In today’s post (I wrote it on the 4th of October, 2023), I will try to explain how to navigate the unknown and stay safe while exploring new places.
The truth is that since I started doing street photography (October 2015), I’ve never come across a dangerous situation. I do not know if I was lucky or tried to behave responsibly on Warsaw’s streets. Nevertheless, I believe there are some tips I can share with you, my Dear Friend. For example, when I see a group of suspiciously behaving people (e.g., drunkards sitting and drinking alcohol in the park), I always do everything not to encounter them. It is not the case I run away. I can simply change my route. I believe predicting possible dangers is one of the most fundamental issues to staying safe while doing street photography. While writing about all these things, I wondered what I would do if I approached a dangerous situation (for example, if someone wanted to steal my camera or money).
I try to imagine myself… giving a thief what he wants and running away.
Am I a coward? Perhaps I am. Nevertheless, I believe my health and life are more crucial than all material things I possess. It is not worth risking my health for an old camera. I try not to grow attached too much to material things. Your health and life are undoubtedly much more valuable than all the money you have, my Dear Friend. I hope you won’t ever face a situation when someone will try to rob you. Still, if you do, give the thief everything he wants back. Still, remember to try to predict dangerous situations. I know we cannot anticipate everything. Still, I recommend avoiding suspicious humans. These were my tips on staying safe while strolling and doing street photography.
