What's in My Camera Bags?

[BrandonT]

I labeled everything on this Flickr photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47491339@N04/6532550711/

[DWHonan]

I'm not particularly excited to know there are railfans proudly proclaiming that they carry shotguns with them when they go out shooting. I guess it's a decent way to discourage someone from setting up in front of your tripod, but I can't imagine it would do you any good if a law enforcement officer drops by to see what you're up to.

[troy12n]

Originally Posted by DWHonan

I'm not particularly excited to know there are railfans proudly proclaiming that they carry shotguns with them when they go out shooting.

Yea, like our disturbed friend in Johnstown, PA

[Ween]

Originally Posted by DWHonan

I'm not particularly excited to know there are railfans proudly proclaiming that they carry shotguns with them when they go out shooting. I guess it's a decent way to discourage someone from setting up in front of your tripod, but I can't imagine it would do you any good if a law enforcement officer drops by to see what you're up to.

I think that's standard 'fan gear in Alaska; just ask Dave Blaze...

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by Ween

I think that's standard 'fan gear in Alaska; just ask Dave Blaze...

Correct. For survival purposes and for protection from ubiquitous large, furry critters, carrying a shotgun in Alaska is probably a good idea. And, since everyone else up there is of the same mindset, you're unlikely to run afoul of any LEO who thinks you're up to no good.

In the lower 48 however, unless you are hiking in the wilderness (in which case, you'd better be aware of hunting laws, as carrying a firearm can be considered evidence of such), I am not a fan of packing while taking train pictures. Even if the proposed photo location is a "bad" part of an urban area, I would suggest that no train picture is worth the risk of a gunfight and as David Honan suggests, any encounter with an LEO is far more likely to be unpleasant if you are carrying a firearm in addition to a camera.

[Mr. Pick]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Even if the proposed photo location is a "bad" part of an urban area, I would suggest that no train picture is worth the risk of a gunfight and as David Honan suggests, any encounter with an LEO is far more likely to be unpleasant if you are carrying a firearm in addition to a camera.

EDIT: Nevermind, not going to get into it.

[EMTRailfan]

Originally Posted by KevinM

any encounter with an LEO is far more likely to be unpleasant if you are carrying a firearm in addition to a camera.

PhotoID: 287460 Photograph © Kevin Ashbaugh

I beg to differ. While in transit on an overnighter to get this shot, a local LEO stopped me because I DID do something stupid in the form of a moving violation. At my first spot, I had her tucked in my waste band, which got uncomfortable driving, so I removed it and placed it under my center seat armrest. Got pulled over at about 0200, pulled off in the first well lit area and turned my dome light on and made no other moves. LEO walked up and asked me if I was lost (because of my bonehead move), and I answered "yes sir, but before we go any farther, you should know that I have a 9mm under my right elbow". I am thinking it is either I am going to be looking down the barrel of a .40, getting dragged out and placed spread eagle, or it won't be a big issue. It ended up being the latter with the LEO requesting to see my CCL with my driver's license, not even a written warning, let alone the ticket that I SHOULD HAVE got, and the LEO told me how to get the bridge in the thumb and even did a few "roll bys" through out the night, checking on me.

[EMTRailfan]

Originally Posted by BrandonT

I labeled everything on this Flickr photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47491339@N04/6532550711/

Niiiiiice!!! Although, I travel light and prefer to carry my "flash unit" on my belt vs. over my shoulder.

[troy12n]

WTF? 12 gauge?

[bigbassloyd]

meh, just an 870..

Loyd L.

[Hatchetman]

I would carry a concealed handgun if it were allowed in Illinois...and if my wife would let me.