Reliant Park shooters

[eurotrash]

just a quick question.

so if i park across in the teal lot ill be walking across kirby either with (a) all my gear ready to go. 4pm during the day might be ok, but after the game, by myself, in the dark with UH students and homeless refugees staying at the dome wandering around or (b) carry my gear inside in a bag and stow it in a safe place in a media room while im down on the field, then safely carry it to the car afterwards.

im kind of concerned. ill be alone and can definately handle myself, but ill have a rented lens with a replacement cost of like 6000 and my gear as well and dont want to put myself in an unsafe situation.

any ideas/insight will be appreciated

-Todd

[mattchow]

iblooters.

[LoungeLizard]

while not an answer, you'll be in a crowd. Chances of someone going after your gear in a crowd as you describe will not be great.

I'd alsy advice against taking all your gear with you. Take what you'll need (don't forget the monopod!) in a small backpack that you can keep on your back or move easily.

[CypressPhotog]

after all this shooting stuff in NO, I just wouldn't even attempt it.

[akkording]

I think HPD will have better control of the situation. They know what happened in NO so I'm sure they will have precaution measures in effect. I also heard they will be detained in that area so they can't leave and roam the city to cause any trouble.

[Steelsun]

Just got back from the dome, there is a heavy presence of media and security as well as Red Cross volunteers. (we are working on finding about 180 people now to get out of there and sent to corporate and family housing)

They are not letting just anyone in though. Saw a few photogs outside the gate with L glass taking shots.

[Stephen]

I will be there too and am worried about the samething. I plan on carrying a monopod in my right hand ready to beat off anybody that looks threating.

I will be wearing a blue shirt and khaki shorts and will be shooting with a 400L 2.8 and a 120-300 2.8. Say hi if you see me.

Stephen

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Stephen

I will be wearing a blue shirt and khaki shorts and will be shooting with a 400L 2.8 and a 120-300 2.8. Say hi if you see me.

Stephen

Thanks for the description! I'll be "looking" for you! I've always wanted a 400L 2.8! (Only kidding...)

Overall, I feel safe in a crowd that is moving along at the same "pace" - except for the pick pockets.

[zepp]

These people coming into Houston for relief are tired, weary, and exhausted almost to the point of being in shock. Most will probably collapse and sleep for days after having a bit of food and water that they have been without for days.

I think you have more chances of being robbed of your photo gear by listing it here in your signature and having a local thief look you up on the Internet than to be mugged by a refuge tonight.

There are bad people in every crowd so all you can do is be smart and aware of your surroundings like you normally would when carrying your gear to and from.

Go get some good photos….

[akkording]

Yeah change your outfit and pack the mace. you'll be alright.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by zepp

I think you have more chances of being robbed of your photo gear by listing it here in your signature and having a local thief look you up on the Internet than to be mugged by a refuge tonight.

There are bad people in every crowd so all you can do is be smart and aware of your surroundings like you normally would when carrying your gear to and from.

Go get some good photos….

I think that's the point I was trying to make! I feel safer leaving Reliant after a game than walking around downtown with my camera!

[Kar]

Check this out. They are giving the refugees free tickets.






Aug. 31, 2005

HOUSTON, Texas - The University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with Buffalo Specialties, will distribute 2,000 free red T-Shirts to Hurricane Katrina victims who are attending the Houston football game with Oregon at 6 pm tomorrow night at Reliant Stadium.

The T-Shirts will be distributed in the Budweiser Plaza entrance of Reliant Stadium, which is the south part of the facility. Those residents of the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi who were displaced by the hurricane devastation can receive a free ticket to the Cougar-Duck football game by showing a valid driver's license or ID.

Also, UH Athletics will provide drop off points at each entrance to the stadium for those fans wishing to donate money to the Red Cross Relief Fund to assist the victims of this natural disaster.

[Steelsun]

I'll be there again Friday morning. I'll be walking around with a big dayglo sign with names on it (looking for certain people to rescue).

Our associate that was there this evening said it's chaotic inside. He said it seems he was the only white person on the floor of the dome, and that there was a definate high level of tension and anger. He warned me to be sure I did not bring any valuables.

Kinda scary.

[eurotrash]

thanks for all the input, i made it out safe lolz.

ill post some photos later on.

i was just unsure of the facilities since i have never shot there before, but its nothing like i feared.

[Steelsun]

Spent a few hours there this AM, saw a few camera types, but mostly appear to be media types.

I was carrying a large yellow sign with some names on it.

My arms are tired from holding it up in the air.

It's still chaotic with information flow very meager and dissordered, but they are accomplishing their main goals: Food, Place to Sleep, and places to wash up.

After all the hardships and misery they've gone through, it was nice to see the children there playing, coloring, doing puzzles, etc.
The amount of gang bangers and lowlifes though was startling.