15 Feb: Join the new Indymedia.ie PhotoGroup

by aj Thu Feb 13, 2003 23:56 photo at nmtbmedia dot com

These are jsut a few things that I find handy to know or remember. There are lots more but I'll let the other people add stuff to this list. In no particular order;

Don’t buy film till the day of the protest or day before and get the weather forecast; it helps when you know what kind of light there is. If in doubt stick to ISO 400. This is not a problem if you have a digital camera.

You don’t need expensive camera equipment. Any camera will do from a disposable (Although they do take good shots I am not too sure as to the impact they have on the environment) to a large format Hasselblad. All you need is the desire to take photos

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You never know you may have to run a lot or stand in the one spot, climb or dive under things, just to get the shot you want.

Be nice to fellow photographers, even the other main press photographers. They have a job to do to get paid to pay their bills and live their life, but don’t feel intimidated by another photographer. You have just as much right to take photos as they do.

One thing I found out from all the protests I have covered in Dublin. IF you want to get a shot of someone and they are being swamped by the media it tends to work in a circular fashion; I.E TV Cameras + Journalist, Then Radio, The Printed Press. This does not mean you can’t worm your way in, you just might have to be a bit insistent and have good elbows :) Or alternatively generally, the subject is speaking about what they have already said so wait till the commotion is all over and then take your picture.

It is (AFAICR) against the law to take a picture or a member of the Gardai from which they can be identified from, unless that member is in the commission of a crime or permission has been granted. Legal heads should really verify this.

Bring something to drink as you will get thirsty, alcohol is best left till afterwards though, but that’s up to yourself.

If you’re bringing “loadsa” gear don’t forget the spare batteries.

Look around, you’ll see loads of other people taking photos, don’t be afraid to take your own shots and don’t feel too bad if you want to take the same shot someone else already took, its not a competition.

Do not get involved in any disturbances (if any) unless you really want to. You’re there to take photos, so document it instead.

If possible, go to a protest with a mate or other photographers, travel in a small tight pack always knowing where you buddy is. If you have no bud (Doubtful) then team up with someone. There have been reports of Gardai trying to intimidate photographers so safety in numbers is always good but no guarantee.

Unload your film and store it in a safe place but not your pockets as soon as a roll is finished.

The Guards do not have the right to confiscate your equipment unless it contains evidence in relation to the commission of a crime. (Again Legal guys, help here)

You can take pictures on public property of private property or persons on private property however you may be opening a can of worms if you go onto private property with out permission (Real or implied will do)

This is a difficult one, but be confident, don’t let 10,000 people all walking towards you put you off, just concentrate on your shots.

Respect other people’s privacy and personal space.

Permission should be obtained from a guardian if taking a picture of a child / minor

Don’t leave empty film boxes, cans or any litter behind you.

If you smoke, get your smokes before hand :)

HAVE FUN – its as much about enjoying what your doing as anything else.

And if you get the shot that makes you happy, show it to everyone :)