WNY Models

leimage · by **leimage** on April 17th, 2004, 6:36 pm

I am a professional photographer that use to travel to florida every year since 9/11 have not done any traveling, what is the hassel now when traveling with equipment, before it only took me a few minutes to go through security, and some time they just looked at the bag when it was open and let me go,
I need to know from a photographer that has traveled very recently and what problems he or she had.
Thank you
Michael c

wnymodels · by **wnymodels** on April 17th, 2004, 7:25 pm

People still fly?? $$ just kidding..

I'm not a pro photographer, but I have had my share of problems at the airport...

Don't bring equipment on as a carry-on. Use platic ties instead of locks, and have additional plastic ties attached to your bags so security can re-secure them.

You could ship your equipment, if you're leaving from NY and you ship it via UPS a day or two before you leave, it's typically not that expensive.

That's if you have time though... as you may be in FL for a day or so without your equipment. Although you could ship it sooner with a guranatee that they will make 3 attempts for delivery.... but either way you'ld have to account for lack of equipment up here or down there for a day or two each way.

If you have the ambition, you can do what that one guy did recently and just ship youself... it's cheaper, but he was arrested

Just do what I am doing instead... MOVE THERE! crap... My plan is that a year from now as my son throws his cap at graduation, I'm out front of the school in a packed van honking the horn and yelling to my wife to hurry up.

Thanks,
Aaron

Edited By wnymodels on 1082248165

Chuckster · by **Chuckster** on April 18th, 2004, 8:18 am

When you fly and have professional camera equipment the security people go thru it with a fine tooth comb. I no longer fly with my equipment. I ship it at least 3 days earlier than my flight. I do a lot of shooting in Florida and have made arrangements with local photographers there to rent their studios. Any radio triggered devices for cameras or lighting remove the batteries, wrap in plastic and place in luggage if you don't ship it separately. I have seen these devices being left behind because security wouldn't allow it on the plane.

I find if I place my clothing in baggies that I do get thru security and customs a lot faster. I also have my business cards placed throughout my luggage.

Hope that this helps and good luck.
Chuckster

Steve · by **Steve** on April 19th, 2004, 6:59 pm

Hey All,

So far this year I have been to Los Angeles 3 times, India, Miami twice, Seattle, and Toronto al by plane. I have a 1 rolling camera case that is carry on size which I bring all my medium format gear on as well as anything else that is delicate, then another bag for film and my laptop. Then I check any lights I bring, tripod, and clothes.

I am not a big fan of checking my cameras and lenses. I have had problems where either from being tossed around, and/or the vibration of it being below the plane have cause focus problems to the body by shifting the mirror so that I think I'm in focus, but I'm really out of focus. Not fun. And this was in a very solid pelican case with lots of padding.

Also, if you're bag is lost, specially if you're travelling internationally, you will not be reimbured for the full price of your gear. You better hope you have good insurance. Internationally you'll be lucky if you get $1000 if they loose of break your bag. I know my camera bag usually has about $12,000 in it ... Plus, most home owners insurance won't cover gear if it's used for "proffesional" use. You have to have a commercial policy.

So, I recommend highly bringing on your gear. Along with that, I say get to the airport early. I'd say 1 in 2 times I get my bag searched. On a good day they just wipe down the outside of the bag with the cloth thingy. On a bad day, they take everything out, and wipe everything down. Usually it's not too bad at all.

As far as film .. for those of you who still use film .. It's never fun .. I only shoot 120/220 film and 4X5, which can make it easier / harder depending on who you get. I always pack all my film in a seperate bag which is easily to pull out in a rush at security. When I get to security, I pull the bag of film out of my carry on bag, put it in one of the trays, and ask for it too be hand checked. Here is the moment of truth ... they can say "sure" or they can start the film speed search .. "is it above iso 800" etc ... just go with the flow .. say it's proffesional film ... mix a few rolls of 3200 in with all your other film ... that worked in India. Then, if they do agree to hand check it ... then it's a matter of how long you're going to be waiting. sometimes they just look at it, and give it back, but then worst case, they rub down each and every roll individually with the cloth thing. Not fun when you have like 100 rolls with you.

I think that is the sum of my travel experiences. If you will be traveling a lot, you will get in the rhythm. I have also tried shipping things. But usually just the real heavy stuff such as packs and c-stands. Once again, if you do ship your cameras, then I would reccomend shooting a test roll and get it processed before doing your real shoot.

Well, let me know if anyone has any questions ... Hope these tips help

Mr Helper · by **Mr Helper** on April 19th, 2004, 7:51 pm

Well I’ve flown to Florida 5 times and Tennessee once since last May. Here’s my take. If you’re running late it will take a LOT longer to get through security. Everyone thinks that they can wait to the last minute… hence long lines and impatient people. Impatient people make for irritated TSA workers. Get there ahead of time, be nice to the TSA people and they’ll be nice right back. Know what they’re going to ask you to do and do it ahead of time. Remove laptop form case, put loose items from your pockets in tray, be ready to remove your shoes, I always take my camera out of my bag so they don’t. I only had a problem once when they swiped the camera bag and it was positive, no problem for me… I just stepped over to the inspection table with a

on my face and they ran a recal on their machine and I was on my way. (we actually chatted about how the NE SUXS). It’s their job, they’re not picking on you (everyone thinks they're being singed out) If you are arrogant and nasty... guess what... they’re arrogant and nasty right back. The good news is the Pro Photographers get a THIRD carry on for valuable camera equipment (Points & Shoots don’t work!) Additional details can be found on the Transportation Security Administration web site here "Transporting Film and Photographic Equipment". Have a safe trip, I'm outta here in June for the "Big Easy"... BY AIR! :p

grsphoto · by **grsphoto** on April 22nd, 2004, 7:34 am

I just got back from Florida.

If you are carrying/taking alot of metal or electronics on an airplane you are going to get searched. Be prepared, give yourself time, and know it is going to happen.

If you start to get stressed about what they are doing to your stuff, think about what they are looking for.... and hope they are that carefull with everyone else on your flight.

grs

wnymodels · by **wnymodels** on August 30th, 2004, 3:55 pm

WNY Models

Traveling with equipment - With tight security what problems

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