Project #3652012 – Stay Safe on the Streets!

So, it’s 2 weeks into Project 365 #3652012 now.

I’m collating all the photos at another blog (click the link above), but I just want to share some thoughts on the way it’s going so far.

January 10

I have decided to do mine through Instagram, which gives me some fun with editing with different styles to make the photos interesting throughout – it’s this problem which is causing a bit of hassle.

Basically, i live in London, and this week i’ve been commuting to the same place all this week, and working throughout the day. This leaves little time to explore, so you have to make the most of what’s available. There is opportunities available, but it’s dark, or rush hour. However, this is going against one of the most important things now with living in London or any major built up area…

…Don’t use any expensive items on the streets, because you never know who can see you.

Basically, in November last year I had my iPad snatched at a bus stop. Long story short, it was never, and will never be, returned (although the Met were fantastic). They will tell you that incidents of crime and theft are low, but in the past year or so they have increased dramatically. I don’t have official figures to hand, but suffice to say I know they have increased a lot.

This presents a problem when taking photos on iPhones – you have to use them in a pretty loose way to use the camera, and someone can grab it – so you go indoors, or to a less crowded place, and take photos there.

All in, it makes you think about where you’re going to get the best shot from. My tips are:

Look around, and pick the shot – know what you want so you can get it quickly.
January 12
Be aware of your surroundings and know who’s about. If someone looks suspicious, don’t give them chance to prove it.
Don’t make yourself obvious – if someone can stop and admire you taking a photo, a thief can rush past and grab your £500 iPhone.
Don’t use it outside tube stations, car parks, cash points, or overcrowded areas like the Met say. They may not see you for long, but all it takes is a split second.
Don’t upload straight away. Take the picture using a normal camera app, then process later when indoors or in a safe environment.

Overall, be safe – but have fun as well. Don’t let them put you off taking photos, but do think about it. Most importantly, enjoy #3652012. It’s all about taking photos and enjoyment, so have fun!

As an aside to all this – make sure you upload it when you get signal, instead of doing the Instagram on the tube, then forgetting. I did that for Day 13. Oops.