The Camera Guy

Self-Protection Tip: The Camera Guy

Is he just some fancy pants artist with a nifty Fujifilm X-T4 practicing Composition and Depth of Field, or an Ethnographer on a commercial project…

...orrrrrr someone using a clever ploy to gather intelligence for nefarious reasons? (eg. studying travel patterns of an individual or individuals, property layout, chokepoints, etc.)

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Go gather a little intel for yourself…

(1) Find out with a friendly question or two—from a good reactionary gap (distance), strategically position to use some cover/obstacle as a barrier (if possible), and have the right tools (and of course, the training).

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(2) Don’t be afraid to kindly ask them why they’re filming or photographing your house as the main focal point (or you or your family, obviously).

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(3) Ask for their business card/credentials, name, and permit to photograph private property (although, if it’s your property they probably don’t have a permit). Anyone can fake their intention, however. What’s their body language telling you? Request that they move along if your Spidey sense is tingling.

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(4) Also, if you have one, take your dog with you (preferablly not a small 5lb dog (no offense). A Malinois or GSD, etc., will help make’em think twice and aid in your overall situational awareness.

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(5) Make sure to take a few photos of your own of them (and their vehicle if possible) with your smartphone/camera. (Extra tip: Set your camera to the burst mode feature, if it has it. You can take dozens in a few seconds.)

⚠️ PS. #DontBeParanoid