What to take to a drug raid

Ron_Ross · #1 04-21-2006, 05:48 PM

Good day.

First I'd like to thank Drew and Melissa for taking over the helm of these discussion forums. Welcome!

Now for the question.

I've been invited to go along with one of our local law enforcement agencies to a drug raid as a photojournalist, strictly for the enforcement agency and not for the media.

I have absolutely no idea what lenses I'll need to take along.

I shoot with Canon (1DsM2, 1DM2 and 5D)and probably will bring the 1DM2 for the sheer speed and the 5D for a quick second lens configuration. I have a full assortment of primes and zooms up to 200mm (all Canon). My initial thought was to put the 35mm on the 5D and the 28-70 on the 1DM2. Since I will most likely be in the mix with everyone, shooting from afar will not be considered. What should I consider taking along with me besides a flack vest.

Any help including tips on what not to do will be appreciated.

RSR

Milutin_Labudovic · #2 04-21-2006, 06:21 PM

i would try to be lite as possible, i would carry one body with some wide to middle zoom. maybe one tele zoom in the pocket of the west.
i assume space and mobility will be appricieted on those places.
better i think to focus on delicat situations, than on havy gear.

Ben_Holland · #3 04-21-2006, 08:48 PM

Should be quite an experience.

Are you limited to available light? I would imagine that a flash going off could be distracting (and potentially dangerous) for the agency you'll be working with.

I'd also think that with the close quarters and the speed with which the bust should unfold that one wide zoom (16-35) and one medium zoom (24-70) would best serve the assignment, mounted on their own body (and perhaps shooting simultaneously with one in each hand).

Might also be interesting to shoot video via a helmet cam in addition to the stills.

Ron_Ross · #4 04-21-2006, 09:20 PM

With the 1DM2, I should be able to shoot at a higher ISO and take advantage of more light entering the lens. I agree that the 24-70 and 16-35 probably will go along with me. I don't have access to a second 1DM2 so I may throw the 24-70 on the 5D.

Also, I am planning on putting the 580EX on the camera and if I'm allowed, use the flash, but only after the flash bangs ignite and the troups bust through the doors. All I know is that I'm going to be right behind the biggest, badist cop I can find.

RSR

Ben_Holland · #5 04-21-2006, 09:29 PM

I'd DEFINITELY get confirmation on the flash issue well ahead of time, and make sure all officers are on the same page! In all of the confusion your flash going off could be mistaken for muzzle flash... but then that would make for some pretty dang interesting pictures with so many ARs pointed at you! We just wouldn't want those to be your last pictures! Also, remember to prepare yourself psychologically because you could find yourself seeing some ugly things you won't be able to forget.

Surely, you could use flash after the situation was secured. Sounds like quite an experience, so let us know how it all goes down.

David_Buzzard · #6 04-21-2006, 11:21 PM

Advice from an old hand; practice hitting the floor with all your gear on. Also, first consideration is your own personal safety, then photos, so make sure you identify cover before stopping to shoot, and keep out of the way. Apart from straight up bad luck, most injuries to journalists in conflict areas are when they leave cover by sticking their heads up out of an armoured car, or around a wall, or something like that, to see what's going on. Probably the best thing you can do is go in with the SWAT team, as they will look out for you.

Equipement wise, wide zoom with a flash on your main body, medium wide on a back up body, and long zoom in a pocket. You probably want to hold off on the flash until the situation is under control, so put that in a pocket as well. Lose your should bag and get a belt pack. If you're wearing body armour, becareful of your camera straps. That stuff is heavy and you can't feel the straps through it, so it's easy to have a camera slip off your shoulder without noticing. Get a pair of light hiking boots, as who knows what's going to be under foot.

Good luck, wish I was going with you!

David Buzzard

PaulChaps · #7 04-23-2006, 03:24 AM

I would shoot available light, high ISO, wide primes as the raid was happening. I think that the flash could be a problem, not just mistaken for other things, but temporarily blinding the officers, or, if at night, ruining their night vision. After the house is cleared, then you can turn your flash on. Work it out with the PD.

When are *in* the action, you will shoot wide, and you want to be light, so wide AF primes are your friends for this one.

Paul