists, not Leica photographers, and it's usually because they're leaving their Nikon on the back seat of their car while walking around Fishermans Wharf.

[@bmon9682]

@@davidherringyea ur not wrong getting bipped is way more common than getting robbed. Used to work on chessnut and heard so much from ppl with cameras + the folks at fireside. Maybe I should make a mini doc or sum it’s a very interesting study of ppl…Also no disrespect but if u get ur style n drip up you’ll look less like a lick :)

[@johnbrown40639]

Clearly the burglars have’t realized the value of small cameras like leica

[@davidherring]

A lot of this is happening from things left in vehicles.

[@Linny95]

Did this video make me feel safer in SF for photography? Nope lol

[@davidherring]

Do what's best for you.

[@TheDonnaCrosby]

I was taking photos in Northern California and this fool gave me a stare down at my camera...he didn't want to find out

[@davidherring]

Ha

[@TheDonnaCrosby]

@@davidherring plus I have insurance

[@lawrose4]

So why not just carry your cell phone?

[@davidherring]

Because I want better photos.

[@milo4u2c35]

What about photographer doing wedding or quince pictures? I’ve seen videos of thieves just snatching the cameras from them in the middle of the shoot, these photographers don’t have a choice of which lens they bring to a professional shoot

[@davidherring]

I replied but it's now showing up, so I'm dropping another reply. I think it depends on the venue. If you're in a private venue, you're totally fine. A public place like the Palace of Fine Arts, which is where the incident you're referring to took place, is a bad call. Places that are known locations like PoFA and Twin Peaks are not places I'd take my rig too, ever. That said, my friend just did a wedding at the Officers Club in the Presidio and had her professional gear. No issues.

[@musa7606]

Have the wedding hire security, including a bodyguard for you. Seriously, it sounds absurd, but if they have their wedding in a dangerous place, they need to be concerned about more than just camera snatchers.

[@user-it8gk3ke7h]

Freedom and democracy.

[@davidherring]

I don't understand your comment, but thanks for it.

[@tinoestrada6825]

This people know who is new because they are on the street the whole day just like a police officer he patrol same streets for months he knows the same people going to work the best thing to do is to act like you are ready for what ever and that's been alert alert alert. act you are not scare and your smart phone is the best camera you can carry. The iPhone 15 pro Max if they take it and they want to get to change password it will asked for your photo .

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RandumbTech]

This feels a little disingenuous. Crime rates are WAY higher in Bay Area than they are in other cities across the country. To be honest, you’ve just been lucky that you haven’t been targeted yet. You mention Disney world - how many cameras get stolen there? Even outside of Disney, how many cars are broken into in greater Orlando? People routinely leave their bags/luggage in their car in other cities with zero issues. Since you live there, it’s hard to see how bad SF has gotten, but as someone that has travelled there annually for the past 10 years, I can tell you it’s bad. Like, real bad. All your suggestions and tips are sensible for any trip, but your take on the Bay Area misses the mark.

[@davidherring]

So a few things. 1 - I did mention Disney. I mentioned that 23M people visit SF every year, and 17M visit Disney. I didn't say Disney was "safer" or anything, but that in spite of all the negative news, 23M people still come here every year. I was referring to Disneyland, which is in LA (another CA location), not Disney World, which is in Orlando. 2 - Cars are broken into nationwide, it's not just SF, which is why I said "these rules apply to any major city in the US." 3 - I don't live in SF, but in the Bay Area. I am very aware of the city every time I go there. Thanks for your take and comment.

[@ziggy149]

Orlando is a big slum no doubt. Crime is awful there.

[@Framesbyfrisby]

I’ve lived there for years and for the amount of people there and the amount of crime that actually takes place can be somewhat over exaggerated, especially your take on the bay. Definitely isn’t the dangerous place in California. I mean, I got doctors walking around the hood and you can clearly see there’re a doctor Just to go get coffee. But by all means, please don’t come visit

[@79ruckus]

The only thing I would agree about in terms of crime risks in SF is the smash and grab risks in cars. I work closely with law enforcement in SF (not part of law enforcement) and have access to crime numbers, and can tell you that crime is down in the past 10 years with the exception of petty property crimes, and that has stabilized in the past 2 years. The stories about SF are anecdotal/largely political or from sterile suburbanites. There is a 6 block area that is problematic, but go visit the Sunset, Richmond, Glen Park, Sea Cliff, the Marina, Dogpatch, Noe, Cole Valley, Stonestown…tell me how much shit you see on the ground, or how unsafe you feel.

[@davidherring]

@79ruckus definitely the smash and grab risk is there. Thanks for the comment!

[@tundrusphoto4312]

I've been to San Francisco a number of times. Enjoyed it a lot. But now - no way. Sorry, but when you have to take so many precautions to avoid trouble, the easiest way to avoid trouble is to avoid the place like it has the plague. You won't convince me that San Franciscos' problems are similar to other metropolitan areas. They are only similar if you live in a war zone.

[@ziggy149]

Moved here from Detroit. Well, left Detroit in 2012, lived in Nashville for a little over 5 years then did travel nursing for a few THEN ended up here in 2019. Certainly there’s an element here, but it’s FAR from a war zone and I’ve seen much worse in the Midwest.

[@davidherring]

I'm in the city all the time and disagree with this comment, but to each their own.

[@davidherring]

This is my experience as well. The darkest city I've ever been in is in the Midwest.

[@tundrusphoto4312]

@@davidherring I have one of those "tourist" cameras. If I can't use it without having to scan my surroundings wondering if it is safe, I'll take a pass. People becoming desensitized to the situation in various cities and expecting it to be the norm, doesn't make it normal. It just makes it common. Normal should be when you are safe and don't just feel safe.

[@tundrusphoto4312]

​@@ziggy149 I've been to Detroit too. While driving there I got a bit lost, so I stopped at a gas station for directions. The guy behind the 2 inch plexiglass told me which road to take, not to stop at intersections unless traffic required it, and to get out of the area. Becoming accustomed to living like that isn't what life should be like.

[@johnny6510]

Just use your phone camera. Problem solved

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing.

[@musa7606]

Until they steal your $1200 iPhone :)

[@christosstreetphotos]

Was in SF last year and was way safer feeling and cool imo than shooting in Los Angeles. We loved the city and for shooting street it was a great trip. But coming back from Tokyo, SF is a crime ridden trash dump. The American city has a lot to learn from Tokyo. I agree that the media has sensationalized SF but there are definite truths in the propaganda. Propaganda you're utilizing to make this video btw. I'd say you can carry any camera you want in SF as long as you're savvy. Affiliate links to gear isn't the answer, street smarts is a more useful tool.

[@davidherring]

There are affiliate links on all of my videos, so this particular video wasn't made to push affiliate links. And I have nothing to gain from glamorizing SF. The reality is that 23M people are coming here this year. Many photographers. This video is to help them prepare for that. Thanks for the comment.

[@christosstreetphotos]

@@davidherring You have over 20 affiliate links, it's obvious your intentions are to make money under the guise of help. You're not glamorizing SF, you're fear mongering your audience. The last thing any photographer needs is ANOTHER bag. Criminals don't care which bag or camera you're carrying. They will rob you if you look weak and easy. Learning self defense and carrying a weapon is far better advice than a new bag. Or learning street smarts and knowing when and where to go and who to photograph and who not to. Also, don't list your 30k worth of camera gear on your channel. It's seems crazy to me that anyone would listen to you when you're basically showing off your Rolex to the people sizing you up.

[@moraes_ac]

Just back from Japan. That's the dream.

[@HartponderJr]

Be aware of your transitional spaces, always carry your self defense tools on you.

[@davidherring]

Good advice!

[@BeKi-gs1wx]

Imagine having to give a tutorial on how to stay safe in city tells you all.

[@davidherring]

It’s because of the media, not because of SF.

[@davidschwartz3618]

Just don’t go.

[@davidherring]

23M people say otherwise

[@WhoIsSerafin]

There is no staying safe in that area until the politicians take crime serious, which they don’t. I know now 12 people I do work for who shutdown their businesses or sold their homes and moved to Florida. And San Francisco certainly doesn’t respect law abiding citizens protecting themselves and what they own.

[@davidherring]

I still holdout hope for SF.

[@noctwice]

I’m also a local Bay Area resident and worked off and on in SF for decades. My best advice for SF in addition to David’s is to go in pairs or groups when possible. I also wear a law enforcement hat. It is sad though it has gotten like this. Be careful

[@davidherring]

@noctwice thanks for sharing! Good tips!

[@Al-Storm]

The best way, don't go. I grew up there, it's an absolute nightmare nowadays. You're being incredibly disingenuous.

[@davidherring]

We all have our own experiences.

[@Al-Storm]

@@davidherring You'd have to be willfully ignorant not to see it or know it. That city used to be great, it's an unmitigated disaster now.