It’s never been easier for the average person to document his life. Digital photography is so cheap and accessible that you probably have three devices within arm’s reach that you can use to take photos. (Yes, that includes your stapler. Ask your office manager.)
There’s certainly much to love about smaller digital cameras you can discreetly palm until you’re ready to take a secret shot of a pedestrian in a particularly unfortunate outfit; cell-phone cameras allow you to be even more sneaky about it. But for amateur Nan Goldins who are serious about their shots, only a digital SLR will do. Walking around with one slung around your neck allows you to capture the life all around you in your travels, and with high photo quality.
The only problem? Strangers might look at the equipment you’re rocking and mistakenly surmise that you’re a tourist.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to discourage this assumption. You can take photos of things other than major landmarks. You can keep up with the flow of sidewalk traffic. You can leave your enormous fold-out city map at home, along with your fanny pack. But the most effective way to make your circumstances clear to all is to buy and wear this shirt. And keep your camera strap long enough that people can still read the text.
