From violent protests to foreign war zones, some photographers put their lives at risk every day to capture some of the most perilous places on the planet.

While there’s no doubt that these events can produce incredibly dramatic and thought provoking photographs, if you are considering shooting in a dangerous location there are a number of things to keep in mind before you go.

Blend in

When shooting in a dangerous location it is best if you try not to stand out from the crowd. Learn basic phrases if you are travelling to a foreign country and try and keep your clothing and behaviour in keeping with local customs.

Don’t go alone

Go to the event with a colleague or a friend, or at the very least let someone know where you are at all times. Ensure your phone is fully charged and switched on, so you are ready to dial should an emergency arise.

Be aware

If you are photographing a busy location, follow your instincts and retain a sense of the atmosphere at all times. Keep an eye out for trouble and be ready to respond should the event take a turn for the worst.

Research the area

Familiarise yourself with the location of the event well in advance if you can. If you are shooting abroad then scout out the area online. You will be much more confident to handle an unexpected situation if you are familiar with the location.

Know when to leave

If an event becomes too heated then take the opportunity to leave. Your life is much more valuable than any photo will be.

Insurance

It’s always good to have peace of mind, so take out insurance with InFocus before the event. Our leading policies provide comprehensive worldwide cover to professional and amateur photographers and video makers.

If you are travelling abroad, our policy automatically provides annual ‘worldwide’ cover for your equipment, subject to normal policy terms and conditions, however you should contact our team in the event that you intend to travel to areas that the foreign office advises against travelling.