How to Stay SAFE while Photographing San Francisco

What is it REALLY like with photography in San Francisco? Is it safe? I'll share some of my thoughts and tips with you for taking photos in this incredible city. Visit this link for exact locations and examples of the photos you can get: http://dave.online/writings/san-franc... Shop Very Good Presets, LUTS, workshops, and gear: https://shopverygood.com/ Join the Very Good Discord:   / discord   Visit me at https://dave.online/ Instagram:   / daveherring   Foto: https://the.fotoapp.co/dave Join the Patreon:   / daveherring   My camera strap: https://shopverygood.com/gear Another great strap: (Use HERRING for 10% off): https://cleversupply.co?ref=9q5OV MY CAMERA KIT: Leica M11P Safari: https://bhpho.to/4nqXyAa Leica M6: https://geni.us/H4NZTa Leica Q3M: https://bhpho.to/400rYjr Leica 28mm Summicron: https://geni.us/YAair Leica 35mm Summilux: https://geni.us/2xhIfkB Leica 50mm Summilux: https://geni.us/VtYro Leica 90mm Summarit: https://geni.us/sijs Hasselblad X2Dii: https://bhpho.to/3O02sZ3 Cover Your RED DOT: https://geni.us/reddotcover/ MY YOUTUBE STUDIO: Harlowe Lights (use the code DAVE10) https://www.hobolite.com/discount/Dave10 Sony A7SIII: https://geni.us/2ppkK Sony 16-35GM: https://geni.us/f5LTb Studio mic: https://bhpho.to/49WxBlj My printer: https://geni.us/BbUcVOj Protect your gear: https://www.ppa.com/join/member-2-member I use Squarespace with a lot of custom coding for my website. Check out Squarespace here: https://squarespace.syuh.net/c/513183... Need additional footage? https://artlist.io/referral/6264182/Dave 00:00 The Reputation vs. Reality of San Francisco 01:54 Introduction 02:17 Tip 1: The Smallest Kit Possible (Leica vs. Sony) 03:42 How to Carry: Cross-Body Straps as a Deterrent 05:07 Stealth Bags: Using Non-Photography Brands to Blend In 06:43 The "Double Bag" Strategy for Multi-Camera Days 08:09 Tip 2: Car Smart—Public Transit and the "Nothing in Car" Rule 09:28 Navigating the Golden Gate Bridge Without a Rental 10:28 Tip 3: Act Local—Don’t Look Like a Tourist 11:13 Pre-Planning Your Geography with Google Maps 11:41 Recommended Photo Locations (Off the Top 5 Lists) 12:20 Final Thoughts: Sharing Knowledge and Community Safety Learn how to safely photograph San Francisco and other major U.S. metros with expert advice on gear security, situational awareness, and blending in like a local. This guide covers the best kit choices—like opting for a discreet Leica over a bulky Sony rig—and explains why non-traditional camera bags from brands like Fjällräven and Filson are your best defense against gear theft. Discover the "Golden Rule" of never leaving anything in your vehicle and the benefits of using Uber or public transit to move between iconic locations. We also discuss tactical tips such as cross-body strap positioning and pre-planning your route to avoid looking like a lost tourist. Whether you're shooting street photography in the Mission or landscapes near the Golden Gate Bridge, these practical safety tips will help you focus on your craft while minimizing risk. Subscribe for more photography field guides and check out the links below for a curated list of San Francisco’s best hidden gems. DISCLAIMER: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning that if you click it and buy the service or product, they give me a small commission for sending you. This is a small way I support this channel, and making videos like this one.