Stolen Gear: Camera Trap Fund by Ryan Pennesi

Update:

WOW...I am blown away by the support network I have in all of you. This fundraiser was truly a success and I have all of the funds I need to replace my camera trap--and more! Words cannot express how grateful I am to you all. The effort here has allowed me to continue doing what I love. 


My Story:

 

My name is Ryan Pennesi and I am a visual storyteller and nature photographer on a journey to uplift conservation of our valuable natural resources. One of my most powerful tools is "camera trapping" where I put a motion triggered DSLR camera in a waterproof box in the woods. It allows me to capture unique images of wild animals without physically being there. It is one of my absolute favorite pastimes, to track wildlife and scout out new locations to place my camera. I was looking forward to checking my camera recently after 3 weeks in the field. Fresh bobcat tracks led up to my setup, but there was no camera to be found! My entire camera trap setup was stolen; gone without a trace. I felt sick to my stomach. I have done everything I can think of to try and get my property back, but unfortunately, it hasn't panned out.

 

As an emerging professional without an insurance plan on my lost gear, this is a huge blow to my craft. The property that was taken is valued around $2,500. In order to continue the photo projects that I have planned, I am asking for help from my community in rebuilding my setup. I wouldn't ask for donations if I had another option and I am truly grateful and appreciative for any help you can give! I am not asking for the full value of the setup because I plan to fund what I can afford myself. Funds generated will be used to replace the most costly portion, which is the DSLR camera body as well as a few other necessary accessories (including a camera tripod, external battery, and GPS tracker).

 

 

 

 

Pictures of the camera trap setup in the field. 1st image: Bottom left is the waterproof box with camera inside. On the tree to the right of the box is the motion sensor. On either side are two off camera flashes in homemade housings. 2nd image: the pelican case is opened to reveal the camera.

 

 

Here is a list of what was stolen (* next to what I will use these funds to replace):

 

 

 

Mitigating risk and preventing future theft:

 

The biggest risk of course is that this happens again...Putting expensive camera gear on public land is inherently risky. No matter what type of lock I have, if thieves want it bad enough, they can probably take it. That being said, I have some new tools (among a few old tricks) in my arsenal to mitigate the risk of theft and damage. I plan to take the following steps:

 

1) Lock, Lock, Lock. This involves locking the pelican box itself with a padlock as well as securely fastening the setup to robust trees with python cable locks.

 

2) Insuring my equipment against damage and theft (I plan to insure through RAND insurance)

 

3) Placing a GPS tracking device in the pelican box with an external battery will allow me to see in real time where my setup is on a map from my smart phone.

 

4) Utilizing laminated signs on the setup identifying: my photographic intentions, contact information, and a warning about the setup being tracked via GPS. I see this as a way to reduce someone's skepticism and urge to steal my property.

 

5) Placing the camera setup well off of hiking trails and high human traffic areas and camouflaging the setup as best I can.

 

6) Removing the setup from the woods during deer hunting season.