Why I’ll Stop Photographing Protests (Maybe You Should Too)
Dan Ginn
Since I began making pictures, I’ve always been drawn to protest photography. People making their voices heard, fighting for what they believe in and coming together in union, it all makes for great photo opportunities. However, as time passes, I no longer see value in photographing protests, or more accurately, I no longer believe my photos can add value to the cause - yours likely won’t either.
A Change in Photographing Protests
When I first began photographing protests over a decade ago, things felt a lot simpler than they do today. Perhaps I’m being naive but it felt like protests were more unified, a way to keep governments accountable or ensure marginalized groups were treated fairly.
Today, it seems protests always involve two sides and which one you photograph is seen as representation of your personal beliefs.
I recall an interview I did with one of my favorite protest photographers, Christian Cross, back in 2021. An image circulated of him amongst members of a right wing protest group in the UK. In the interview he told me how he received backlash for being part of the group, when in actual fact he was just attending the event to make images. He spent a good while defending himself, when really, he shouldn’t have to.
Dan Ginn
In more recent times, I posted an image of a pro-Israel demonstration. I received messages from several people wondering why I was promoting them. Weeks later I photographed a pro-Palastian march and also received comments asking how I could support them.
Dan Ginn
“Pick a Side”
As much as it’s thrust upon is in the current climate, the role of a photographer was never to “pick a side”, but rather remain neutral and create true-to-life images that tell a story. Even if you did sympathize with one side or another, in the act of making images the goal is keep balance and not let personal thoughts interfere.
Gavin Bragdon is the best example of this. He’s one of the most outspoken anti-Trump photographers I know, yet he photographs MAGA rallies and treats the attendees with humility and respect. In his interview with Them Frames, he told me..
“...MAGA pisses me off…but when I’m out there shooting, my photographer’s hat is on. The aforementioned negative emotions take a back seat. A morbid curiosity and fascination takes over. I become a sort of tourist at a strange amusement park or an astronaut on an alien planet. I’m this curious observer with a camera. It’s all in the name of science so to speak”.
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Value in Protest Photography
Returning to my own experience, there was a time where I thought by photographing protests I was making a difference. I was creating a visual record of important life events and adding my records to the history books. In reality, only a handful of photographers have the ability to do that, and I’m not one of them.
Dan Ginn
When I post an image, sure it may garner a reaction and create engagement - but not the engagement I want. Personally, I no longer want to be part of the negativity in the world, I don’t want to generate toxic debate on social media. I certainly don’t want to have to defend an image I made or have people make judgements on my personal beliefs about a situation.
If I felt my work could make a positive difference, I’d continue, but I don’t think it can. Instead it will just fuel the fire like all the other triggering content we see online and, in its small way, contribute to continuing the widening divide we seem to find ourselves in.
I’m not about to tell anyone to stop doing protest photography. If everyone stopped documing public events we’d be in real trouble. Though, I will ask that you ask yourself the question “what difference can I make with this work?”. If the only outcome is a few likes and more internet drama, ask yourself, is it really worth it?
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