photographing protesters

[ThomasOwenM]

What if I want to photograph a protest event? There will be two sides who can't stand each other, separated by police barricades. I'll of course want to be a neutral third party, neither for nor against either side. I just want to be there taking photos with my movement unrestricted by the barricades.

I've never done anything like this before. What do I need to do? Should I try to get an assignment from a local publication and then show my press pass to the police? Or should I contact the police first and ask what is required?

[jaypie77]

Just show up and shoot. I've done this before and it was fun. I did get pepper sprayed by accident, but I also got to stand right behind a line of police holding riot shields and masks. It was neat.

[ChrisRabior]

The more easily identifiable you are as being there for photography purposes and not as a supporter for either side, the more likely you'll be left out of it. Usually just by having the gear, you get treated differently. It's amazing how an external flash and a lens hood suddenly broadcast "professional press" even though you might just be there by chance.

Might not be a bad idea to identify yourself to the police once you get there, so they're aware that you're there as observer and not a participant.

[chakalakasp]

Consider buying one of those orange reflective vests that you see traffic folk wearing. Use black electrical tape to spell out "PRESS" in block letters on it, both front and back.

[NZDoug]

Most protesters welcome media as they want to get their points of view out there.
Thats why they are there and hope media will bee too. :p

[Banno]

It's amazing how an external flash and a lens hood suddenly broadcast "professional press" even though you might just be there by chance.

Consider buying one of those orange reflective vests that you see traffic folk wearing. Use black electrical tape to spell out "PRESS" in block letters on it, both front and back.

Two of the greatest tactics known to photographers. Up there with the clipboard, suit and mobile phone to the ear in the business world ;)

[adam LC]

Consider buying one of those orange reflective vests that you see traffic folk wearing. Use black electrical tape to spell out "PRESS" in block letters on it, both front and back.
I was going to say the same thing, a great idea. Wearing Hi-Viz clothing like vests and jackets will seperate you very well.

[amfoto1]

An overstuffed photo vest also is pretty convincing (clarification: stuffed with photo gear, not a beer belly).

Any Canon white lens also makes you an instant member.

Some duct tape on your camera and lens is another "pro" look trick.

Oh, and wear a baseball cap turned backwards.

[Rachel B]

why the tape on the camera and lens? (im probably being dense!)

[ChrisRabior]

why the tape on the camera and lens? (im probably being dense!)

Didn't you know, it's duct tape.. and duct tape fixes EVERYTHING =)

I've seen a lot of L lenses with duct tape over the focus switch and the focus limit switch, so they're not accidentally changed during the course of a shoot. Also used on lens hoods (particularly petal hoods) when a part of it has cracked or broken away. As far as on the bodies, most of the time it's to cover up or hide a crack on the body.

If you've ever seen the difference in how people treat their gear, it usually depends on whether they own it. I've seen a lot of press that are absolutely brutal to gear that they didn't own. No surprise that a lot of 'woops' moments have been repaired by duct tape.

[bluesmap]

baseball cap turned backwards... hahhahhahaa funny one

[DocFrankenstein]

It's like deer hunting. You can wear all the orange vests you want, but there's always a chance someone will confuse you for a goat and give you bullet.

Stay out of the line between the protestors and the law enforcement and you should be fine.

Why do you want to be there anyways?

[DocFrankenstein]

Oh yeah, google "kenji nagai". He's a video journalist that became very popular on youtube.