Streets are dangerous – here’s how to photograph them safely

Streets are vibrant, exciting, and an endless source of inspiration. Hence, street photography is an exhilarating way to capture the vibrancy and everyday life of a city. However, as Peter Forsgård recently learned during a photo walk in Istanbul, it can also be risky. In case you live in Serbia, minding your business in the streets can also be life-threatening, but more on that here.

Even if you’re lucky not to live in Serbia, you should still be careful when taking photos in the street. To keep you safe, Peter shares practical tips he uses to stay safe on the streets, along with a recent encounter that highlighted just how important these precautions can be.

What happened?

During his photo walk in Istanbul, Peter had a close call with three pickpockets on the metro. The men surrounded him, making it nearly impossible to move, and managed to remove an empty pouch from his bag. Fortunately, they only took the empty pouch, which was later returned by a kind stranger. Keeping his phone and wallet in his front pockets also helped him avoid further loss.

This experience prompted Peter to think more about safety and inspired him to share some of his safety tips with you.

Have a proper camera bag

One of the first things Peter emphasizes is using a secure, discreet camera bag. He relies on this bag, designed to be both compact and secure, making it difficult for pickpockets to access. It allows him to carry his camera and accessories safely, which is especially important in crowded areas. If you’re capturing photos for personal enjoyment rather than content creation, Peter suggests minimizing the gear you bring to avoid drawing attention and reduce the risk of theft.

Do not stick out

Blending in with your surroundings is key to staying safe. Peter warns against wearing anything that might make you stand out as a tourist or photographer, like hats or flashy accessories. In his experience, a simple hat drew unwanted attention, and he became an easy target for pickpockets. Choosing simple, neutral clothing and using discreet equipment can help you move more inconspicuously through busy urban environments.

Be like a local

It’s important to navigate confidently and avoid looking lost. Peter suggests avoiding the obvious “tourist” move of pulling out a phone in the middle of the street to check directions. Instead, step into a nearby store or glance at a window reflection to orient yourself. This simple tactic keeps you from standing out as unfamiliar with the area, which can reduce your chances of attracting negative attention.

Be alert

Street photographers tend to focus intently on their surroundings, which can sometimes lead to a lack of awareness about what’s happening around them. Peter recommends using your camera’s LCD screen rather than the viewfinder, allowing you to keep one eye on your environment while shooting. By holding the camera in front of you, you can keep an eye on your surroundings without losing focus on your subject.

Be out in the open

While it’s natural to want to stay invisible as a street photographer, Peter advises not to sneak around people. Being open and respectful about your photography often puts others at ease. If someone appears uncomfortable, it’s best to signal that you won’t take their photo—a simple gesture can help avoid misunderstandings and keep interactions pleasant.

Have a small camera

In street photography, discretion is your friend. Peter recommends using compact, unobtrusive cameras. Flashy, bulky DSLRs or large lenses can draw unnecessary attention and may even make you a target for theft. Opting for a small, nondescript camera makes it easier to blend in and capture moments naturally.

Extra tip

To protect your photos, Peter recommends using multiple memory cards and, if possible, regularly uploading your images to cloud storage. This way, even if your camera or memory card is stolen, your photos will be safe. This practice is especially useful if you’re working on a series or project that requires extensive shooting.

Lesson learned

Peter’s experience in Istanbul taught him valuable lessons about staying safe while practicing street photography. After this incident, he plans to be more cautious with his clothing choices and carry only the essentials. Also, be aware that the potential risks of danger might be higher in specific cities (just think of all the camera thefts and assaults in San Francisco, for instance).

Street photography is a rewarding and inspiring pursuit. But remember to prioritize safety so you can continue to capture those incredible moments of urban life without risking your well-being.

[Danger Lurks Around Every Corner in Street Photography! | Peter Forsgård]

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