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**AggieDad** · 10-17-2019, 01:01 PM - **8 Likes**

Here’s an idea. When you are taking pictures in a place where you might get questioned, put on an orange safety vest ($5.00 at Harbor Freight).

I was out the other day taking some shots in an area where I had to walk along the road. My wife had me put on a safety vest that was in the car so I would be more visible. As we moved on to another area, I left the vest on. That’s when I noticed something. I was taking pictures in an area where, while I was legal, I have previously received questioning looks and even have had a “chat” or two. With the vest on — nothing. Not a chat. Not a look. Not even a glance. It was as though the vest was a visual symbol of legitimacy. I belonged.

I thought about it afterwards. The safety vest made me stand out. I was not only obvious, I was, in essence, saying “See me.” Calling attention to myself essentially told people that I was okay; that there was nothing furtive about my actions.

The vest is now in my kit bag.

crazy4oldcars · 10-17-2019, 01:07 PM

At all of the sports venues, the sanctioned photographers have vests on. Nearly everyone has seen them, even if only on the sidelines on TV when a photog gets run over by 300 lbs of lineman. It is the symbol of accepted action.
I have an orange one I'm going to throw in my bag. Thanks for the insight.

Kirk B.

jack002 · 10-17-2019, 01:10 PM

Makes sense. You're a shooter

lesmore49 · 10-17-2019, 01:56 PM

Good idea.

thazooo · 10-17-2019, 02:25 PM - **1 Like**

I wear Orange every Fall. Hunting season and it's popular down here. Better safe than catching a bullet.

bobD · 10-17-2019, 10:34 PM - **1 Like**

Add a Hard-hat and handheld laser construction measurement tool and you're covered for all eventualities.

Too low tech to be spying but hi-tech enough to be mapping/lot surveyor ..... ;-)

**AggieDad** · 10-18-2019, 05:46 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bobD

Add a Hard-hat and handheld laser construction measurement tool and you're covered for all eventualities.

Too low tech to be spying but hi-tech enough to be mapping/lot surveyor ..... ;-)

Yeah. It’s much like the old adage to carry a clipboard and you can go anyplace in a building.

**Sir Nameless** · 10-18-2019, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by AggieDad

Yeah. It’s much like the old adage to carry a clipboard and you can go anyplace in a building.

This is exactly it. You looked like someone out doing work. Get a plain unmarked hardhat and you'll look even more official.

**ChrisPlatt** · 10-18-2019, 06:32 AM

If that doesn't work try wearing a jacket with SECURITY printed in big letters across the back.
These seem to be available for sale everywhere...

Chris

**aslyfox** · 10-18-2019, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

If that doesn't work try wearing a jacket with SECURITY printed in big letters across the back.
These seem to be available for sale everywhere...

Chris

" SECURITY " may be ok

but don't wear " POLICE " unless you are local law enforcement

you could be charged with a crime such as impersonating a law officer

I still like the stand off ability of a telephoto zoom

most times people don't even know you are taking photos

Vmax911 · 10-18-2019, 06:55 AM - **1 Like**

I've seen videos of people donning an orange vest then walking into movie theaters, concerts, and even Disneyland. No one questions the all-powerful orange vest!

bobD · 10-18-2019, 07:49 PM

Just make sure you get a 'used vest'....something with a little wear and scuffing... or wrap the new one round your dog and play his favourite active outdoor game... ? :-)

timb64 · 10-19-2019, 11:34 AM

Don't forget the steel toe-capped boots!

**StiffLegged** · 10-19-2019, 11:43 AM - **1 Like**

Try wearing high-vis clothing, not just the vest. Paradoxically, you become invisible – it's not that you're unseen, just unnoticed.

35mmfilmfan · 10-19-2019, 12:26 PM

Works well on Heritage Railways as well - so I've been told !!

10-17-2019, 01:01 PM - 8 Likes	#1
AggieDad Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,457	Orange Safety Vest? You’re Okay! Here’s an idea. When you are taking pictures in a place where you might get questioned, put on an orange safety vest ($5.00 at Harbor Freight). I was out the other day taking some shots in an area where I had to walk along the road. My wife had me put on a safety vest that was in the car so I would be more visible. As we moved on to another area, I left the vest on. That’s when I noticed something. I was taking pictures in an area where, while I was legal, I have previously received questioning looks and even have had a “chat” or two. With the vest on — nothing. Not a chat. Not a look. Not even a glance. It was as though the vest was a visual symbol of legitimacy. I belonged. I thought about it afterwards. The safety vest made me stand out. I was not only obvious, I was, in essence, saying “See me.” Calling attention to myself essentially told people that I was okay; that there was nothing furtive about my actions. The vest is now in my kit bag.

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10-17-2019, 01:07 PM	#2
crazy4oldcars Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 218	At all of the sports venues, the sanctioned photographers have vests on. Nearly everyone has seen them, even if only on the sidelines on TV when a photog gets run over by 300 lbs of lineman. It is the symbol of accepted action. I have an orange one I'm going to throw in my bag. Thanks for the insight. Kirk B.

10-17-2019, 01:10 PM	#3
jack002 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Missouri Photos: Albums Posts: 727	Makes sense. You're a shooter

10-17-2019, 01:56 PM	#4
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,350	Good idea.

10-17-2019, 02:25 PM - 1 Like	#5
thazooo Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 854	I wear Orange every Fall. Hunting season and it's popular down here. Better safe than catching a bullet.

10-17-2019, 10:34 PM - 1 Like	#6
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	Add a Hard-hat and handheld laser construction measurement tool and you're covered for all eventualities. Too low tech to be spying but hi-tech enough to be mapping/lot surveyor ..... ;-)

10-18-2019, 05:46 AM - 1 Like	#7
AggieDad Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,457 Original Poster	Originally posted by bobD Add a Hard-hat and handheld laser construction measurement tool and you're covered for all eventualities. Too low tech to be spying but hi-tech enough to be mapping/lot surveyor ..... ;-) Yeah. It’s much like the old adage to carry a clipboard and you can go anyplace in a building.

10-18-2019, 05:52 AM	#8
Sir Nameless Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Mass a chew sits Photos: Gallery Posts: 574	Originally posted by AggieDad Yeah. It’s much like the old adage to carry a clipboard and you can go anyplace in a building. This is exactly it. You looked like someone out doing work. Get a plain unmarked hardhat and you'll look even more official.

10-18-2019, 06:32 AM	#9
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	If that doesn't work try wearing a jacket with SECURITY printed in big letters across the back. These seem to be available for sale everywhere... Chris

10-18-2019, 06:49 AM	#10
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt If that doesn't work try wearing a jacket with SECURITY printed in big letters across the back. These seem to be available for sale everywhere... Chris " SECURITY " may be ok but don't wear " POLICE " unless you are local law enforcement you could be charged with a crime such as impersonating a law officer I still like the stand off ability of a telephoto zoom most times people don't even know you are taking photos

10-18-2019, 06:55 AM - 1 Like	#11
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 826	I've seen videos of people donning an orange vest then walking into movie theaters, concerts, and even Disneyland. No one questions the all-powerful orange vest!

10-18-2019, 07:49 PM	#12
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	Just make sure you get a 'used vest'....something with a little wear and scuffing... or wrap the new one round your dog and play his favourite active outdoor game... ? :-)

10-19-2019, 11:34 AM	#13
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,514	Don't forget the steel toe-capped boots!

10-19-2019, 11:43 AM - 1 Like	#14
StiffLegged Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,637	Try wearing high-vis clothing, not just the vest. Paradoxically, you become invisible – it's not that you're unseen, just unnoticed.

10-19-2019, 12:26 PM	#15
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,340	Works well on Heritage Railways as well - so I've been told !!

Orange Safety Vest? You’re Okay!

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