Rio de Janeiro...shooting advice?

[David_Manning]

I'm going to Rio for my first time in June for a few days. Even though I'd really like to take my 5DmkII for lens variety, I'm very concerned about security while walking around.

I know there are many threads that mention safety and security in Rio, but I'm looking for recent experiences and advice.

Will it be safe to shoot an X100 carried inside a soft-side army-green canvas shoulder bag? Or is it better to just keep a Contax T3 and some slide film in a buttoned cargo pants pocket? (those are my options, by the way).

Thanks in advance. I'm excited, but apprehensive, at the same time.

[Bill Clark]

My son & his wife recently spent some vacation time in Rio. They said it was safe, at least where they travelled! They also took in the Rain Forest. No tour as they arranged everything themselves!

My son got a nice sunburn so maybe pack sunscreen!

I would use the 5D.

If you're concerned about safety, I know a photographer who put her camera in a brown paper bag whilst touring New York quite a few years ago.

For me I take my camera and use it w/o strap. It's a part of me, attached to my hand! Haven't had any problems yet.

[jky]

I hear Rio is safe. A friend from Sao Paulo is currently doing a beach project there with his M9.

[David_Manning]

Both those responses actually surprise me.

I've been told that Rio is not a place to walk around with a camera, which is why I was leaning away from the markII. In fact, two years ago, the reason I got the Contax T3 was because I felt too obtrusive in Mexico City while street shooting with an M6. (I got the T3 idea from Christopher Anderson's Capitolio experiences in Venezuela with an M and then a T3).

Any other opinions? I'd love to hear from Rio residents themselves.

[semilog]

I'm certain that as in any big city it depends where, when, and with whom you're shooting.

How you carry yourself is really important. I know a guy who shoots the shanty towns in Jakarta alone at night, with a 5D and 35/1.4. He's a relatively big guy and has an astonishing ability to draw attention away from that honker of a camera. It just disappears in his hands. He's never had a serious problem or lost a camera, except to moisture. I don't think I could get away with that.

David Alan Harvey's recent and amazing Rio project was shot mainly on iPhone and Panasonic GF1 + 20/1.7, with occasional use of a Nikon D700. Essentially the same as X100 + 5D. I'd cover that shiny X100 with gaffer tape though. Not to make it less visible, but to make it scruffier.

[vfioravanti]

hey david

well i was born and raised in rio so i can give u some tips , like any other big city there is places u can shoot and other u cant (well u can put but is better not 2 if stay in the main turistic places u should b fine but want 2 explore more the city u should jst use ur common sense .
bout the cameras mkII should fine as long u dont walk around with the camera around ur neck ,using a bag is a good idea i used to shoot with a IIIc in a bag all the time never had a prob , the way i see it using a slr would draw much more atention of course by the size , than lets say a M9 even though is worth 3 x as much ,but of course the kids that gonna rob u could care less if u ve a cron or a lux , all they want is something to trade for something
but that. been said ,the city is not that bad
enjoy the place and dont forget to check the girls in tny bikinis)))

if i was still living there i d sure show u around

cheers

[Sylvester]

I wouldn't shoot the streets with a big DSLR in New York or in Montréal anyway... Stick with the X100 or another small camera. Rio looks like a nice city to visit and shoot.

[tstermitz]

Wear tennis shoes, and project alertness. Interact with people rather than be aloof. Brazilians are extremely outgoing, so enter into that energy. Wave your camera at a beautiful woman, and I guarantee she'll flash you a huge smile.

The older neighborhoods on the hills are lovely. Of course see the coffee shops and sing "The girl from Ipanema" to yourself. Be absolutely sure to see the movie "Black Orpheus" before going.

[drinkingeye]

.... and do not forget to always carry some money in your pocket, something like 20 US Dollars - the thieves get very angry if you have no money for them at all ;-) It's serious!
the most important is to try no to attract attention - so wear jeans & old t-shirt & snickers... And avoid places you would avoid in every bigger city... a question of common sense, as vfioravanti remarked before. besides that, rio is a great place to be. enjoy the trip & show us some pictures later on!
cheers

[shadowfox]

From your signature, you have a Canon EF.
Use and carry that one (or any other film SLR) in view.

If you get mugged, just give the camera to them, you'd lose one roll at the most, not the whole 64 GB worth of images and memories of the whole trip.

An old bag also will make you less attractive. You can hide your X100 in it until it's time to take a shot.

[furcafe]

Really? In 2009, I didn't notice any difference between when I used my Ms (chrome) & when I used my Nikon 28Ti (black).

Originally Posted by David_Manning

In fact, two years ago, the reason I got the Contax T3 was because I felt too obtrusive in Mexico City while street shooting with an M6. (I got the T3 idea from Christopher Anderson's Capitolio experiences in Venezuela with an M and then a T3).

[David_Manning]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I have decided to shoot my Contax T3 and either slide or negative color film. After one trip to Rio, I'll decide whether I can shoot another, larger camera for next time.

For Furcafe, I posted this after my Mexico City experience:

From RF to PnS

[CK Dexter Haven]

I've been nearly 20 times in the past 15 years. vfioravanti's advice is pretty much perfect, and matches my experiences.

My first trip, i had an EOS3 on my shoulder, walking around Copacabana. Four people - two civilians, a bank employee, and a policeman - stopped me to warn me that it was not a good idea to have that camera in plain sight. I became a bit more cautious, but carried on without incident.

I feel it's necessary to state that your appearance is going to have an effect on your 'victim likelihood factor.' I'm 6'3", black, and probably look like i could chase someone down. I've seen the results of muggings in Copa - an old woman, and an elderly Italian tourist man - both times by 'street kids.' With the Italian man, it was rather humorous - i saw the kid sprint past me, and then moments later the old man, in a casual jog. But, the man looked fit, and confident that he would eventually track the robber once the kid ran out of gas.

I have never been robbed. But everyone who goes with frequency knows someone who has been, or knows someone who knows someone..... I have a friend who is a driver there - a Brazilian man, and he has been carjacked. I've known four people, all Brazilians, who have been murdered there. And, these are not criminals leading dangerous lives. Stuff just happens down there. You DO have to be cautious.

Back to the cameras.... I've used just about everything down there. Leica M7, R8, R6, CM; Contax 159, Aria, RX, T3; Canon EOS3, 5D, 5D2, D60; Hasselblad 203FE; Rolleiflex TLR; Pentax 67, Mamiya 645AF; Mamiya 6; Nikon F100, FE2, F4.... I've had all of those cameras on the beach, and walked around Copa and Ipanema with most of them. But, i don't walk with them around my neck, unless i'm using them. I keep them in a bag - but never a camera bag. I've bought camera cushioning inserts and put that inside by regular 'beach bag' or shoulder bag or cheap backpack. Don't give away 'the secret' before it's necessary. Don't advertise.

Keep your eyes on the kids. Don't leave your stuff unattended on the beach. Don't be afraid to make eye contact - let people know you're aware of them. And, if anything happens, surrender. There are kids sniffing glue or paint or whatever, and reason is not their friend.

I don't know how to tell you not to dress/act like a tourist.... Leave the all white leather New Balance at home. Well-to-do Brazilians do wear Nike's, but only with the air cushioning.... It's sort of a badge of status. T-shirts. Jeans. Lacoste or Polo shirts. It's casual. And, this time of year, toward September, it's not blazing hot, and it does rain.

If you have any specific questions, about this or anything else, send me a PM. I LOVE Rio and hope to live there at some point.... It's been two years since i've been, and i'm jonesing hard.

[EDIT:]
David, i just read your most recent reply, after i had finished posting. I would advise you to take more than the T3. You can take as much as you like. And, when you're there, just take which ever camera/s make sense for that particular day/purpose/event/location. I ALWAYS travel with a fully loaded camera case, with 4-5 different cameras. I'll take a T3 when walking around, or to dinner. I'll take a 5D2 or an FE2 or a Hassy to the beach.... And, i would sometimes shoot little 'projects,' either in my hotel room or on the street, and i'd have whichever camera or system was appropriate for that. Make your decisions from the hotel, not from your home. That's assuming, of course, your destination accommodations are secure. I never put anything in safes, but i was always staying at hotels where i didn't have to worry. If you're renting an apartment, you do have to be careful. A close friend's short term rental was robbed. He did have a safe, but not large enough for anything but money and passport, etc.

[David_Manning]

Thanks Dexter.

I travel a lot, to a lot of different cities, but I've never been to Rio so I'm working with stories and others' experiences. I'm sure I'll have a better idea once I get down there. I'll be there four days.

[mday]

Spent 1.5 weeks in Buenos Aires and another week in Santiago with my 5D2, walking the streets and shooting. No real problems. Camera was permanently attached to my hand, along with a camera bag with a couple lenses. In both places I hired a teenage kid who spoke some English to spend time with me. Nothing like a few choice words of local slang to offset the tourist view of you.

[Pablito]

Originally Posted by mday

Spent 1.5 weeks in Buenos Aires and another week in Santiago with my 5D2,

That's not Rio.

[whitecat]

I think the T3 would work like a charm. Easier to point and shoot than the X100.

[furcafe]

Oh man, I completely forgot I already asked about your experience in that thread. Gettin' old.

If you're willing to go really old school (no built-in meter, etc.) for a cheap camera you won't mind losing, you could go w/a good Kiev Contax II copy w/Jupiter Sonnar copy.

Originally Posted by David_Manning

For Furcafe, I posted this after my Mexico City experience:

From RF to PnS

[Retrotech68]

Originally Posted by Pablito

That's not Rio.

Pablito is right. Santiago isn't like Rio at all, being MUCH safer than the Cidade Maravilhosa, even in its poorer areas.
Although the T3 is actually a very good idea, I would follow CK Dexter Haven and take two more cameras with me. If digital is an option, I would take a X100, as Sylvester said above. Rio is indeed a nice place to visit and shoot, but remember to wear casual clothes and kit: plain t-shirts and jeans are a good idea, as per what CK Dexter Haven recommended. Avoid pricey sneakers (wearing them without socks is a good idea too...). You should also leave any fancy watches or similar stuff at your hotel, avoid flashing cell phones in the open. Also don't leave stuff unattended anywhere (not just on the beach)...
A Brazilian friend of mine, from one of the Southern brazilian states, got robbed twice in Rio because she wasn't familiar with the town and the modus operandi of the local 'street kids'. Another Brazilian friend, from Salvador, was also robbed on her first lenghty visit to Rio - a running 'street kid' relieved her of a Canon DSLR in less than a blink of an eye...

Alex

[btgc]

Originally Posted by shadowfox

If you get mugged, just give the camera to them, you'd lose one roll at the most, not the whole 64 GB worth of images and memories of the whole trip.

I have not used digital on trip but would I do that I think I'd use bunch of small cards instead of one large, to minimize risks of theft and media failure. One can replay it's easier to loose some of many cards than one sitting in camera but then I wouldn't loose all of them

[Lauffray]

Interesting thread as I've been thinking of putting Rio and Brazil on my map lately, but have heard similar stories. I guess I just don't know how much I actually stand out in the street.

On another note apparently tropical light and Brazilian light in particular is very different than what we're used to further north, I don't know about slides, I'd take something with more margin for exposure errors

[Atto]

Originally Posted by mday

Spent 1.5 weeks in Buenos Aires and another week in Santiago with my 5D2, walking the streets and shooting. No real problems.

Originally Posted by Pablito

That's not Rio.

I am from Buenos Aires, and for sure Rio it's not Buenos Aires. One it's located in Argentina and the other in Brasil (with S please). Among that, no big difference.
I spent my vacations last year in Rio, wonderful city with similar level of safety in comparison with another big cities around world.

Dallas, TX scares me by far much more than Rio!

[Mephiloco]

The last time I was in Rio I was robbed at gun point on Copa and had a camera lifted. It was at the tail end of a 5 week trip spanning 3 or 4 states, starting and ending in Rio. First time I stayed in Barra da Tijuca with some friends and would go to praia barra instead of copa/ipanema when I went to the beach. When I went towards Copa I'd take the Cidade de Deus Ônibus, went to copa one day on the bus, took it back at night, zero room to even get past the turnstile. Had zero problems the first part of the trip.

Went back for the last 3 or 4 days of the trip, stayed in a hotel with my then girlfriend as to not impose on my friends and their family. Went to a Flu/Fla game, almost got robbed due to flu jersey, didn't. Everything was fine until about 3 hours before our flight, we were on the beach, had about 800 R$ on us, my girlfriend was taking a picture of Pão de Açúcar from the beach, guy walks up, pulled a small caliber gun out of his shorts, looked like one of those cheap italian .32's, tells us he's robbing us, takes the camera, we give him R$20 and he's on his way. This all happened within 10 yards of a little league soccer team practicing, and about 30 yards from the tourist police.

A couple days before a kid on a bike rode by and snagged the same camera from my girlfriend's hand while we were walking in Ipanema, luckily she had a hair tie on the strap and it popped back into her hand, kinda pissing off the kid.

I think you'll be fine, we got robbed because my ex was an idiot. I didn't hassled once the whole time. I'd take whatever camera you think would be best for the situation, but keep it bagged until you need it. Time of year also changes things. I was there last during their fall/winter (May) so the beaches were pretty empty making it arguably less secure.

Also I'd pick up portuguese before going, it's a pretty simple language and the people generally are very friendly. I'm from New Orleans and the people of Rio mirror my locals in so many ways. If you are able to talk in Portuguese you'll make friends. I hired a cab during my trip and spoke with the cabby during the drive, he practiced his english, reverting to portuguese when he couldn't figure out how to say something. The next day he brought me to maracana for the Flu/Fra game, found me lower tickets for well below face, and then FOUND me after the game amidst tens of thousands of people, turning down fares left and right. He also ended up driving us to the airport after the robbery and was so upset and embarrassed for his city that he spent the next day filing the police report for us and making sure the crime didn't go unreported.

Sorry if this has been a little off topic, I hope that it helps you in your trip. I had a great time.

One thing to think about, I had a buddy who was in Brazil the same time as I and he ended up selling his dslr in nordeste, maybe Fortalezza?, and ended up making a nice profit even though he had had and used his camera for a good year and a half prior. He was scared of it being stolen in Rio and decided to capitalize on Brazil's crazy import tax.

[Viktor Sebastian]

That's intense.

[Sparrow]

Do you not take out travel insurance in the US? my stuff is insured under the household policy at home and under my travel insurance abroad.