7 Safety Tips for Filming and Uploading Public Events

From protests and flash floods to heart-warming community gatherings and spontaneous moments of joy, public events often tell the stories that define communities. These moments can become powerful pieces of journalism, shining a light on truth, resilience, and the human experience.

Filming in public however, especially when emotions are high or crowds are large, comes with its own set of risks. Safety, privacy, and awareness should always come before the shot. Whether you are a Hopper capturing something unfolding in real time or simply documenting an event you happened to witness, its important to protect yourself while helping the world see what matters.

Here are seven essential safety practices to help you record and upload responsibly while keeping yourself and others safe.

1. Prioritise your personal safety over the shot

No image or video is worth risking yourself. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially during protests, public disturbances, or natural events. Stay behind barriers, avoid confrontations, and maintain distance from law enforcement or active emergency scenes.

Use your phone’s zoom feature to capture from a safe space. If something feels off, trust your gut and step away. You can always return to upload what you’ve captured later.

Crowded environments can shift quickly, and it is easy to get caught in the middle of a surge or unexpected movement. Keep a mental exit route in mind at all times, and avoid positioning yourself against walls or in tight corners where you could become trapped. If you are filming in bad weather or near hazards like floodwater, prioritise secure footing and be careful with slippery surfaces.

It can also help to record with your phone held in a way that does not restrict your peripheral vision, so you stay fully aware of what is happening around you. Taking short clips rather than long continuous videos allows you to stay mobile and react faster if needed.

2. Respect privacy and personal boundaries

Filming in public spaces gives you freedom, but it also carries responsibility. Don't recording minors, private property, or people in distress unless there is clear public interest. Blur identifying details before posting anywhere online.

PressHop's guidelines are built to protect both the storyteller and the subject. Respecting privacy keeps your content ethical, credible, and suitable for sale to trusted publishers.

When capturing public incidents, consider whether the people involved might face harm, stigma, or unwanted attention if they appear clearly in your footage. Even when filming in a public area, you are still responsible for handling sensitive moments with empathy. If someone indicates discomfort or asks not to be filmed, step back and refocus your shot on the wider scene.

Journalistic integrity includes knowing when to minimise exposure, especially during moments of emotional distress. Ethical filming helps ensure that your content is not only impactful but also responsible and respectful.

3. Use your anonymity to stay secure

One of PressHop’s strongest features is its commitment to anonymity. You do not need to reveal your name, face, or any personal details. Instead, every Hopper uses a username and avatar, ensuring safety while contributing to real-world news.

If you are filming something sensitive, such as protests or confrontations, keep your identity protected at all times. Upload securely through the app, which encrypts your data before review.

Avoid speaking identifiable information aloud while recording, such as your name or the names of people around you. If you feel uncomfortable being visibly present at a scene, record from further away or from a safer vantage point rather than placing yourself directly in the crowd. Wearing a mask or hood for your own protection in chaotic areas is perfectly acceptable, especially during events where tensions are high.

Remember that anonymity empowers you to report fearlessly without drawing attention to yourself, allowing the story to take centre stage instead of your identity.

4. Know your local filming rights

Every country and city has its own regulations about filming in public spaces. In the UK, filming in public is generally allowed, but it is illegal to obstruct police work or endanger others. Some areas, like train stations or government buildings, may have additional restrictions.

Before recording, assess whether you are in a public or private space and avoid filming where privacy laws are applicable, such as inside shops or residential areas. Staying informed about local laws helps protect you from unnecessary conflict or legal issues.

Familiarise yourself with signage that indicates restricted recording zones and avoid filming in places where private security may intervene. If approached by a security guard, remain calm and politely clarify your understanding of the rules rather than escalating tension. When travelling, research local laws in advance since regulations can differ significantly between countries. Being knowledgeable about your rights also gives you confidence to stand your ground when filming from a lawful position, especially during fast moving situations where people may question your presence.

5. Keep your footage authentic and unedited

Authenticity is the foundation of trust. Upload your videos or photos as they are. Avoid filters, edits, or added commentary that could change the meaning of what happened. PressHop’s three-step verification process checks metadata, context, and originality to make sure every upload is accurate and credible.

If you want to add helpful details, do so in your caption. Stick to the facts: who, what, where, and when. Publishers value clarity, accuracy, and timeliness above everything else.

Capturing events as they unfold gives publishers crucial context that could be lost with heavy editing. Even small alterations like cropping or adjusting colours might unintentionally remove important details that help verify the footage.

Aim to record with a steady hand and clear audio to reduce the need for adjustments later. When filming, hold the camera still for a few extra seconds before and after the action to provide a natural lead in and lead out, which helps editors and fact checkers understand the full scene more accurately.

6. Protect your phone, data, and footage

Your phone is your newsroom, so treat it like professional equipment. Keep it charged, use protective casing, and store backups regularly. Enable cloud sync so that your footage is automatically saved even if your phone is lost or damaged.

When you have recorded something valuable or sensitive, upload it to PressHop as soon as possible. The app encrypts your content before verification, ensuring your material is secure and cannot be accessed or altered by anyone else.

Carrying a small portable charger or power bank helps ensure you never miss an important moment because of a low battery. Consider enabling biometric locks or strong passwords to keep your footage safe if your device ends up in the wrong hands. Avoid leaving your phone out in the open or placing it somewhere it can be stolen easily, especially in crowded areas. If the situation looks unpredictable, switch to recording shorter clips frequently so that even if your phone is damaged, you still retain useable segments backed up to the cloud.

7. Upload responsibly and factually

The story you share might shape public understanding, so accuracy should be your top priority. Describe what you saw and avoid speculation or emotional language that could distort the event. A short caption increases your credibility and makes it easier for publishers to identify and buy your content.

Before uploading, double-check your location and timestamp information. This helps people confirm your submission faster, which means your content can reach buyers sooner.

If you are unsure about a detail, leave it out rather than guessing. Speculation often spreads faster than confirmation and can unintentionally harm the people involved. Try to include simple, factual elements like the direction people were moving or the general atmosphere, without interpreting motives or assigning blame. Responsible uploading helps prevent misinformation and ensures that the truth is presented clearly, giving publishers confidence in using your footage.

Why safety matters

Safety in citizen journalism is not only about protecting yourself but also about maintaining integrity in storytelling. Every upload that respects privacy, legality, and truth strengthens public trust. Citizen journalism only works when it is responsible, transparent, and human.

When you film safely, you give the story the dignity it deserves and contribute to a healthier information ecosystem where real moments speak louder than speculation.

Safe reporting also protects vulnerable people who may be part of a chaotic or emotionally charged moment. Many incidents involve individuals who are distressed, injured, or in need of help, and capturing these moments with care shows respect for their humanity. When you prioritise safety, you also reduce the likelihood of escalating tense situations simply by your presence.

The goal is always to witness, not interfere, and to ensure that the information you gather truly serves the public interest.

Uploading safely with PressHop

PressHop makes it simple and secure to share your footage with the world. Once you record something newsworthy, you can upload it directly from your phone using the PressHop app. Each upload goes through a three-step verification process combining advanced AI and human editors to confirm authenticity before it’s listed for sale.

As a Hopper, you can choose how to sell your content. Opt for Share Mode to sell to multiple publishers or Exclusive Mode for higher one-time payments. Either way, you stay fully anonymous, and your earnings go straight to your linked account once your upload is purchased.

PressHop’s built-in anonymity and security features ensure that your real identity is never revealed. You can contribute to the global news cycle with complete peace of mind, knowing your privacy, payment, and safety are protected.

The app also gives you visibility into what types of stories are trending and what publishers are actively searching for, helping you tailor your efforts without ever compromising your safety. Every step of the process is designed to ensure that your contribution is valued, protected, and handled securely. Whether you are capturing a once in a lifetime event or a small but meaningful community moment, PressHop offers a safe space for your work to shine and be rewarded.

Join our community of 17,000+ citizen journalists already making the news. Download the PressHop app and become a certified Hopper today.🔥 Here are the links to download the app 🔗 - iOS and Android