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Protests, civil disobedience and even, at the extreme, revolutions, have always played an important role in shaping society and driving change in the relationship between the citizen and the state. However, it wasn’t until the invention of photography and the affordable camera that protests and the causes they stood for were able to be broadcast to the entire population of a nation and sometimes, even the world as a whole.
The famous picture below, taken by Malcom Brown in Vietnam in 1963, won the Pulitzer Prize the following year and made it onto the front pages of every newspaper around the world by the following week! The monk was protesting the Vietnam war and helped to inspire a generation in the West to take up banners and protest for a more peaceful foreign policy.
Widespread Availability of Cameras Changed The Culture of Protest Forever.
The history of photographing protests began as soon as people were able to acquire cameras and be on location to shoot photos. Early examples of photography that sought to bring the suffering or causes of an underclass date back to the Great Depression of the 1930s however cameras were still too cumbersome to be easily carried around and so the artform wasn’t able to take off at that stage.
By the 1960’s however, the ownership of cameras was relatively common and every newspaper had teams of photojournalists working for them. This coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in modern American politics and led to a whole series of incredible protest photography that helped to define the era in the minds of a global audience.
It was quickly realized that photography was one of the most powerful ways of shaping public opinions, promoting advocacy and the activists behind protests while exposing injustices in a way that anyone could understand. A single image could portray a huge emotional and informational payload that could rapidly be spread around the media.
The Vietnam War and The Birth of Modern Protest Photography.
The 1960s were a tumultuous era that saw huge changes in the civil rights of Americans, new rights for women and a massive upsurge in anti war sentiments, particularly among the younger demographic of the country.
These sweeping societal changes were largely led by nationwide protests however, it wasn’t only the actual act of protesting that brought these issues to the forefront of the public imagination. The photographers who captured these scenes on film and got them published in newspapers played a major role in catapulting the demands of the protestors into the minds of the average non-political American which in turn helped to change the tide of world events.
These protests and the civil rights movements that were ultimately behind them, went on to change American society forever and are rightly remembered as an important part of the nation’s history.
One of the most famous photographs that was taken during this period was the image of a student putting a flower into the barrel of an M14 rifle, held by a soldier, outside the Pentagon. This was one of a whole series of photographs that portrayed the protests of the famous ‘Flower Power’ movement. The photo was taken by Bernie Boston in 1967 at the event, ‘March on the Pentagon’, that took place in October of that year.
Protest Photography – How Can A Photographer Cover A Protest?
If you’re planning to shoot some protest photography – sometimes described as ‘extreme street photography’ – then you need to be aware that you might find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. This means that you need to stay focused and conscious of your surroundings at all times.
Protest photography is a valuable social tool that helps to create a lasting public memory of the events. As a photographer you will be playing your part in building a permanent record of current history while helping to make the demands of the protestors more widely understood by the general public.
To take good protest photography you need to be able to work on your feet and snap pictures of action that is sometimes unpredictable and fast moving. You also need to keep yourself safe and out of trouble during what could be a very energetic and action packed day!
This means that most of the time you will want to stay on the fringes and where possible get yourself in positions that are above the action so you can see more clearly what’s happening.
Practical Advice For Protest Photographers.
- Dress down. Don’t wear clothing that makes you a target. Avoid wearing badges or joining in the chants of slogans. Remember, your primary role is to be a photojournalist so the less you get caught up in the action the better you can do your job!
- Try to keep yourself separate from the protestors as well as the police. You want to be as neutral as you can while you are working in the capacity of a photographer and so even if you personally agree with the cause you should still maintain a professional distance from the events. This will allow you to take better photos as well as help to keep you safe if things get more heated.
- Take steps to keep you and your kit safe. If you’re attending a protest to take photos and you think there is a chance of violence then wear a helmet, shin pads, tough boots and comfortable clothes. You can even put a ‘Press’ sticker on your helmet if you want to distinguish yourself from the protestors to the police who will be present.
- Don’t forget to bring a backpack with some food and water. Cereal bars and chocolate are a good quick source of energy and the water will keep you hydrated. You may also need the water to clean out your eyes if you find yourself in the midst of a tear gas attack!
- When choosing what camera to bring to a protest you should select a fairly small, unobtrusive camera in a sturdy case. You don’t want to stand out too much with a large telephoto lens that may get damaged in the end anyway! You can also use your mobile phone as a backup camera as well.
- Bring a map of the location with you. As the protest moves through the streets you may decide to cut through some side roads to get ahead of the action so you can take some pictures of the protestors rounding a corner. This is much easier if you have a map with you. You should also study the map in advance and have at least two ways to get out of the situation if things get rough.
- Study police tactics and maneuvers. Police may kettle the protestors or charge them – in which case, you want to be nowhere near the scene when they do!
- Work in pairs or groups. If you can it’s always safer and more enjoyable to work with other photographers. This means that you can keep an eye out for each other and watch each other’s backs if things get out of control. Have a pre-arranged location to meet up if you get split up.
- Take the time to learn basic First Aid skills and carry a small First Aid kit with you in your backpack.
Aesthetic Tips For Protest Photographers.
Action shots tend to make the front pages and get the most shares online. The old newspaper slogan, ‘If it bleeds it leads’, is unfortunately true, so keep your eye peeled for those fast paced moments in time which capture the visceral dynamics of the event.
When you’re taking photos look for angles and perspectives that are unusual or striking. You can use banners and other items that are on location to frame shots and create the sense of drama that will capture the attention of audiences. Try to get into different positions, such as above the crowd in a building, to take those interesting shots that no one else is getting.
Look for individuality in the crowd. When you’re shooting your protest photography try to pick out interesting characters in the crowd and get their photos. People who resonate with the event and the cause can make a great single image that will sum up the protest for posterity.
After the Protest – Getting Your Photos Seen.
The internet and modern media moves at light speed so you need to have ways of getting your photos seen right off the bat. Of course you can share them on your social media but if you have contacted local papers and websites that might be interested in the events in advance then you can send your photos directly to them before the smoke has even cleared on the protest. Planning ahead will maximize your reach and help your photos to be seen by the greatest number of people.
What Kind of Camera Should You Be Using For Protest Photography?
There’s heated debate about what the best type of camera is for protest photography. One of the primary factors to consider though is that you want a small, cheap looking camera which won’t be stolen and will be easy to move around the scene with.
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit.
This beautifully versatile mirrorless digital camera combines superb still photo capabilities with excellent 2160 pixel video and with its solid grip and understated look you can easily slip under the radar and get those unique protest shots.
The hybrid functionality makes it one of the best options available for protest photographers and with a fast 0.02 second auto focus, an XF 16-80mm lens and robust LCD touchscreen you can work on the move while maintaining crystal clear shots.
You can swap out the lens if you want to do some long distance telephoto shots or use a Prime lens in amongst the action at the protest; but its standard lens is perfect for any type of photojournalism on the ground, even in a hectic environment!
Protest Photography Has Helped To Shape The Modern World.
The history of America is built on protest and making its own way in the face of tyranny or injustice. From the earliest days of the Founding Fathers right up to the modern era, America is a nation that has rallied behind the rights of the individual and stood up for freedom of speech and association.
Protest photography has played an invaluable part in the formation of the cultural landscape of America, and the world at large, and with the ever increasing availability of easily affordable camera equipment this is a trend that looks set to last long into the future.
Have you photographed a protest?
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