Photographing protest and the police

[Bernie Gunther]

A crucial role was played by video evidence volunteered by a US visitor in getting an inquest held and then a verdict of 'unlawful killing' in the Ian Tomlinson case. I don't think anyone doubts the importance of that video.

With the government's brutally divisive policies and increasingly heavy-handed police tactics for repressing dissent, there's an ongoing need to make sure that inappropriate and/or illegal behaviour by the cops is clearly documented (I'm sure they and the media can be counted on to do the same for demonstrators) and that evidence to counter the sadly all-too-frequent media disinformation about protests is available.

Perhaps Urban's expert demo photographers might therefore want to share their tactics, tips, techniques, equipment suggestions and so on.

 

[editor]

Here:
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-photographing-police.html
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographing-protests.html

 

[Bernie Gunther]

Here:
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-photographing-police.html
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographing-protests.html

Was just going to link those. While very valuable, they're more focussed on rights than tips and tactics though?

 

[Bernie Gunther]

Some other useful links:

http://www.photosig.com/articles/1616/article

http://photographywithoutborders.org/2011/01/how-to-photograph-protest-demonstration/

http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/th...graphers-Protest-photography-by-David-Hoffman

 

[RoyReed]

And another:

http://photographernotaterrorist.org/

 

[big eejit]

I took some pics of the recent riots in Stokes Croft Bristol. Based on that single experience I'd say:

- use a fast lens. This was night time so I used a cheap 50mm lens
- get as close as you can. You have to get close with a prime lens to get a decent shot, but...
- be aware of your own safety. Where are those bottles landing? Why are those 6 police vans pulling up behind us? What's my way out of here?
- take as many pics as you can. Bring a spare SD card.
- avoid taking pics of protestors breaking the law. Personally I'd hate to take a brilliant pic and not be able to publish it.
- know your rights (v useful links above, which I didn't know about before), but don't expect them to be respected.

As I say I'm by no means an expert - probably better taking a look at some this bloke's pics of various Greek protests:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/teacherdudebbq2/

 

[DaveCinzano]

(Seems as good a thread as any to post this)

Joel Goodman is being leaned on by South Yorks Police to hand over his rolls from the recent riot in Rotherham - he's fighting it.

 

[Mr.Bishie]

I know Joel well. He certainly won’t give up on this. He was also one of the photojournalists stopped by police with Jess Hurd on the M23 into Brighton on their way to cover a far right demo. “I’m A Photographer Not A Terrorist” came about due to police harassment. They won that case.

If it’s not death threats from fash, it’s the old bill making your job harder than it fucking should be.