I reformat my memory card every few uses, so that would be a pain to keep taking a new picture. I also use multiple memory cards on a big trip, adding more hassle. It’s pretty easy to just put a return address sticker on the camera if you want it sent home.
I put a tiny “reward for return” sticker with my cell phone number on all of my SD cards. I figure that I’m more likely to lose them than then entire camera, and I generally value my photos more than the camera (the photos are essentially irreplaceable). I use a Brother P-Touch labeler, which makes very nice, durable, tiny labels.
Or just “protect” the image on each card.
Rather than a piece of paper with my home address, I use a JPG with my email address. I display the jpg on my monitor and take a picture of that.
First, take a picture of your penis with the camera. If you do not have a penis, your own genitals will substitute. Upload the picture to your computer and attach it to an email with the file name: did you lose your camera and did it take this picture? Send it to everyone in your address book. Within a week someone will claim the camera and you will be forced to resign from Congress. The opposite of progress.
Yeah!..But keep the camera…
But I format the card, not just delete the images.