Packing Heat: Should Photographers Carry a Gun on the Job?

Packing Heat: Should Photographers Carry a Gun on the Job?

It's an unavoidable topic in American conversations. In the photography world, it seems to pop up on the forums and Facebook groups often enough to warrant further consideration: guns. Not necessarily in the heated, political debate sense, but to ask this question: In a world where carrying a concealed weapon has become more normalized and photographers spend more time in remote and urban locations, do firearms have a place in your business?

Kellie Saunders, a wedding photographer in Birmingham, Michigan, knows a thing or two about gun safety and operating on the streets. Before becoming a full-time photographer, Saunders spent six years as a police officer in Detroit.

Originally, I studied journalism and worked with commercial photographers and publishers prior to becoming a Detroit police officer," Saunders said. “When I decided to get married and start a family, I wanted a job that was flexible and offered stable hours. I couldn't find that in the private sector, so starting a business with my camera was a natural and easy transition.”

Saunders still does most of her work in Detroit as a photographer. But unlike her time spent in a squad car, she mostly leaves the gun at home these days.

“I am a firearms lover. Let's get that out of the way right now," she said. "I am all for private citizens having the right to carry firearms if they so desire. With that said, with a firearm comes great responsibility."

So, carrying a gun while she's out making portraits isn't in her plans.

“How can I photograph clients and be in a creative headspace while at the same time be legitimately prepared for a battle with a criminal?" Saunders asked. "If someone were to jump out of the bushes, let's say, their weapon is already out and ready. Time is of the essence, so think about it. By the time I can put my camera down and draw my weapon, either I or my clients could be hurt or killed.”

Saunders said that most Concealed Pistol License holders aren’t tactically trained, so drawing a weapon when out on an engagement session or other job might do more harm than good.

“Not everyone understands how a real life firefight could go down. I do, and that's why I choose to keep my weapon at home when I'm with clients," she said.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is a 12-year licensed concealed pistol carrier and active auxiliary police officer who is also an established wedding and event photographer in a major metropolitan area. He was granted anonymity for the sake of his business, as it might be affected by this article.

There are lunatics everywhere. Who says giving up your stuff will protect you? That may work sometimes but not always. Sometimes, lunatics are into random violence, not just robbery,” said the photographer, who disclosed that carrying is a personal choice for him and that he doesn’t disclose it to clients.

“Responsible gun owners don't tell people they are carrying. One, many people aren't comfortable with it, so there's no point. Two, it isn't something to brag about. It is for protection against bad people,” he added.

The photographer said he began carrying on the job out of general concern for his safety while hauling gear around jobs in the city.

“I think I've been carrying around 10-12 years, not sure precisely," he said. "I was worried about crime and thought it was a good idea."

When asked for comment, National Rifle Association Spokesperson Lars Dalseide said: “Whether at home, on the job, or in the field, the NRA supports every law-abiding gun owner’s choice to safely and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights." He elaborated: "The right to carry was only available in a handful of states in 1991 while violent crime was at an all-time high. By 2015, more than 40 states had adopted right-to-carry laws, and the violent crime rate had dropped 51 percent. Should all the credit go to the new right-to-carry laws? No, not all. But criminals are less likely to attack targets who might be armed."

New stories of photographers being robbed or mugged aren’t unheard of, so it's no surprise that many people consider a concealed weapon as a precaution. On the other hand, statistics tend to find that guns are used far more often for killing than self-defense. But if guns aren't for you - for whatever reason - Saunders says vigilance and some streets smarts are most likely enough to keep you safe.

“I photograph in Detroit almost every week, and I love my city. I've never had a problem,” she said. “My advice is to always be aware of your surroundings. Know the areas you are working in. Don't trespass. Don't take your clients to abandoned buildings. Work in well-lit, well-traveled areas. If you see someone down the street approaching you on an 85-degree day with his hands in his pockets, wearing a thick jacket, and looking around, get in your car and leave.”

It should be noted that in many states, concealed weapons are not permitted inside of churches or synagogues, nor are they allowed in places of gathering that exceed set capacities. If you're a wedding or lifestyle photographer who carries or is considering carrying a gun, make sure to check the regulations of the state you work in first.

Where do you stand? Is having a concealed weapon with you on a shoot something you’d consider? Do you already carry? Should your clients know about it? Let us know in the comments.

 

Adam Sparkes's picture

Adam is the Assistant Director of Photography at Central Michigan University. He has been pushing a button for a living since 2009 and for that entire time constantly finds himself correcting people who pronounce it "fur-tographer".

Log in or register to post comments
537 Comments
Previous comments

Who is one-eyed here Matt? You make points, I rebut them, then you cross your arms. I'm the one who should be pissed by being condescended to and falsely assumed to be cowering in fear for my life all day. My day job is on a military base 8 hrs per day without my firearm; just as you live without one, I can too; if I was as you depict, then I'd work elsewhere. So it's a false assumption.

If you don't mind, please read my response to Pedro a few comments below, "The hypothetical knife fight", as the same question goes for you.

I am very vocal, because I've found that most who oppose do so out of ignorance; if not cultural conditioning or a life event. I was ignorant and on the other side of the fence, but learned more and began carrying.

common sense is avoiding a knife fight, not bringing a gun to it. sorry Jordan, it might just be cultural, but i see no common sense in your words where as in Matt's, i can totally relate to his opinion.

Do you see everyday citizens fighting terrorism with guns in the UK, Belgium, Spain or France ?! no. there are people trained and with the right job to be able to do that. And where did you read or heard that common sense says you can't avoid every fight ? That's not common sense speaking, it is you and your opinion. It might be your opinion that fleeing a fight is an act of a coward. I'll gladly be a coward to everyone in this world, as long as i'm intelligent enough to be able to survive such an encounter. Pulling the trigger would not be an option. I'm not trained nor do i want to be. When it comes to guns, i'll avoid every fight. If your going to defend the use of guns by photographers, you should have good arguments. The violent history of the world should teach people to live a more peaceful life and find solutions with words, not guns.

i honestly stopped reading here "It requires no special, only accessible to police, training to shoot someone that deserves to be shot." and this is where you become irrational to me. have a good day.

no one entitled you the right to decide if someone gets injured or dies under your own hands. I get it. You're the "eye for an eye" kind of person. that's not my kind of perspective on life and after exchanging a few words with you on this topic, it is clear to me how obtuse your common sense is.

My approach to this topic is educational and i do like to understand both sides and different perspectives, but so long as you interpret this as "i silenced you", the only thing i have to say is that i don't really care about your childish thoughts. So again, if you wish to believe you have silenced me with your amazing common sense and arguments, you may do so. I'll stick to my opinion and i honestly don't like to waste my time with narrow minded people. have a good day sir.

The reality of most of us "discussing" with you Peter, is that our daily reality is that these things ample occur in our society.

So a good thing perhaps is asking yourself that question, why does it happen more in the US, and do something about that.

The issue Peter, is not the reality we live in, but the society you live in and what you can do about it. There is not a day at work as a photographer, that I step outside my house and believe that somebody is attempting to kill me, my wife or my child. Not during the day, not in the evening and not during the night.

Yes Peter, I understand now.

The rest of the world and all of us here not agreeing with you and which are non-Americans are all fascistic anti-American foreigners or liberal anti-American Americans.

Neither do I have those days Mario, and what you can do about it is trivial when the survival rate is 99.998%; however, if you wish to do something about it and be ever vigilant, then it's simple; arm up. The day may never come as it doesn't for many, but, if your fate is to confront it, you will be ready to 'do something'.

You should have read further ;-) You do not agree with Peter, so you are a naive pacifist, but not only that, you are even a fascistic anti-American.

;-) Not that Peter is bashing you or so, that is just a general opinion of him on anybody who has a different opinion.

this comment is so rude and uneducated that it doesn't even deserve an answer.

My comment does not apply to you Pedro, that is what Peter said about you in his comment here above (which he now took away, as it was edited a while ago).

ah, sorry. i apologize, i got it wrong. anyway i gave up on Pete and you should as well. ;) Nothing interesting can come out in any kind of conversation with people like him. (Note : not americans, i have many interesting american friends. What i mean is obtuse people) ;)

No issue ;-) Have given up already on Peter. I assume he is a true right right wing republican and anti everything that I find quite normal. We are so far away in our believes that there is no way to bridge that gap and understand each other.
Not that he will even try ;-) as from post one I am set away by him already as a fascistic anti-American.

The hypothetical 'knife fight' was an unavoidable one; an unfair advantage in the victim's favor.

You mentioned the 'penis size' angle that people (not you) love to throw in, and often opponents argue that I ought to fight like a man; "stick up my dukes"; that's complete insanity; a criminal wants to trample over my basic human rights, and I need to meet him squarely? Fat chance.

Yes, I prefer to avoid ALL altercations, even verbal ones; I am forced by law to exercise restraint, avoid when possible, attempt to deescalate, and flee; "don't start none, won't be none."

I am truly trying to understand the outside perception. I say anything contrary to outside belief and am instantly 'Yosemite Sam'. While the truly touchy trigger finger lies with those outside of the U.S.; quick to judge. I mean we do in fact have laws here; the right to bear arms is not a right to kill. Many people here are comfortable with firearms, capable, and safe, but they are scared out of carrying one for the incredible responsibility on top of the intense scrutiny you will come under if you use it.

What baffles me is the dissent towards little ole' me, who lives by the law and is a careful cautious person; meanwhile there are criminals that act with complete disregard for life and the law.

none of my comments where personal to you or people from your nationality. the point here is "should photographers carry guns". My opinion - no.

I respect your opinion although i honestly don't like it (as if you care!) and i must say i'm very glad to read this from you "Yes, I prefer to avoid ALL altercations, even verbal ones; I am forced by law to exercise restraint, avoid when possible, attempt to deescalate, and flee; "don't start none, won't be none."

well said !

You haven't, and I thank you. I do care, but respectfully disagree.

Congratulations, Fstoppers: the bait has yielded clicks.

As a photo journalist in the late 1970's, I had a Ruger Security Six 357 stainless in my camera bag. At that point in my life, I was full of piss & vinegar, and thought I could take on anyone at any time. Over the years, I found my thoughts on this have mellowed. I sold off the last of my firearms back in 2009 to build another studio.
These days, I routinely have between $30k-$40k worth of gear on gigs, and feel no desire to pack heat. I have great insurance, do my best not to be put in a compromised situation, and seem to have very little issues whether here in the states or abroad.

that is an excellent point!

Was the collection that massive?

If you concealed carry you're a pathetically and irrationally frightened wuss.

Erik, please don't. You're only revealing your own shortcomings and ignorance.

This lie only brings tears of pity to my eyes. So pathetic that I have a powerful option of defense in a world ridden with evil. So irrational to be prepared for situations no one wants to imagine. Yet somehow I remain frightened.

Frightening is your negativity and lack of confidence in your own sexua identity.

My wife is pathetically and irrationally fearful of men thrice her size?

I too carry concealed whenever I shoot (my camera). I pray I never need to use it.

Not often.

What is this "sweeps week" talk about click bait!! :)

In a nutshell both sides are motivated by the same thing, fear or concern.

Many of the Anti Gun folks have a visceral fear of guns and their use and misuse. Maybe its misguided, I know a few people really are terrified of guns as if they would spring to life and shoot people. Some even say the police should be unarmed.
Many of the Pro Gun folks have a concern about theft, robbery, rape, being shot themselves, the government and other threats. Are the threats realistic? Maybe, statistically speaking probably not, but you never know.

I probably know a couple hundred people (rich, poor, country, city, various ethnics) and so far none have had to kill anyone with a gun, except in war...and a police Lt shot a guy in an elevator...
Maybe I / we have been lucky.

No one is going to change their mind because of a photo forum discussion.

Well said.

The first 'well said' that I can award on this thread. I just don't agree with your last line.

I'm as vigilant verbally as I am with my carry practices, and over my days of interacting with many I have learned a few things about anti's:
★First, they generally lack familiarity with firearms; never touched, shot, and carried; undisputedly.
★Second, they have a misconception (foreign and domestic) of American laws and sometimes reality in general.
★Last, there are 3 people at the end of a discussion: The one who continues by engaging in character attacks, one who respectfully acknowledges the mutual differences and bids adieu, and one who changes their mind upon learning facts previously ignorant of.

The final one is as uncommon as people who can swallow their pride; by that I mean they often go undetected as few are willing to come out and say, "you're right!" They're the ones that drop out of a debate at an odd time; everyone wants the last word when they are standing for what they strongly believe; they suddenly go silent as if they spontaneously combusted out of frustration. Those ones. Send a private message; no response. Hunt down their username and the bastard is busy tearing into liberals like one of Michael Vick's agitated and starved Pitbulls sent after a pack of frantic teacup Poodles with dripping cuts of raw beef cruelly dangling from their necks; God save them. Yes, at that moment you casually back out of the room in awe of what you just witnessed; a tear of joy rolls down your cheek. Even if they're just 1 out of every 100, then they'll still lead on to influence another 1 out of 100 and so on, and so on; start to factor in those who aren't commenting, and my head begins to hurt; for that I trudge on.

I enjoy shooting firearms. At the range, or in the woods. Or in a sandpit. Bring a gun on assignment? No. Definitely no. Been at this for over 30 years and have never had a problem.

I don't see the disconnect.

The officer in the story chooses not to for artistic reasons, which I can understand; she's concious of it to the point of being mentally disruptive for her. You didn't mention carrying, thus I'd assume it was not habitual so would easily not top your packing list. Conversely I'm guaranteed to have a gun if I am wearing so little as gym shorts; in other words near constantly, unless restricted by law.

That said, when I go out for a project it's just there as always; there's no extra thought involved. The ONLY time it comes to mind is if I'm getting into position for a shot and need to lay on my side or down on my belly. In that case I ignore the slight discomfort by some adaption.

Never had an issue either, but I still carry. Kind of like never being in a car crash, but I still wear my seatbelt. I believe a car crash is more likely.

Liberty and ignorance cannot coexist.

The U.S. should always remain a Republic, because I value individual freedom. Republican under Common Law, and democratic under statutory law.

Shooter of Cameras and firearms. I carry every day and It's among my every day carry. Personally speaking I am responsible for my own safety and my friends and family (and clients) when they are with me - that's how I look at it.

I'm 40 years old and have only once "presented" my firearm to a rather agitated man after asking me for some money. I told him " sorry no, I don't carry cash." He asked again to "just look in your wallet and see" two more times. each time he stepped closer. I took a step back, and said "No i will not." He starts walking aggressively towards me and now he's yelling, . . . "JUST GET YOUR WALLET AND LOOK!!" I pull my firearm and tell him "Sir, if you do not leave I'm going to shoot you!!" THEN he backs up and said "WOAH I'm not looking for trouble!!" I yell at him one more time to leave. He does. Thank God I had my everyday carry-gun. I also had my bag with my 2 VERY expensive cameras.

Now some might say that I "over-reacted."
I'm not a mind reader and I didn't know if he had robbery, assault or even murder on his mind. However, the situation was automatically defused when he had no advantage.

A soldier once told me "if you're in a fair fight, your tactics suck!!"

Sometimes I like to travel to the middle of nowhere, or off road in my Jeep. I am FAR removed from help or emergency services so my safety is essential, it's why I also carry a medic bag when I go on my little adventures. I WILL say it is vital to obey all local, state and federal laws to which i do. Everyone can live by their own rules with regards to their own safety.

Am I invincible? No
Am I Rambo? No of course not. I don't own an M-60. ^_^ But I want one.

It all comes down to legalities and personal preference. AND being self aware of your surroundings - and avoiding trouble is the best policy.

657

This article invites political commentary on the stupidy of American gun laws. In Canada, we have tough gun laws, and NO ONE carries a gun here. In fact, you would be arrested if you were caught carrying or concealing one. While I know American gun lovers like to scream about their constitutional rights to own guns, the sad truth is more people in the US die from these armaments than from car crashes, terrorists or any other type of fatality.

Honestly, I would be more worried about travelling in some major US cities (and I've been in a few) than in any of the more than 50 countries I've travelled in, and I've been in quite a few desperate places.

If you own one, leave it at home. The only shooting you should do, is with the camera in your hand.

Frederic in Montréal.

I'm in the very pro-CCW camp. As a disclaimer, I'm a part-time photographer and a full-time career LEO. I find that carrying a gun comes as naturally as throwing a cellphone in my pocket, and I'm sure not going to go out for a shoot in a less-than-safe neighborhood (while toting thousands of dollars of equipment) without also bringing my pistol. But, that's just me.

Carrying a gun does carry with it a certain amount of responsibility. But, honestly, firearms competency isn't as hard to learn as some people would suggest. Like any other technical skill, it takes some time and practice, and a steady hand helps (hmmm... that sounds like a task that most photographers could quickly master).

For those who would suggest that gun owners are filled with an irrational fear of being harmed, I would merely point out that I've met a LOT of victims of violent crime over the years, and many weren't emotionally or physically prepared for a confrontation prior to the crime being committed against them. Most people are good, some people aren't. Like it or not, that's the world we live in.

Photographer with conceal carry possibly saves his own life.

http://www.cbs46.com/story/23654471/man-nearly-shot-in-buckhead-taking-p...

Erhm no. Dear America, please whatever it is. Stop it. Regards, Australia.

Although protection against snakes, crocodiles and wild boar may be required in some northern parts of Australia. A boomerang may suffice.