Safety first, photography second!

I am sure many of us have been in a situation where we have gone that extra step to obtain a desired shot.
In the majority of cases we have probably not thought too much about the potential risks involved, but we should assess first if it safe to do so.
A few years ago, a photographer who was obviously unware of his location (pic below), took a step backwards and fell through the gap in the old pier.
It is a very popular location with photographers who often frequent the area at sunset making it potentially even more dangerous as the light fades.
The person in question amazingly survived, however I heard he sustained serious injuries from landing on the rocks below.
So next time you are out with your camera, think safety first, photography second!

I myself have been guilty of not taking proper care around water. On a couple of occasions I have waited with tripod and camera set on a rock for the sunset, only to find the tide has swirled around behind me. It's amazing how quickly tides can come in and it is something we should all be aware of.
On both separate occasions below I ended up rather wet but thankfully made it safely to shore.

Another one that has often caught me out is black ice. On a few occasions I have found myself standing on what I thought was a dry rock only to find it is covered in black ice making it treacherous.

Very nice landscape photos, Peter.

blackstar;bt2911 said:

Very nice landscape photos, Peter.

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Thanks @blackstar

I walked across about 50 feet of slick as owl sh*t, wet and moss covered rocks to get a shot of a waterfall. Had I slipped, it would meant about a 75 foot fall onto sharp and jagged rocks and most likely certain death. Was it worth it? At the time I said yes, now well not so sure, but it is my best waterfall photo. When the other saw the shot I got they wanted me to go and take their cameras and shoot it for them. I just looked at laughed, if you want the shot, you brave death to get it just like I did!

STM;bt2913 said:

I walked across about 50 feet of slick as owl sh*t, wet and moss covered rocks to get a shot of a waterfall. Had I slipped, it would meant about a 75 foot fall onto sharp and jagged rocks and most likely certain death. Was it worth it? At the time I said yes, now well not so sure, but it is my best waterfall photo. When the other saw the shot I got they wanted me to go and take their cameras and shoot it for them. I just looked at laughed, if you want the shot, you brave death to get it just like I did!

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Probably like me, you were focused (excuse the pun) on capturing the shot and not your surroundings. Thankfully you are here to tell the tale and hopefully wiser!

Peter7100;bt2914 said:

Probably like me, you were focused (excuse the pun) on capturing the shot and not your surroundings. Thankfully you are here to tell the tale and hopefully wiser!

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One assumes that with age comes wisdom, and an increasingly acute awareness and fear of death, but if another shot like that comes along, I am sure I will throw caution to the wind to get it again!

Anybody else got some risky photography tales?

Peter7100;bt2917 said:

Anybody else got some risky photography tales?

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Straddling a drain pipe to photograph this not-so-friendly Cottonmouth. It was not a baby either. It was at least 3 feet. Still one of my favorite snake shots!

STM;bt2918 said:

Straddling a drain pipe to photograph this not-so-friendly Cottonmouth. It was not a baby either. It was at least 3 feet. Still one of my favorite snake shots!

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Amazing photo but I couldn’t have done that if you paid me a fortune! My biggest fear is snakes.

Peter7100;bt2919 said:

Amazing photo but I couldn’t have done that if you paid me a fortune! My biggest fear is snakes.

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I LOVE snakes and have had dozens as pets, both venomous and non-venomous. I am licensed (in FL) to keep but not show venomous/dangerous reptiles so I can legitimately keep venomous snakes. I have had Eastern diamondback, Timber and Pygmy rattlesnakes, Cottonmouths and Copperheads. I have searched high and low but have never been able to find a Coral Snake. On the non-venomous side of the house, several boas and pythons, garter snakes, hognose snakes, painted water snakes, scarlet kingsnakes, etc.

The are not cuddly like a kitten or puppy but they are awesome pets, unless you are a mouse or rat of course, then they are your worst nightmare.

Peter7100;bt2917 said:

Anybody else got some risky photography tales?

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The biggest risks I've taken in photography are the drives to the shoots.

WM