In 2018, while filming a fitness video at Cape Town’s Rhodes Memorial, I became so absorbed in framing my gimbal shot that I backed off a 5‑meter drop. The fall shattered my heel, fractured my leg, ribs, pelvis, and spine, and required two major surgeries. It took six months to regain the ability to walk again. This experience underscored the critical importance of basic safety protocols for creators, from having a spotter to maintaining situational awareness.
Lesson 1: Never Neglect a Spotter When Moving Backwards
When working with heavy equipment or unstable terrain, always have a trusted spotter or partner to alert you to hidden hazards. Even a brief lapse in focus can lead to catastrophic injury.
Lesson 2: Keep a Tight Grip on Your Equipment—Even on the Beach
During a long‑exposure shoot on the coast, I left my Nikon D810 and 16‑35 mm lens on a tripod a few feet away. A wave unexpectedly struck the tripod, sending my gear into the sea. Fortunately, the battery and SD card remained dry, but the camera was water‑logged. The incident cost me a brand‑new camera and a valuable lens. Insuring your gear can mitigate such losses, as it did for me.
Lesson 3: Secure Every Joint on C‑Stands and Light Trays
While setting up an LCD light panel on a C‑stand, the arm’s knob was not fully tightened. The arm spun, and the panel knocked a Sony 70‑200 mm f/2.8 OSS off my shelf. The damage could have been avoided with a quick check of all fasteners before adjusting the stand.
Lesson 4: Maintain Stability on Uneven Terrain
On a cliffside in Indonesia, I stood below the famed Shark Teeth rock formations to capture a long‑exposure image. A sudden gust of wind tipped my lightweight travel tripod. My guide’s timely warning allowed me to catch the tripod before it fell. Prioritize sturdy gear and remain vigilant in challenging environments.
Lesson 5: Protect Filters from Sand and Moisture
While photographing the Namibian desert, I repeatedly applied and removed a polarizer filter. Sand adhered to the microfiber cloth I used for cleaning, gradually scratching the filter’s surface. After several days, the filter required replacement. Store filters in dust‑free bags and clean them in a controlled environment.
Lesson 6: Guard Against Theft and Vandalism
On a busy street, curious bystanders surrounded me while I demonstrated a drone. A passerby attempted to lift my travel tripod and documents from my camera bag. A nearby guide intervened and prevented the theft. Always keep valuable gear within sight and consider using a lockable bag.
Lesson 7: Avoid Improper Cleaning Techniques
When teaching my son how to change lenses, he blew air on a sensor to remove dust, inadvertently leaving a droplet of saliva on the lens. While most stores offer free sensor cleaning, avoid blowing directly on the sensor; instead, use a microfiber cloth or a dedicated sensor cleaning kit.
Lesson 8: Keep Flammable Materials at a Safe Distance
My first camera, a Canon PowerShot S3 IS, suffered a permanent smudge after I photographed candles too close to the flame. The heat burned the glass, leaving an indelible mark. Always maintain a safe distance from open flames and use appropriate lenses designed for low‑light situations.
Final Thoughts
These incidents serve as stark reminders that even seasoned creators can fall victim to preventable mistakes. By integrating simple safety checks—spotters, equipment inspection, insurance, and situational awareness—you can protect your health and your investment. Mistakes happen; the goal is to learn from them and share those lessons with the community.
My habit of standing near waterfalls and cliffs to capture dramatic shots has always seemed safe—until one slip changed my trajectory. This story is a plea to all creators: never compromise safety for the sake of a perfect frame.
Mujahid Ur Rehman
Mujahid Ur Rehman, known as Muji, is a professional photographer and independent filmmaker based in Cape Town, South Africa. He specializes in storytelling through photography, short films on YouTube, and a newsletter covering life, people, travel, nature, and motivation. View his work at mujahidurrehman.com, follow him on Instagram @muji.drifts, or subscribe to his YouTube channel @muji.drifts.