Travel light and stay mobile. For a dense, fast-moving crowd, skip the tripod/monopod—they’re awkward and can become unsafe. Carry the camera ready to shoot, with the strap on securely; a small case you can quickly drop it into can help while moving.

Bring spare batteries and multiple medium-size memory cards rather than relying on one large card. A lens cloth is useful, and a simple plastic bag can help protect the camera in rain. If possible, a longer or faster lens can help, but one body and one versatile lens is usually better than carrying too much.

Use a shutter speed fast enough to freeze movement, raising ISO as needed. Shoot plenty of frames and compose a little loose so you can crop later.

In confrontational situations, prioritize safety: keep hold of your camera, avoid getting drawn into the crowd, and comply with instructions from authorities.

On UK legal issues, photographing in public— including police—has been contentious at times, but there is guidance from UK photography-rights resources and police websites. In practice, it’s wise to know current street-photography guidance before you go. If legal certainty matters, check up-to-date UK-specific sources rather than relying on assumptions.