The Ethics of Protest Photography

Should you blur faces of protesters? Is Street photography ethical during a protest? How to photograph a protest.

If you’re watching this video, like me, you’re probably conflicted on what the moral obligations are of photographers during protests. Like me, you may have seen some posts that ask you to blur or obscure the faces of protesters to protect their identity. And like me, you probably googled the heck out of this topic to try to come to a consensus.

Our role as photographers in history has been create a historical record of events, from babies to battlefields. Be safe out there, and consider your composition when you encounter an unmasked protester on the top of the burning police car. If you are a white ally, our role should be to follow, not lead. Our role should be to protect the cause, to stand between the police. Before pointing your lens or posting your photos, ask yourself if the image is a positive contribution to the cause. Point your lens at police, these are the images that help the movement.

#blm
#ethicalphotography
#protestphotography

Donate to Black Lives Matter in your city:

...

=============================
DISCLAIMERS

[markmorinii]

Donate to #blacklivesmatter here: www.blacklivesmatter.com

[apollicino]

Thanks, I am both a protester and an artist. I regularly photograph and post photos of marches I attend. I am also acutely aware that our pictures and videos are utilized by local police to intimidate and prosecute us. I appreciate your sensitivity and desire to be true to the moment. Taking pictures that don't show someone's face, blurring things like licence plates, and simply going up and asking folks permission when you do take a face close up are all easy things you can do without compromising the content you publicise. Ultimately it is about using your judgment and knowing your pictures can be used by all sides for good or bad. A lot of these privacy/sensativity practices are also just good habits to form when knowing there are children, LGBT, or undocumented folks present.

[lexica]

Appreciate that you're engaging with the ethical issues around this and discussing them.

[gznewman]

This is a fantastic video! Definitely earned a subscriber. As a burnt out photographer who used to photograph concerts and some protests, I’m always conflicted about the right to be forgotten. While I want to document protests (and most of my favorite photos I’ve taken come from them) I almost feel like I, as a 6’3” cis white male, am gentrifying or appropriating the struggle of minorities. Maybe just me, but does my art require their struggle to be powerful? It’s a painful dilemma that all good documentary photographers have to ask.

[aidaspuskorius]

Thank you for this, I have recently covered the protests in Washington DC and was skeptical on posting the photos to social media

[InsightImagingPhoto]

Awesome content my friend. Keep up the great vids. Sharing this out to a bunch of photo friends that have been out and about the past few nights with their camera.

[woodedape]

Great video Mark! Do you have any video on how to get into protest photography? How do I find d protests near me. How should I dress. What type of gear is best?

[reelpassionmedia]

Currently receiving death threats for my coverage of El Paso Texas protests

[jpm]

"doxing right wing extremists..." lol

[zoevirginiacurrie]

I really appreciate you making this video! This is very well said and informed content, thank you! #blacklivesmatter

[lawrencecarrasco]

I remember when you posted about this on Instagram

[EVDubs]

I literally just covered the protest in London, so I appreciate the extra input on perspective!

[gusquino]

It’s difficult to have everyone happy in this situations. A photo or a video can be use for good or bad. Can the photographer/reporter be blame 100%. If life was that easy, we as human race should be in a different place now. 🙏

[HeyVirgne]

I really appreciate your input on this! Durring the lockdowns I've contemplated where I want to take my photography. I had decided I wanted to get into some photojournalism style shooting and capture raw moments. When the George Floyd protests started I knew I wanted to go capture the moments. I've been worried about coming off as disrespectful as these are very important very emotional times. After talking to a friend who has been active in the protests I've decided to go up to Indianapolis today and be apart of it and capture images. Black Lives Matter!

[dailynmatthews]

Really well laid out and spoken. Thank you for the information.