Safety Assignment

“One is, know what your fire is doing at all times, so if I’m engrossed in making a picture at night, and there’s a wind shift, I need to be completely aware of that, because if I’m not monitoring what the fire is doing, I could put my life in jeopardy. I can listen in on [firefighters’] communications, so if something happens, I’m aware of it, and I can react accordingly.” Palley also talked to PDN about the equipment he packs.

His kit includes a Hot Shield fire shelter, “a necessity,” he says. Eliot Stempf, who provides security advice to photojournalists and reporters working for Buzzfeed News, told PDN that he recommends freelancers always have an emergency plan in place for a worst-case scenario (abduction, arrest, traumatic injury, etc.).

“Don’t focus on the most dramatic thing that could go wrong.

Also think about car accidents, crime, water-borne illness.

Specifically, we worry about the dangers they face when working in areas of conflict and disaster, and the physical and legal risks they face in their daily lives.

We’ve compiled advice from a variety of experts—including lawyers, insurance brokers and some intrepid veteran photographers—on how to protect yourself, your work and your business. Clients and family members expect photographers to stay connected while they’re in the field, no matter where they are.

You have to be very careful with your battery life.” National Geographic contributor Steve Winter has used both Iridium and Thuraya satellite phones, carrying them in case of emergency, but mostly to stay in touch with his family.

“You talk about problems at home, problems with the car, whatever.

Photographers often have to rely on no more than they can carry on their backs: Mc Bride says he’ll typically pack 75 pounds, including camping and camera gear.

He says, “I [allot] one camera battery for every two days.