Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I'm traveling to Rome, Italy tomorrow. For carrying around my slr, some film and a lens or two, would a backpack be fine?

Has anyone been there? How did you carry around your stuff?

I carried everything in a Tamrac Velocity bag - my 30D - 3 lenses. City is full of tourists and police so it is extremely safe, even after midnight. Get up early to miss the crowds and get dramatic lighting.
A backpack is fine. Rome is a photographic delight.

You can see my shots here:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/72157618803044298/

Thanks Phil!! That eased my mind. You read so much about pickpocketers, that you start wondering what to do. And I'll get up early!

Nice photos, by the way. I had to laugh b/c your foot photo is the same as the cover of Lonely Planet Rome.

still pack some common sense

Very nice series! I love the one of the spiral staircase at Vatican. Now how did you managed to get a shot of the Sistine Chapel ceiling? We are planning to visit Rome next year. looking forward to that trip. Have been there for a day as part of a cruise, this time we will spent more time there.

Agree- when I travel I don't leave the hotel with a wallet. I carry only what I need and have it in a zippered or velcro'ed pocket. Sometimes in a money belt. Rome may have pickpocket problems - I just make sure I never am an easy target for them. Dress sensibly, no need for jewelry or expensive watches. But Rome isn't a place where you'll be robbed at knife point.

I took it without knowing that photography was not allowed in that room. In the long trip to the Cistine Chapel there are a multitude of signs indicating photography is permitted in those rooms - only flash photography is banned. I was still under the impression that the non-flash photography rule was still in effect. So I cranked up the ISO to 1600 and used my f2.8 24-70 lens. Within seconds I was informed of the total ban on photography in that room. In retrospect it was foolish of me to think that all the tourists were refraining from photography because they knew their P&S lowlight shots would be too noisy.

I carried my gear in a regular looking backpack, not a camera bag. And when it was out I had the neck strap looped around my wrist. It was overkill, but all those warnings must be there for a reason

If you're not already aware, take an ultra-wide lens with you! You will need it.

Here's some pics from my trip:
Rome:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddie_82/s ... 368950945/

Monza:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddie_82/s ... 559550648/


Now, take the advice of others and have a great time! Oh, and check your PM please!