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TIPS & TRICKS

Articles, Guides and Resources for Photojournalists

Guide for Photojournalists Covering Protests

1. Safety First

Personal Protection:

  • Clothing:
    • Neutral colors, non-branded clothing (avoid black/red, which can be mistaken for protest groups).
    • Helmet (bike/skate helmet works) and shatterproof goggles for protection from projectiles and tear gas.
    • Sturdy boots—expect to run or stand for hours.
  • Gas/Smoke Protection:
    • Mask: N95 or P100; a half-face respirator is ideal.
    • Goggles: Sealed, anti-fog swim or tactical goggles (not vented).
  • Ear Protection:
    • Small earplugs for flash bangs or crowd dispersal weapons.
  • Medical:
    • Carry a mini first-aid kit (bandages, saline wash, tourniquet).
    • Milk of magnesia or Maalox (diluted 50/50) to flush tear gas—but be cautious applying it without training.

2. Know Your Rights (U.S.-based)

Legal Basics:

  • You can photograph anything in public where you are legally present.
  • Police cannot confiscate or delete your photos without a warrant.
  • If arrested: stay calm, identify yourself as press, and ask for a lawyer.

Best Practice:

  • Carry press credentials prominently (even unofficial ones help).
  • Know local laws about curfews or declared unlawful assemblies.
  • Use a second phone or cloud backup for images in case of equipment loss or police seizure.

Resource: NPPA: Know Your Rights

3. Gear Recommendations

  • 2 camera bodies (wide & telephoto to avoid lens swaps).
  • Fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster for low-light action).
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and microfiber cloths (for smoke/ash).
  • Discreet bag or backpack—be nimble and avoid bulky gear.
  • Wrist strap or crossbody slings—helps prevent gear snatching.

Tip: Tape over camera branding to make your gear look less flashy.

4. Visual Strategy

Capture:

  • Wide shots to show scale.
  • Medium frames to tell human moments.
  • Tight portraits to show emotion.

Don’t Miss:

  • Protest signs (document message).
  • Police-civilian interaction.
  • Behind-the-scenes: medics, street art, volunteers, grief, solidarity.

Best Light:

  • Late afternoon (golden hour) or use street lighting creatively.
  • Use fast shutter speeds (1/500+ for action, 1/1000+ for clashes).

5. Ethical Considerations

  • Minimize harm:
    Don’t publish identifiable faces of vulnerable protesters (especially in authoritarian contexts or immigration actions).
  • Consent when possible for close-ups or sensitive scenes.
    Balance public interest with personal risk to the subject.
  • Caption accurately:
    • Who, what, where, when. Avoid assumptions.
    • Avoid loaded terms like “riot” unless confirmed contextually.

Follow: NPPA Code of Ethics

6. Situational Awareness

  • Always know your exit—protests can shift suddenly.
  • Stay on the periphery during heavy clashes; don’t get boxed in.
  • Watch crowd mood, police formations, and your surroundings constantly.

Tip: Pair up with another journalist or set check-in intervals with someone.

7. Additional Resources

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