Photographer Is Attacked in Attempted Robbery During Shoot With Newlywed Couple

A news station from downtown San Francisco is reporting that a wedding photographer was attacking while working with a couple of newlyweds. During the violent altercation, two men jumped out of a vehicle and attempted to steal the photographer’s camera.

It was on the corner of California and Powell, the intersection close to the Tenderloin and south of Nob Hill and Chinatown, that the incident occurred.

NBC Bay Area reports that photographer Ken Mendoza was targeted while photographing the couple, who wish to remain anonymous, and that a fight ensued. Mendoza is quoted as saying that during the conflict, he wanted to hold on to the camera not only to protect his livelihood, but also the irreplaceable memories that the memory card contained for his clients. “The assailant grabbed my hand and my camera twice, but I was able to punch my way out of that twice,” he recalled.

After the scuffle, the attackers fled in their vehicle. Witnesses reported one had a firearm.

The area in which the three were targeted has seen an increase in incidents involving theft or attempted theft of photographers’ equipment. In the last year, there have been reported incidents of gunpoint robberies in broad daylight. Mendoza requested:

To have extra patrols at iconic locations not just for wedding photographers, but this is why people visit San Francisco and spend money.

The couple is quoted as saying:

I wake up every morning and think ‘my goodness, one of us could have been a groom and a widower in the same day.'

So far, no arrests have been made.

Jack Alexander's picture

A 28-year-old self-taught photographer, Jack Alexander specialises in intimate portraits with musicians, actors, and models.

Log in or register to post comments
32 Comments

It's not like this is some kind of rare occurrence. By now, people should know not have expensive equipment out in public in San Francisco (and that includes in your car). Yes, it's sad and pathetic, but that's SF for you. You have to deal with facts as they are.

People should know better not to walk around with expensive equipment out like watches, phones, cash, automobiles and the like. Just leave it all at home. Criminals want what they want. It can be anything you have that'll turn a quick buck at the pawn shop. Insuring your gear is almost becoming a necessity: pro or enthusiast.

Goes slightly against the 'Land of the Free' moniker somewhat, that you cant have a nice phone, camera or watch etc and safely walk down the street.

My sarcasm ain't what it used to be.

Haha I got it Robert, I was just adding to your point with the OP:)

In other words, photographers should not take pictures outside safe and well guarded facilities.

Is that what you meant? :)

No, just avoid crime-infested places.

Like San Francisco? :)

I had my camera equipment stolen from me when I lived in Sydney. Is that Sydney for you?

I live in CA near SF, and have never been to Australia. So I can't tell you about Sydney. Sorry. Maybe ask someone who lives there?

I lived inSydney.

No, I wouldn't characterise a city by the criminal actions of a few people.

Unfortunately it happens a lot in SF

For those that aren't aware, California's 'leadership' has decided that theft under the $950 threshold is a misdemeanor and has little chance that it will be investigated. Frisco seems to be the epicenter of this....whatever you wish to call it. Not a good place to live or visit as this law is but one of so many 'laws' that make a formerly terrific city, a sort of haven for the bad guys.

Not quite, and let's give credit where credit is due here. California's VOTERS decided that theft under $950 is a misdemeanor, by passing Proposition 47.

You're right...so those that voted for it are getting their just desserts. I feel badly for the people that had enough sense not to vote for it. Still, any politico that thought this was a good idea is a moron, at least.

Damn it... only allows one "up-vote" per login. This comment needs 19.765 mil up-votes (just over half of CA population)

It's still a wonderful place to visit, but just like any other big city, you just have to be more careful.

I know, but it's a shame. I visited San Francisco about 12 years ago. Ate well (had a really good meal at a small Mom&Pop joint in Chinatown) and did a lot of walking around the city.

I lived in New Orleans for about 20 years and did a lot of street photography. Of course, every third person is taking pictures there, so I didn't look out of the ordinary. I was never accosted during that time. I really hate seeing these cities let themselves become mini war zones. Not good.

A $950 camera? I fail to understand the relevance of your comment. And the law you refer to was voted on by the people of the state because of jail crowding. It has since been addressed in the legislature as it clearly isn't working.

Just the fact that a group of politicians thought that this was a good idea and the fact that people actually voted for it is not the thought process of logical people. If crime is rampant enough that jails are overcrowded, build more jails. You will NEVER convince me that this was a good idea.

Oh....and the $950 is under the cap which would keep the theft of said camera as a misdemeanor and more than likely not investigated. I am glad to hear that the legislature found at least a little common sense and tried to do something about this lunacy.

No, it has not since been addressed by the legislature. A Republican assemblymember has introduced a bill to send it back to the voters. And a Democrat has proposed lowering the amount to $400. But nothing has been changed yet, and Prop 47 still stands.

Addressed, but not resolved.

To David P: I doubt the camera was under $950. And the legislature didn't create the law, it was put before the voters by the citizen or entity that wrote the proposal..

Hire some "muscle". Bring along a couple of body guards when shooting in certain areas. This may end up being a regular part of a photo shoot cost to the clients.

"Muscle" can get killed though. Like happened to Kevin Nishita, a guard during an attempted robbery of a KRON4 news crew in Oakland last year. Shot and killed. But the thieves didn't the camera, so on one level I guess security worked.

Move to Texas. Since you can use your gun to protect your property during attempted rubbery in Texas, chances of somebody attacking you to steal your camera are minimized if you open carry.

--- "Or... they'll bring guns to your gun fight. Everybody dies,"

No, crooks only prey on easy victims.

--- "In the UK, we do think is amusing when gun fans think they'd actually be able to draw a safely holstered weapon, point it, aim it and fire it...."

Well, actually, even Uber drivers do it. Elderly do it during a home invasion, etc, etc.

Maaaaan, they sure have you folks brainwashed pretty good over yonder. "HALT! Or I shall say 'halt' again!" :D

I'm with BZE response... it seems possible that Lee's opinion would make sense from a simplistic perspective, but that's not the reality of it. Criminals are generally opportunists, that operate with a certain amount of self-preservation in mind and avoid risk when able... like predator animals cull the weak in the herd, so do these maggots seek that weakness in their victim. Plenty of evidence that violent crime against persons is far lower in right-to-carry/pro self-defense States vs the rest.

Well, more and more individuals have had enough. It has become more frequent that legally carrying gun owners are stopping the bad guys. If you do a little checking, you'll see several incidents of a law abiding citizen stopping a robbery or worst. It happens. Problem is, it doesn't fit the narrative.

Have you ever noticed that when a drunk driver kills someone, it's the driver's fault? Ever notice that when a terrorist blows up a bunch of innocents, that it's the terrorist's fault. It's not the car's fault or the alcohol's fault or the bomb's fault. Have you ever noticed that when a bad guy kills someone with a firearm, it's the gun's fault? Just an observation.....

America is a third world country, right?

Bit of a stretch considering the thousands of people that are actually trying to leave third world countries to get into the states. Now, if you're saying that tongue-in-cheek, then I get your sarcasm.

The third world countries have their own strengths. I live in Canada and my third world country of origin is a nice place to live as well.