advice against pick pockets

My friend took her huge camera to Paris two years ago when we went. She used camera case as a purse too.
She just kept it in front of her in any crowded areas and kept her hand on top of it.

Just walking down the street she too wore it behind her. The trick is to always keep this in mind, if you are anywhere, ever, where there is another person with in 3-4 or so feet of you, be wary. They can't take what they can't reach.

Line ups, crowds in front of art work, busy sidewalks and passage ways, metro or train stations, be careful. Never put back over back of chair in any restaurant ever.

Her camera was very expensive,and she did have it insured as she uses it for work.

I truthfully do not see what your questions is other than insurance. Camera equipment can be insured generally on a rider to a homeowner's or apartment content policy. Call your agent. Whether protecting a camera or a billfold, the advice is always the same -- don't make it easy to access. As an old photographer I question whether you need as much equipment as you think you need. Many an award winning photos have been capture on simple equipment. Big cameras and lot of lens does not insure quality pictures. But it is your decision.

I have never had any problems. I'm always trying to make sure that I am aware of my surroundings. If somebody gets close to me, I begin to alert. If somebody bumps me in a crowd, I immediately spin to see what's behind me as pickpockets often work in pairs. The bumper distracts while the other takes your belongings. It's a shame to have to be that alert but believe it or not, it doesn't happen all that often. I also carry a very nice empty wallet in my back pocket as a decoy. My passport and big bills are in my money belt.

Thank you Pat for the helpful information.

My question was and still is advice/tips on how to keep my things safe and how other photographers traveled.

ps/I will only bring what I know I will use.

I know what you mean. I’ve carried a pocket camera with me on all my trips and I think I’ve taken some very nice pictures (tell for yourself at my blog http://gadtravel.blogspot.com/ ) but, I’m not as happy with the quality as I would like. For our next trip I bought a small Cannon Rebel SLR with two lenses. I also got the Lowpro sling bag 100. I’ve taken it with me on a couple of business trips and used it while exploring. It does put a target on your back, but the swing bag is very quick and convenient to put in front in crowed positions as stated above. I also found it easy to carry with my Rick’s bag on my back. I’m looking forward to using the SLR on my next trip to Slovenia and Croatia next month. I love the camera and I do think the quality of the lens is better.

Mark and the others we must have been typing at the same time. Thank you as well.

I too have the Lowe pro and LOVE it. It is very convient since you do not have to take it off to get to the camera or to change a lens. Sometimes I am in the woods or in a place that I can't put a bag down on...I have the 70-300 which is the best for my wildlife and sports shots. (had my first picture published in the paper this week) The other lens, other than my kit lens that I'll bring is a wide angle. A must for certain shots and portraits. I love taking shots of local people as well. I also have a small 10 mega pixel camera that is ALWAYS on me. It takes nice shots, but there is a HUGE difference in quality. My eye just prefers a SLR. I am not knocking the other cameras I love them all. (I even paint! lol)
Thank you for the tip on the RS pack. I didn't think I could use two at the same time. I will look into that now..

Viv, Larry's advice is spot on. Since your heart is set on taking the larger camera (and why not!), to minimize your risk, I'd do the following:

1. Insure it, using a rider to your homeowners/renters' policy.

2. When it's not in your hands, keep it in a bag that you wear on your shoulder or across your body and not on your back. Lock the zippers together with a twist tie or a cable lock or something. Consider getting one of the slash-proof PacSafe bags that are popular on this board.

3. Don't let people into your 'personal bubble'.

4. Don't take buses/metros while carrying your camera.

5. Walk with confidence. If you don't look like you have anything valuable, they probably won't bother you.

6. Keep all other valuables in a money belt. The less you have to keep track of, the more attention you can spare to protect the camera.

7. Most importantly, BE AWARE. You are far more likely to lose the camera by 'momentarily' setting the bag down and having it snatched, than to have someone try to grab the camera out of your hands/off of your shoulder.

My sister just returned from visiting me in Europe and she brought her digital SLR. Her comment was surprise at how many people have them. This is very true as Digital cameras are more affordable these days.

She had it around her neck most of the time or tucked at her side in her sweater if we were walking in crowded places for a long distance.

It was actually her point and shoot that was most vulnerable. She carried that in her front pocket and it fell out a couple of times unbeknownst her after we had been sitting down.

My point is if you act like a target you will not enjoy yourself as much. Be wise, have fun and take beautiful pictures.

The other tip I learned from another traveler was when she left her camera in the room, she always took the SD card out so if her camera was stolen at least she would have the pictures!

Viv - you didn't mention if you are traveling with a companion or alone. As a photographer, you know that you can get so focused on "getting" your shot that you become unaware of your surroundings and situation. In unpopulated areas, you usually can't get into too much trouble. Although I have on occasion stepped into holes, ouch! Just don't walk off a cliff. When there are people around this concentration may put your gear in extra peril. That's when having a buddy to key an eye on what else is going on can be helpful. If you are used to shooting in urban areas, you should be ok.

I have a Canon digital (SR50 I think it is) that I put in a case that my belt loops thru. I sometimes loop a cord from the camera to my belt which insures that the camera is attached to me. Make it long enough so you can easily take your photos. I go to Europe every year and have never had any problems. Even my decoy wallet has never been touched. Dropped and returned several times.