That kind of events might be kinda intimidating, even more if u re an anxious person. I don’t know your age, and your interest. In my first year, i started going to anime and comic conventions. Cosplayers are kindest people ever. They always are grateful for being photographed. And was a great training for me. Technically and socially. I learnt how to talk to people in those places, to work fast and many more things.
this post was submitted on 19 Nov 2023
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A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.
This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.
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As protests go, you should be prepared to accidentally catch some splash damage (tear gas, pepper spray, being kettled, etc) regardless of your clothing. The suggestion of a high viz vest is a good suggestion though.
I shot most of the 2020 protest movement in SF on a bike and with a huge DSLR and a number of GoPros. The vast majority of people, protestors and cops included, did not concern themselves with me. Learn to read the scene, get away from bad situations if you are worried. You might miss a moment, but trusting my gut in these situations has saved my eyes and throat several times.
Protestors are liable to be very wary of being filmed. If asked to stop, it is a smart move to stop, or at least don’t film the individual that asked. People are putting their lives and livelihood on the line in many cases. There may be powerful people or nation states that want to do them harm. You can’t be the arbiter of how valid or likely that chance might be.
Absolutely film the shit out of police or public officials, if your local laws allow it.
One cardinal rule to live by at protests or large events/disturbances: KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. Do not take a stance, at all. Remain neutral no matter what your feelings are. Even if you think you’ll be on the more popular side of things. Involving your personal stances either way is a bad, bad idea. Don’t wear shirts about the topic, or have a signs.
As ~~protests~~ riots go, you should be prepared to accidentally catch some splash damage (tear gas, pepper spray, being kettled, etc) regardless of your clothing.
Fixed that for you. No protest should have tear gas or pepper spray...
Shouldn’t, but cops do stupid shit all the time
I live in the UK so perhaps it’s different where you are, but generally this kind of stuff isn’t used at the types of events I’d be interested in so I’ll be fine for that. And yes in the UK filming laws are very liberal so there’s no legal problem here.
People are saying to wear a hi-vis during demonstrations... Stupid idea IMO. Unless you want to be mistaken for someone connected to the demonstration.
If you wear something that says media / press. You will most likely be questioned to where you work by the organizers. Even if you don't have meda / press you'll still probably be asked. If you have MEDIA written on a jacket, and someone asks what outlet you shoot for. Saying you're shooting for personal interests will be very odd.
Last Saturday in Seattle during the Palestine protest. There were 6 street photographers, 3 or 4 press photographers, and a handful of other photographers that I've never talked to so I don't know who they are.
You'll always be anxious, until you do it. I have social anxiety, and pretty introverted. It was nerve racking the first few times I went out. Once you do it, you'll realize you've made it all up in your head. Do it enough you'll eventually have a bad experience.
Normally people at large public events want to be photographed. Protests want to be photographed to get their message out. Most likely you'll be thanked for showing up.
Yeah I’ve hardly got a press card so I can’t use clothing that indicates as such, though I’m not sure what issue there would be with just plain high visibility clothing. The main thing I’d want to avoid is a situation when the police tries to stop movement into a certain area, which is particularly prevalent at counter protests where you need to keep two opposing sides separated, and I’d be identified as a protester instead of a disinterested observer.
For instance in the US you have ACLU legal observers, who are able to be identified easily as separate parties to protesters (at least I hope they act impartially)
what issue there would be with just plain high visibility clothing
Here is an example of what I'm trying to get across.
https://i.imgur.com/moRiGA1.jpg
Everyone in that picture with hi-vis vest is with the group as security. NLG just wears hi-vis hats. If you have a hi-vis vest on here. You'll be identified as a protestor / part of the security team. Maybe they don't where you live. But you'll have to show up and verify that your self.
which is particularly prevalent at counter protests
Gotcha. I've never been in that situation. That feels like something where you should ask before going into the DMZ. If you do get it, get the shot and get out quickly.