How to Shoot Undercover
Guerilla photography is risky, but there are times when you do not have any other choice. When you know it is a risk, you simply have to do the best can to help contain the damage. There are times when you are unable to secure a permit for shooting, but as the location is perfect your heart is set on the place. For such days, you have to shoot guerilla style. This means you go ahead with the Undercover shoot, and try to keep it under the wraps. While this may sound easy, but you could end up in a lot of trouble if you get caught. As for starters, it is completely illegal.
[pullquote]Along with getting arrested, you are risking your entire assignment, and you will be subjected to many fines along the way.[/pullquote]
Along with getting arrested, you are risking your entire assignment, and you will be subjected to many fines along the way. In addition, the police can even confiscate your gear.However, if the location is really worth it, you can easily take on the process and work your way around getting busted. Here are a few tips I follow:
Simple – There is no reason to go all fancy with your equipment. When you are shooting guerilla style, you should try to use as simple equipment as possible.So you can easily use a good DSLR as they are so common, but you will be required to keep your fancy equipment at home. So pick a camera that can get the job done, without having to add too much to the mix.
Crew – The best way to contain the matter is by keeping a small crew, as you are working undercover, and the smaller your crew is. The easier it will be to blend them in the crowd, or keep them at a close proximity without drawing attention to them.
Gear – Try not to take any gear with you, but if it is really required, you will learn to hide it in plain sight. Only keep what is necessary, and you should be good to go. As long as you do not start to stand out, you will not be in any trouble. If they catch you with extensive gear on you or anything that could hint a professional Undercover shot, then you will find yourself in huge trouble. As shooting without a permit is not allowed on any private property.
Plan – You will be required to plan the entire process in advance, and work as quickly as possible. So there are no issues, and you are able to get what you need.These steps need to be planned and executed as carefully as possible, as you do not need a huge mess on your hands. And the only way you can avoid an issue, and get the location you want is to go incognito.
At the end of the process, you will feel like you have conquered the world, and it might be true considering the amount of work that you will be required to go through to get the Undercover shots you wanted.
