Walking around San Fran at night with camera gear?

5 years 3 months ago #618951 by Olivia
We'll be in San Fran in 3 weeks, right after Christmas for a couple weeks.  Would you happen to know if I were to head out 2-3am in the morning to photograph the city, if it would be safe with my camera gear?  

I want to avoid having people in my shot, so I'm guessing super early in the morning will be the best time.  Just not sure about safety.


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5 years 3 months ago - 5 years 3 months ago #618965 by effron
Its not a safe city, read some news reports....Don't go out alone especially if you aren't certain where you're going.

Why so serious?
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5 years 3 months ago #618988 by Olivia
I'm from NYC, and will walk around here (certain areas) at night, but heard some comments on the high homeless rate there.  Wasn't sure how this was for downtown.  Thanks for chiming in!


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5 years 3 months ago - 5 years 3 months ago #619018 by GaryA
There are a ton of homeless and San Francisco has a very small footprint, so everybody, rich and poor are smashed in together.  If you're not familiar with a place, I wouldn't recommend shooting alone. Alone at night and being stationary with a tripod is an open invitation for robbery ... in any large city. If you do shoot at night, keep moving.  Shoot and Walk, Shoot and Walk, keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your situation and environment. 

There are photographs everywhere. It is the call of photographers to see and capture those images.
www: garyayala.com

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5 years 3 months ago #619021 by effron
"There are a ton of homeless".....and a sanctuary city, I'll say no more.

Why so serious?
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5 years 3 months ago #619023 by John Landolfi
NO


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5 years 3 months ago #619093 by ThatNikonGuy
Regardless of the city, early hours of the day, you should always have a photo buddy with you.


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5 years 3 months ago #619430 by Soccer Mom
OMG, always go with someone else.  To dangerous.  

Canon 7D, 18-55mm, 55-250mm, 70-200mm L f/2.8, 100mm and 17-55mm f/2.8
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5 years 3 months ago #619431 by Troponin

effron wrote: "There are a ton of homeless".....and a sanctuary city, I'll say no more.


Came in to say this. The crime has dramatically gone up in the sanctuary cities. I would avoid them. Besides, I won’t support cities doing this in the first place, so I’ll visit other cities instead. 


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5 years 3 months ago #619560 by Olivia
Thank you for all the comments.  All good points and well appreciated!  

BTW what are some good spots to photograph there?  I have a list already, but just seeing what are some favorite spots from others.  :) 


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5 years 3 months ago #619563 by GaryA
Data has shown there is no greater crime in a Sanctuary City than in a Non-Sanctuary City.  The crime rate in a Sanctuary City has not risen from when the city was "Non-Sanctuary" to when the same city became a "Sanctuary City".  Sorry, but all the hoopla of sanctuary cities being a hotbed of crime is nothing but political hoopla and factually incorrect.

There are photographs everywhere. It is the call of photographers to see and capture those images.
www: garyayala.com

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5 years 3 months ago #619568 by effron
That's bogus news, to start with every illegal in sanctuary cities is a criminal just being there. A crime is a crime, reported or not.

Why so serious?
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5 years 3 months ago #619569 by effron

Olivia wrote: Thank you for all the comments.  All good points and well appreciated!  

BTW what are some good spots to photograph there?  I have a list already, but just seeing what are some favorite spots from others.  :) 


Classic shots, night or sunset of the city from Treasure Island, and of course the Golden Gate from any vantage point. Don't go alone and be aware.....

Why so serious?
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5 years 3 months ago #619580 by John Landolfi
Drive up Jones Street to the top of Russian Hill (you'll know when you're there...:) ) 270 deg of spectacle.
 Palace of the Legion of Honor (Nice museum) Walk in the park area behind to get great Golden Gate and Marin Headlands shots.
Drive across the Golden Gate, take first exit, and get to Marin Headlands (GPS will be useful) for classic San Francisco postcard shots.
Drive to Ocean Beach, go to seals Rock.
If you get a fogless sunset, Treasure Island is a great spot to shoot the GG bridge and Mount Tamalpais, and, of course, the skyline.(even with some fog blowing in)
The Top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins Hotel, on Russian Hill) is a great night spot .
Have Fun, and don't go roaming alone at night!


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5 years 3 months ago #619600 by Luca
Isn't San Fran homeless capital of USA?


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