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Theft In The Georgia Dome
Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 2:59 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> I know this is a pretty slim chance but I want to try everything. I had a 400 f2.8 Nikon lens stolen from the sideline last night while covering the SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome. Apparently the person who took it was another photographer. The lens shade and the monopod were found in one of the photo workrooms. That is bad enough but making matters worse, the lens was a loaner from NPS. I have filed the police report with the proper authorities so this is a plea for information.
If any of you guys hear anything that would be helpful in recovering the lens please pass it along. It just blows my mind that a photographer would steal from another photographer and I hope it is not true. I would actually feel more at ease with this if it turns out the thief were not a photographer, it just doesn't look like it right now.
You can contact me through my member page if you have any information that might be helpful.
Thanks in advance. |
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Sam Santilli, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Philippi | WV | USA | Posted: 4:30 PM on 12.07.08 |
| ->> Gary, I too have had gear stolen by fellow photographers....sick feeling to say the least. Best of luck getting your 400 back. |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 6:08 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Sorry to hear of the loss. It really makes me wonder when I see threads like this and the other from today about ethics and morals away from the job.
One can only hope the thief is stupid enough to send it to NPS for a CLA or repair.
--Steve |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 6:16 PM on 12.07.08 |
| ->> maybe contact the person in charge of credentials for the game to send out a mass email for you? |
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Joe Livingston, Photographer
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Dallas | GA | USA | Posted: 7:31 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Sorry to hear about this Gary, its really disturbing to think someone that has the "supposed" ethic morales of a Photojournalist would do such a thing.
But then again I havent been happy with the credential policies for quite a while. Some of the supposed PJs on the sidelines obviously have no right being there other than having a friend in a position to get them a credentialled buddy pass...
Check common things like craigslist and ebay.. |
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Christopher Kays, Photographer
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Benton | IL | USA | Posted: 8:15 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Simply amazing what people will do.
Not to mention a 400 f/2.8 is not a very common lens, so why would you steal something like THAT if you were going to.
I hope you find the person and get their head on a monopod. |
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Bob Ford, Photographer
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Lehighton | Pa | USA | Posted: 9:03 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> On the sidelines of an NFL the 400 f2.8 IS a very comon lens.
What's going to stink is the person who stole it is probably going to sell it, then when the poor guy that buys it sends it in for repair he he won't get it back.
No offense Gary, but I can't understand why you would let a borrowed lens out of your site. |
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Alex Menendez, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 9:13 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Whats the serial number so we can be on the lookout for you?
alex |
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Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 9:56 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The serial number is 200361. The lens is a Nikon 400 f2.8s and it is version I and not version II. The lens has no shade as the thief left it and a damaged monopod in one of the photo workrooms.
The lens was laid in the place where the Georgia Dome asked for equipment not in use to be placed. This area was behind the benches and in front of several security guards and police officers and there were several other long lenses laid in the same area.
I took the lens and laid it aside when the game clock got down under about 1:30 and the game was decided. It is hard to get react stuff on the field while lugging around the 400. There is no easy way to carry the lens and move through the crowded playing field in the immediate post game atmosphere. I have laid lenses aside like this for 15 years to cover the immediate post game and have never had a problem. I have done it with personal gear, company gear and even the occasional loaner. One simply believes in the integrity of other photographers.
I will say the person who took it had some audacity to grab the gear when it was literally right in front of a stadium security. Am I at fault for not carrying it around the whole time? Well, I guess you could say so but this has been my practice and the practice of many, if not most, other photojournalists I have worked around.
Thanks again for all the help and concern and if you do happen to run across the person just let them know I would like a word with them, would you! |
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Wes Hope, Photographer
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Maryville | TN | USA | Posted: 10:17 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> Do you have any contacts with the local TV folks? Might be able to check their b-roll or out takes or whatever they call it from last few minutes of the game. Who knows? You might see something. I'd say check with whoever was doing the actual broadcast because you know they had at least one camera on a wide shot, but that might be the hail mary to what is already a long shot.
I remember the last time I shot in the Dome (the last time the Vols where there whenever that was) I did the same thing, but I had an uneasy feeling and went back for my lens. I can't explain it... I just didn't feel right about leaving it behind. But I've done exactly what you did countless times.
Good luck. |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 11:28 PM on 12.07.08 |
->> you said "The lens was laid in the place where the Georgia Dome asked for equipment"
THATS the problem...how does a rent a cop know your gear from my gear? He doesn't.
We've all done it and at the end of he night we probably don't realize how lucky we are when we pack up our gear. I feel for you man, hopefully your insurance covers your butt here.
Good luck.
Delane |
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Patrick Murphy-Racey, Photographer
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Powell | TN | USA | Posted: 2:01 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> Years ago, I shot Hank Aaron at home plate at Turner field for a magazine shoot. It was pretty involved shot where I utilized strobes outside and lit him. I shot with the Fuji GX680 camera and a whole Lightware case full of glass for it. Afterwards, the assistant and I took the art director to the Hard Rock Cafe in ATL to celebrate the successful shoot. We left Turner Field, drove downtown, and parked in a park & lock garage, and went across the street to enjoy our lunch. When we came out, the car had been broken into and the contents of the trunk emptied through the back seat. NOTHING was visible in the back seat of the car which meant that someone followed us from the Braves all the way downtown, watched where we parked, and then went for it. ATL is a real city with big time crime. I watched the internet for a year straight after that and never saw anything pop up for sale from my gear.
Getting that serial # out there so early might help you... I hope it does!
You might also think about putting the lens on this site:
http://photo.net/registry/
Good luck, pm-r |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 3:21 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> Does the lens holding area have a place where you could lash up a PacSafe? |
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Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 5:33 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> No places to lash up a PacSafe that I saw. They location was just below the stands so there was nothing special. It is just where we were supposed to stow equipment not in use. BTW, there is no possibility of anyone from the stands reaching down and snagging it due to height and due to the security guard standing there staring at them and there were plenty of security guards.
PMR, I will have a look at that registry and probably give it a try. Thanks again for all the help. |
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David G. McIntyre, Photographer
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Beijing | . | CHINA | Posted: 6:03 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> If they laid the monopod and lens shade in the workroom, take them to you local police and have it dusted for finger prints.
Should be yours and a couple others. Might work? Tell them you would pay for the test. |
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Paul Nelson, Photographer
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Temperance | MI | USA | Posted: 6:40 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> Patrick - A big thanks for sharing...that situation (Atlanta) is one I think many of us take for granted. Another reminder to pull all cards out of the bodies, especially if all work isn't transmitted, before being physically seperated from the gear - like in a car. I need to be more strict on myself due to the nature of crime. We all learn from our mistakes, experiences and friend's advice. |
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Christopher Kays, Photographer
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Benton | IL | USA | Posted: 7:44 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> Bob - I know it's common for a football game, but I was saying in general!
I'm still baffled by this situation! |
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Jean Finley, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 8:07 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> What about GPS chips on or inside a lens? |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 9:51 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> You should contact NPS soonest so they can watch for the serial number in their own repair centers and their authorized affiliate repair companies. Also some local dealers contact NPS when a "suspect" piece of gear is brought into their used counters.
Also your insurance carrier will want to have that info as well for any possible investigation since this is a fairly high-ticket item.
I know it's common practice but leaving gear basically unattended is always risky. We were recounting just the other day how many 400 2.8 lenses have "walked away" from inside the media workroom at the Rose Bowl...and the room is filled with photographers and editors and there are "security guards" by all of the doors.
Sorry read about this... |
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Derick Hingle, Photographer
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Hammond | LA | USA | Posted: 10:24 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> So sorry to hear this, I definitely don't let a lens like that out of my sight, I secure my gear at all events even though I trust the photographers I work with I can't control who else might walk by, another photog friend of mine had his 400mm stolen at the high school state championships a few years ago. Best of luck in finding it. |
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Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 10:44 PM on 12.08.08 |
->> This is a good news, bad news situation. The good news is my newspaper's insurance is going to cover the loss. The bad news is it is a pretty expensive lesson no matter who is paying the bill. I will just have to figure a way to keep the lens on me when shooting post game stuff.
NPS has been notified and the serial number is out to everyone who needs it. I will be in touch with police to get finger printing done on the gear left behind and who knows if maybe the video surveillance in the Dome might have picked up on the perp. The person clearly left the field area earlier than almost every other shooter and then left the workrooms before anyone came back so maybe between all the things working here we can catch the person who did it.
By the way, if anyone has a good method for carrying around long glass while shooting the post game mob scenes on the field please share it. I used to carry around my long stuff but I kept banging people with the lens and monopod and in those crowds on the field it proved very difficult to manage. |
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Chris Stanfield, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Atlanta | GA | USA | Posted: 10:58 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> Just a thought, but are you sure it was another photographer? I'm surprised that no one mentioned the possibility of a security guard having access to both the field and workroom. It's happened before. How helpful has the head of security at the Georgia Dome been? |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 11:01 PM on 12.08.08 |
| ->> Maybe putting the lens in a pacsafe anyway might be a bit of a deterrent. It would be a lot more difficult to be inconspicuous, that's for sure. |
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Marc F. Henning, Photographer
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Bentonville | AR | USA | Posted: 12:20 AM on 12.09.08 |
->> Gary,
First I'm truly sorry for what happened to you and I hope the rat bastard is caught. If not, Karma is a bitch and he/she will get his/hers in the long run.
All 400's do come with a shoulder strap, though the NPS loaner and its strap might have gone their separate ways long ago. At the very least you can ditch the monopod and carry the 400 slung over your shoulder behind your back when shooting in the post-game scrum. A monopod is a lot cheaper to replace if it gets snagged.
I am guilty myself of stashing my 400 along the sideline too in the waning seconds of a football game, unless I'm at a really big game in a big city like Atlanta. That's when the shoulder strap comes out of the case.
Hope everything works out for you.
marc |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 12:58 AM on 12.09.08 |
->> I use a Bogen pivot head on my monopod which allows the monopod to fold down somewhat when I carry a long lens and monopod over my shoulder.
You might also consider carrying a cable and lock and looping the cable through the strap loops on a Nikon or putting a 1/4" - 20 eye bolt into an unused threaded hole on the lens's tripod foot, and secure the eyebolt with a locking nut.
If someone really wants to steal something there isn't much to do the actually stop them, but many thefts are crimes of opportunity where the thief is looking for an easy pick. I never walk away from my laptop without locking it and my backpack to something solid, same can be done for long glass left on the sidelines at the end of a game.
--Steve |
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Mark Almond, Photographer
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Birmingham | AL | USA | Posted: 1:10 AM on 12.09.08 |
->> Gary,
I was guilty of dumping my 400 briefly in Atlanta Saturday also. I took a chance and left it behind the CBS camera platform in front of a huge Atlanta Police sergeant. I guess I got lucky but I'm not taking chances again. I'm ordering a cable lock that should fit through the strap eyelet on the lens. It probably won't stop a determined thief but should prevent someone from grabbing and running. Here's a link to a similar lock on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Zelco-Lumilock-Cable-Combination-Yellow/dp/B00005YXZA...
Hope the lens turns up. Don't think you are safe in the photo workrooms either. A lens was stolen in Tennessee's new workroom one week. A camera body was stolen there a few weeks later. |
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Ron Scheffler, Photographer
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Hamilton (Toronto area) | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 1:43 AM on 12.09.08 |
->> Came across this recently for tracking stolen photo equipment: http://www.registeryourcamera.com/ it looks to be a very new site, so there's not much on there yet. I'll admit I feel a bit uneasy uploading a list of all my equipment, even if it's not publicly accessible, but at least posting something that's been stolen shouldn't be an issue.
We've all left equipment along the edge of a field... I guess we shouldn't be too surprised this happens from time to time. How often have you ever been challenged to prove that the equipment you've just picked up off the field is really yours? It's never happened to me... therefore, how will security/police really know who the stuff belongs to? Perhaps Steven Frischling's suggestion in his blog of tagging gear with loud colors is something to consider... to make an item more conspicuous.
I was in Atlanta for the Broncos game a few weeks ago and ironically I had this discussion with a photographer visiting from Denver... in the end we both decided to leave our cases/bags/laptops in the media workroom (though of course no guarantee something wouldn't go missing there since it's only one door from a busy hallway).
And I second Paul Nelson's suggestion. I now always take the memory cards with me if I have to leave equipment unattended, in my car, etc. At least it will save the client and probably your reputation since reshoots are usually not an option for things like sports events (or weddings, news, etc.). |
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Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 1:41 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Chris, the Georgia World Congress Center police have not been helpful at all. I can't even get those guys to return phone calls and emails and it is pretty frustrating. I think if we can just get someone to check the surveillance video during the finals minute of the game and the first few minutes after the game the person will stand out because he would be about the only one in the hallways with a big lens. The rest of us were out working.
I have used many of your suggestions to try and make it as difficult as possible for the person to dump the lens. If anyone has more than what is posted just drop me a line and I will try and pursue any angle possible. Thanks again for the suggestions and the criticisms. Both are helpful. |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 4:33 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Question; Are you required to place unused equipment in that area? Seems that if the facility is designating that The Area for Unused Equipment then they have some liability for whatever is left there.
After all, if they claim they aren't liable for items left there, then why are they designating an unsafe area as a place to leave equipment?
-R- |
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David G. McIntyre, Photographer
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Beijing | . | CHINA | Posted: 5:02 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Talk to the office of the people that run the place. You might just have to show up and talk directly to them and find someone that will listen to you and see what they can do.
The director of the facility should be helpful in some form. If they don't help, you can also write a letter to the local media and call a couple local TV news directors ad tell them about the possible thefts happening and that they might want to do a story about the lack of cooperation to protect users of the facility. It would get some attention I think. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 5:46 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Ron they'll argue that the designated area is meant to keep the cheerleaders, dish boys, etc, from tripping over gear left in random locations, not that the area is any safer for your gear.
Same deal with having a designated parking areas. I once worked for an entity that designated employee parking almost 2 blocks away. When a female was assaulted, she tried arguing that the employer was responsible for her safety to and from the designated area because she would have otherwise parked much closer to the building. Didn't work.
Gary it sucks, (even more b/c I was planning to borrow that lens myself ;> ) but seriously if the insurance company is covering the loss, chalk it off to a VERY disheartening lesson learned.
The sad fact is that whoever lifted it knew the ropes and will use it until it stops working then toss it or sell it for parts minus the ID plate with the serial number.
Then again some TSA idiot was taking stuff from suitcases right to eBay............... You can read about it on http://www.flying......... never mind. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 6:26 PM on 12.09.08 |
| ->> Something else to consider when traveling and you have to leave gear in your car, etc. is to at least take your memory cards (or film) with you if you have not downloaded or transmitted them yet. Gear can be replaced, but the images cannot. I would also bring camera bag and lenses with me. Most thieves are going to want the cameras, laptop and lenses because they can easily carry them away and they are easy to sell. I wonder if there are ways to use a cable lock to secure cases to the inside of the trunk? |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 6:40 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Rich you can install tie down rings in the floor of any car or trunk. Drill 4 1/4 inch holes in the sheet metal and use either a few beefy washers or a steel backer plate to prevent having the ring pulled out. Perfect to lock a pack-safe to.
Spray the whole job (underside of the car) with a healthy coat of spray-on undercoat to fight rust so that you can remove the setup if / when you sell the car.
PS Look before you drill!!! I almost wet my pants laughing last time I was at my mechanic's shop. He was replacing a gas tank that Best Buy has drilled into while installing a sub-woofer |
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Ron Manfredi, Photographer
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Merrick (Long Island) | NY | | Posted: 7:25 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> Rich,
I use a cable and padlock to secure my Pelican case in my trunk. Look around under the rear window deck for some openings, or other bracing and pass the cable through and lock to the case/lens etc. |
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David M. Russell, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 8:59 PM on 12.09.08 |
->> You know what's a perfect anchor that virtually every car has? The anchors for a child's safety seat. In my SUV, you can run a cable between the split rear seat and loop through one of the anchors.
No modifications required, and it couldn't be more securely attached. |
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John Plassenthal, Photographer
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Vandalia | OH | USA | Posted: 3:37 PM on 12.10.08 |
->> That's a bummer and I hope the police can tract it down. Unfortunately unless they have good survielance cameras, or someone tries to pawn it, it's not that easy to track down camera gear that has been stolen.
The real kick in the pants is that the guy was probably a GWC that is giving photos away for free to get access. Taking your 400 was a good payment. You may see that lens being used in a game next week an never realize it's yours. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 8:01 PM on 12.10.08 |
->> Hmm...car tie-downs of various sorts.
Next time I shoot football, I will have to remember to park my car along the sidelines. What a brilliant idea. :) |
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Adam Cairns, Photographer
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 9:04 PM on 12.10.08 |
| ->> When I shoot with a long lens and need to carry it with me for post-game activities, I hang the lens over my left shoulder using its carrying strap. I detach the monopod from the lens and hook it on the right side of my belt using a carabiner on the monopod's hand strap. Not only does it free up both hands, but it saves me from worrying about it on the side of the field. |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 9:18 PM on 12.10.08 |
| ->> Also, if you're using a Gitzo monopod you can get one of those belt-loop rings cops and security guards use to carry a Mag Lite on their waists. The monopod slips nicely in and hangs freely. |
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Sam Santilli, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Philippi | WV | USA | Posted: 9:19 PM on 12.10.08 |
->> "Georgia World Congress Center police have not been helpful at all."
Go get a court order for the video. |
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Gary Cosby, Jr, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 11:17 AM on 12.11.08 |
->> Hey guys,
We are making progress on the lens theft. The hood and monopod are being finger printed and I am getting a really good time frame for the surveillance video. When I did speak to the Georgia World Congress Center police and told them what I had going on they were very excited about it. I guess too many of these things just get written off because most of the time no clues are left behind. This time; however, we have evidence and a tight window to check the surveillance video and we even know the route the thief took back to a photo workroom so we have a good chance of getting an ID. The SEC Media office is also helping out by supplying a list of all the people who were credentialed for the game and their email addresses so I can contact everyone in the hopes that it will put some additional pressure on the thief and maybe someone will have seen something. All that information is or will soon be in the hands of the GWCC police. We may not be able to recover the lens but I am fairly sure we can catch the thief. Fingers crossed and prayers offered! |
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Wes Hope, Photographer
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Maryville | TN | USA | Posted: 11:36 AM on 12.11.08 |
| ->> Go get 'em Gary! And keep us posted. This is turning into CSI: ATL. |
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Patrick Fallon, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Columbia | MO | USA | Posted: 2:05 PM on 12.11.08 |
| ->> Have you also been searching craigslist? Friend had a lens stolen during an internship.. ended up on there! |
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Mike Janes, Photographer
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Attica | NY | USA | Posted: 2:48 PM on 12.11.08 |
| ->> Thank you for stupid criminals leaving evidence behind! Hopefully can catch this shmuck and he gets what he deserves! |
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Mike Last, Student/Intern, Photographer
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London | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 2:55 PM on 12.11.08 |
| ->> Yeah it's definitely not a small time crime... a 400 2.8 is certainly a theft over $1000. Can't wait to see how this turns out. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 3:32 PM on 12.11.08 |
->> I wonder if he or she is reading this and wondering about the fingerprints and videotape...and starting to fret a bit.
Maybe you should post a no-question return policy so the person can return it instead of dumping it somewhere...
And I wasn't in Atlanta.... |
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Luke Sharrett, Student/Intern
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Norfolk | VA | United States | Posted: 3:37 PM on 12.11.08 |
| ->> I have a feeling we're going to get this guy. Its like CSI:Sportsshooter edition. |
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Bradly J. Boner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Jackson | WY | USA | Posted: 4:15 PM on 12.11.08 |
->> Gary - A long time ago I was at an Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins game and a shooter from the Arizona Republic had a 400/2.8 lens stolen at Sundevil's Stadium in Phoenix. He obtained a list of names of every person issued photo credentials (not sure who he contacted for that) and called every organization and let them know the situation.
Lo and behold, a newspaper in Washington, D.C. called him back a week or so later and informed him that the freelancer they'd sent to Phoenix to cover the Redskins/Cardinals game showed up at the following Redskins home game with a 400/2.8. The AZ photographer sent them the serial number, and when the freelancer showed up at the next Redskins home game in D.C., field security checked the number, which matched, and had him arrested right there on the field. |
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William Maner, Photographer
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Biloxi | MS | USA | Posted: 4:33 PM on 12.11.08 |
->> I know it's all about having quick access to equipment, but you'd figure some of these modern stadiums would have something like "pay as you go lockers" in the media room...
I realize a lot of old sports venues don't have the spave for such lockers, but they could be very helpful.. I'm thinking lockers like they have (or had) in bus stations, airports, etc.. I realize security issues arising out of 9-11 may have squeezed out public lockers..
Seems like there's always an "if there was this" "if there was that.", but it would be nice if they had some type of locker set up in a media room.. You'd have to have a pass to get into the venue and then show a pass to get into the media room.
I know there's no perfect or completely secure solution unless you have a trusted friend or assistant watch the equipment the whole time..
Good luck on getting the lens back Gary.. Keep us posted... |
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