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Protest Protection?
Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pittsburgh | PA | America | Posted: 1:57 PM on 09.20.09 |
->> Next week I am covering the G-20 summit. As I'm sure you know the protests in London a few months ago turned violent, and it is seeming like Pittsburgh is going to go the same way.
What sort of protection would you recommend for a photographer covering the protests which have the potential to turn violent? |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 2:08 PM on 09.20.09 |
| ->> I would worry more about the police. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 6:28 PM on 09.20.09 |
->> The best protection is simply common sense and a lot of sheer luck.
You have to read each situation and figure what you can shoot in close and when you need to step back or if you simply need to get the heck out of there to keep from getting injured.
As Jeff said the protesters can be bad but also if you are in the midst of them photographing the police are not going to care that you are press. You will still be in the zone they hit with pepper spray, may get shoved with clubs as they try to clear violent demonstrators or have cuffs slapped on you.
These days simply carrying a camera does not mean anything. Years ago it was only the press with cameras so police may give more leeway. Today many protestors carry cameras for their web pages or to document police actions and therefore everyone is treated equally in the eyes of the law -- you are in the action you are fair game for arrest, etc.
Luckily in the States the police do not use tear gas much but you may want to consider a mask in case pepper spray does get employed. Simple swim goggles will help as well keeping the spray out of your eyes.
But the main thing is what I said first time around: just use common sense and make the call yourself if the danger outweighs the story or vice versa.
In covering IMF/World Bank protests I've been shoved through bushes by police, caught in the midsts of clouds of pepper spray (a nice protestor "medic" washed my eyes out for me), been threatened with arrest, and been threatened by protestors and pushed and shoved by them in the melee.
One good method to employ is if you have a good contact at buildings downtown -- try to get on their roof and photograph the action from above keeping you out of the scrum while getting overall storytelling images.
For me it is easy to make that decision these days: I don't cover the events much anymore and assign someone else to do it. :-) |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 10:45 PM on 09.20.09 |
| ->> Whoever marked my initial response "inappropriate" obviously doesn't know that it's no joking matter when it comes to covering these kinds of events. The police are a major concern and if you know the history of past summits, you would know many photographers simply trying to do their jobs have been caught in the web of law enforcement and been arrested, often for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, regardless whether they used common sense. We live in a police state now more than ever. |
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Dave Prelosky, Photographer
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Lower Burrell | Pa | US | Posted: 11:14 PM on 09.20.09 |
->> To supplement what Jeff says above, the City of Pittsburgh has 900 total officers in the department. Published estimates are stating that there will be a force of 4,000 on hand later in the week. This indicates that the city will "borrow" officers from the suburbs, the Pa. State Police, the National Guard, Secret Service, and any other agency the Secret Service deems necessary in addition to whoever arrives with the 19 other world leaders.
My personal take is that I'm staying as far from downtown as I can manage.
I'm just too middle aged to deal with being in the middle of thousands of potential protesters mixed with thousands of police with marginal training.
Practicing in controlled situations is just not the same as field experience. Someone's gonna get hurt. |
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Luke Sharrett, Student/Intern
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Forest | VA | United States | Posted: 11:59 PM on 09.20.09 |
| ->> Jack, make sure your gear is protected with insurance, for starters. I also saw photos from the last G20 in the UK and some photographers wore bicycle helmets to protect their heads. It might look a little goofy, but it gets the job done I think. I would also try to look as professional as possible. If you go in dressed down, you could be mistaken for one of the protestors. Good luck, and I hope you make some nice images! |
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Dave Prelosky, Photographer
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Lower Burrell | Pa | US | Posted: 12:28 AM on 09.21.09 |
->> As an addendum to my own thoughts,
This is a small city, and I'm hoping that folks who work on the world stage won't find us too provincial. May you help to build bridges and consensus.
To those of you coming to Pittsburgh who will be working inside and outside the boundaries of security or protest: welcome. |
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Michael Ip, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 12:30 AM on 09.21.09 |
| ->> I would definitely bring eye protection. It'll block mace as well as protect your eyes from airborne objects. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Marcos | CA | United States | Posted: 2:00 AM on 09.21.09 |
| ->> Hey Jack, I'd keep a snowboard or skateboard helmet strapped to your side, decent gloves(motorcycle type with carbon fiber knuckle protection) finger tips cut off of course, goggles (as mentioned) and onion or two cut in half and kept in a plastic sandwich bag (rub under your nose if you get pepper sprayed) a vest with big letters identifying you as MEDIA, back up credentials and if you have one a bullet proof vest worn UNDER your shirt. This is a short list and there are a few other things that I utilize when working in this enviroment but this should get you by. Good luck and like the others said... NOTHING beats common sense and knowing when to bail! |
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Neil Turner, Photographer
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Bournemouth | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 5:16 AM on 09.21.09 |
->> Most of the experienced guys over here in the UK wear "bump caps" http://mammothworkwear.com/mammoth-workwear/protective-equipment/hard-hats/... and anti-stab vests with the word PRESS on them. Almost everyone carries goggles in case the mace or pepper spray start to fly.
I would echo the idea that as photographers you get between the lines and neither the police or the protestors will worry about us. It is always a good idea to work in pairs and watch each other's backs and to make sure that you know who the senior police officers are should you get hassle from any of their people.
Lens creep is always an issue: folks start off with sensible ideas about standing back and then one or two photographers will get in with wide lenses and before you know it everyone will have to be right in the action shooting on a 16mm!
Shooting heavy duty demos is part of being a press photographer in London. I don't miss it at all but there are guys who make a big chunk of their living traveling the world and seeking out public disorder.
Neil |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 8:17 AM on 09.21.09 |
->> Jack,
Aside from the pepper spray that has been mentioned I've also seen police here in the states use CS gas (tear gas), "less lethal devices", and what are essentially paint balls filled with pepper residue. All of the above will make you miserable but none as much as a well-swung riot baton so stay out of arms-reach.
Someone above mentioned getting a bullet-proof vest and wearing it under your clothes which would be great if you can get your hands on one but they're expensive. What you're really looking to protect against are the rubber bullets, "sting ball grenades" and rubber batons. Their PC technical term is a "less lethal device" but people have actually been killed by some of these things so please take them seriously.
Since your main goal is to protect against blunt-force trauma, a decent substitute for a kevlar vest is a baseball catcher's vest which you could pick up pretty cheap new, borrow or even find a dirt cheap used one at a thrift store or second-hand sporting equipment store. If you get one try to wear it under your clothes or put a big "PRESS" on both sides... looking like a working pro MAY help you a bit...MAY.
Next try to find a light weight helmet of some kind. Just make sure you can bring your camera to your eye while wearing it.
Next is eye protection. Others have suggested swim goggles which are better than nothing but this is where I'll recommend an actual gas mask. Reason being that CS gas and OC (pepper spray) affect not only the eyes but also the respiratory system to some extent. This means that protecting your eyes is great but it's only half the battle. If you buy a gas mask I'd try to get one that accepts cheek filters because the kind with the big canister thing in the front is useless when you try to bring your camera to your face. If you cannot find a gas mask you can combine goggles with a half-face respirator mask like this one from 3M which will work just as well and be lighter to cart around all day.
http://www.toolsforless.com/product/8895/3M_6200_Medium_Half_Facepiece_Resp...
These are cheap and can be found at Home Depot, Lowes etc.. (but if you feel you need a gas mask then I'll mail you one today.)
Like the hemet though, you're going to want to put all this junk on and make sure you can see through your viewfinder. Remember too that goggles fog up so if you can find some anti-fog stuff rub it on your eye protection and let it dry an hour before you head out.
Put this junk in an easy to access waist pack and if it looks like things are heating up (you'll be able to tell) take it out and put it around your neck so you can don it with your eyes closed.
Someone above also mentioned dressing professionally. I assume they don't mean shirt and tie but rather try to look like a working professional photojournalist. This won't mater to 90% of the police... if you're in the way then you're fair game, but if you end up in a jam, need access to a safe(r) area then looking unlike the protesters will work slightly to your advantage. Also, when the officer manning the "less lethal" gun is looking down range and he has to choose someone to aim at then if you're dressed like a professional PJ then you may win the split second decision in that officer's brain as to who gets the fast-moving projectile.
Also, bring some type of water bottle or Camel Back or something to stay hydrated and maybe some Power Bars. It'll be a long day with a long walk to a restaurant and if this is your first you'll be too hyped up to sit down and order the daily special anyway.
Stay alert and realize that no shot of a bunch of protesters is worth getting trampled or hit in the head with a baton (rubber or wood). If you own your own gear I'd also venture to say it's not worth losing your expensive equipment over either. Shoot wide while it's still calm and when things get a little more hectic move to the sides and shoot with your longer glass.
Good luck and please post your images on you member page.
Oh, I almost forgot. TRY NOT TO GET ARRESTED, but: Have a couple hundred dollars in cash for bail money. If you do end up getting arrested then they'll likely have a preset bail set at something nominal. Paying the bail will be easier and faster than trying to convince some poor over worked and annoyed police officer that he should let you out of the van. Remember though that you likely can't make deadline with handcuffs on so avoid arrest at all cost because you're never going to be able to give an effective legal lesson to an out-of-town cop in a riot suit. |
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Martin McNeil, Photographer
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East Kilbride | Lanarkshire | United Kingdom | Posted: 9:25 AM on 09.21.09 |
->> I'd like to chip in a little on the matter of ballistics protection; yes, it's pricey - but what cost your life?
I've seen ballistic and stab/slashproof clothing for around the £900 / $1500* mark... something I'd consider a one-time investment which I'd hope would never have to do its job.
Even here in the UK where knives are the weapon of choice I'd consider such a purchase to be a good one - after all, we walk around toting $$$'s worth of gear that could look very attractive to opportunist muggers etc.
*example: http://tinyurl.com/kmj4n7 |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 10:04 AM on 09.21.09 |
| ->> Martin I agree 100% that the cost of a kevlar vest is minimal when you consider that it can save your most precious asset. I didn't mean to suggest it wasn't a worthy purchase, I just was throwing out a reasonable alternative for this single upcoming assignment seeing as how Jack appears to be a student. But yes, for working professionals who cover any type of conflict, I'd agree that they should research and purchase the appropriate protective gear. |
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Max Gersh, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 10:44 AM on 09.21.09 |
->> While I've never covered anything like this, I imagine the more you can separate yourself from the protesters, the better. Maybe try wearing a reflective vest with "PRESS" on the back. It won't offer anything in the realm of protection but it certainly will isolate you. The one downside is that you become a bright and easily trackable target.
These vests cost under $20. |
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Martin McNeil, Photographer
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East Kilbride | Lanarkshire | United Kingdom | Posted: 12:58 PM on 09.21.09 |
->> Brian,
Just so you know I; I didn't have any issues with the advice you were giving as I realise all too well that purchasing knife / bullet resistant aparrel is a very costly endeavour - doubly so on short notice. The pointers you offered up were extremely useful.
It's just a sad indictment of our society that we're having to discuss such things at all. I know the world has always been a dangerous place but it seems with each passing generation that violent behaviour is becoming more accepted as a daily part of our lives... and with so many contributing factors, a 'cure' seems a long way off.
I guess I'd never thought I'd be spending nearly £900 on a jacket for ANY reason - let alone self-protection :) |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 2:14 PM on 09.21.09 |
->> Martin, I knew what you meant and you made a great point... I only clarified because I'd hate to think someone thought I was suggesting they head into the streets of Monrovia in a catcher's vest and Tony Hawk helmet ;-) ... not that I'm an expert in overseas conflicts.
Oh, and as far as whoever has marked Jeff's post "inappropriate", as a former police officer myself I take ZERO offense to his statement. In fact he's right. You DO have to worry more about the police. Not because they're evil or "out to get" the press necessarily but because they have to react to whatever force they're being met with. In fact they not only have to react to the level of force they're being met with but they generally have to respond with a level of force greater than that with which they're being met.
I've seen protesters put heavy truck-grade lug nuts in slingshots and sling them at police from very close distances. If you get hit in the head with one of those it could kill you. The police know this, they're nervous, hot, tired and well-armed. When they see the threats incoming they're going to unleash anything at their disposal in the general direction of the protesters (which is generally where we're at). 9 times out of 10 the injuries I've seen at these things are from police weapons, or from protesters fleeing from the police reaction and trampling and running into each other. |
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David Bailey, Photographer
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Christopher Szagola, Photographer
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Richboro | PA | United States | Posted: 6:30 PM on 09.21.09 |
->> Shin guards, like soccer players use. Was talking with someone in Pitt, and what they also worry about is them throwing bowling balls,
Be safe |
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Nina Zhito, Photographer
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bay area | CA | | Posted: 12:43 PM on 09.22.09 |
| ->> cover / protect your gear... if you get OC on your lens barrel, etc, it will wind up in your eyes eventually! |
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Al Diaz, Photographer
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Miami | Fl | USA | Posted: 2:03 PM on 09.22.09 |
->> Jack, besides all the protection, you want to make sure you are plenty hydrated.
The last thing you want is heat stroke. With all the running around and adrenaline pumping that's easy to happen. You can purchase a water bladder you wear on your back. http://www.rei.com/product/748126 or carry some Gatorade and stash some bottles somewhere safe. Keep in mind everything will be closed and you'll be doing lots of walking before all hell breaks lose. Start jogging everyday, you'll be glad you did. The paint pellets hurt but you can keep working. You don't want to get hit by a rubber bullet. That's going to leave a mark. Wear long pants, something with lots of pockets, a long sleeve shirt and good shoes you can run in. http://www.rei.com/product/791763
The Thinktank photo belt system would be good to have. www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliate Enter affiliate code AP-269
Don't put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin as they can trap chemicals. Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath. Carry a small first-aid kit with guaze, bandaids, and neosporin+pain relief, a strong pain reliever, etc.
If tear gassed, your eyes start running and it feels like your breathing in fire. A lot of time the gas will cause your nose to start running and sometimes it may induce vomiting. Tear Gas is made up of little splinter-like crystals that stick into your mucous membranes and skin. So rubbing your skin will make it burn more.
Treatment: For the eyes and mouth, use a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half water. A spray bottle is ideal but a bottle that has a squirt cap works as well. Always irrigate from the inside corner of the eye towards the outside, with head tilted back and slightly towards the side being rinsed. It works great as a mouth rinse too.
For the skin: Use canola oil followed by alcohol. Carefully avoiding the eyes, vigorously wipe the skin that was exposed to the chemical with a rag or gauze sponge saturated with canola oil. Follow this immediately with a rubbing of alcohol.
Again, start jogging every day.
Good luck. |
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Al Diaz, Photographer
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Miami | Fl | USA | Posted: 8:42 AM on 09.23.09 |
| ->> Here's another suggestion. You can always become an embed with the police. |
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Tim Vizer, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Belleville | IL | USA | Posted: 11:26 AM on 09.23.09 |
->> I saw this today (Wed 9.23) on NPPA Website.
NPPA Warns Photojournalists About Police Plans For Pittsburgh's G20 Summit
DURHAM, NC (September 23, 2009) – The National Press Photographers Association is warning photojournalists who will be covering the upcoming G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, PA, to be aware that local law enforcement has stated that the media will be "treated no differently than the public" when they issue an order to disperse.
In other words, photojournalists are just as eligible for arrest as anyone else on the streets, including protesters and other civilians.
The G20 Summit will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on September 24 and 25, 2009.
According to NPPA president Bob Carey, the organization has reached out to law enforcement agencies who are involved preparing for the event, which brings the leaders of the world's top economic countries to the United States to discuss the current economic crisis and examine ways to stimulate the global economy.
“I’m concerned that we may see some of the same unfortunate blanket arrests of legitimate journalists covering a news event," Carey said, referring to last year's arrests and pepper spraying of journalists who were covering the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, MN.
“I've asked our legal counsel, Mickey Osterreicher, to make contact with the law enforcement agencies and to try to work to prevent the type of response that occurred at the RNC last year.”
Osterreicher sent eMails and has telephoned representatives of the Pittsburgh Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI, voicing NPPA’s concern about the treatment of visual journalists and offering to act as ombudsman and photographers' liaison for the Summit.
“NPPA was hoping to establish a dialogue with law enforcement regarding media coverage of the G20, meeting but unfortunately they declined to engage in an extended discussion,” Osterreicher said.
“One of our goals in offering to operate as an ombudsman and liaison for the law enforcement agencies was to help educate them on ways to deal with journalists in a difficult crowd control situation,” Carey added.
The Summit has been classified as a National Special Security Event. Security will be coordinated by the Secret Service working in conjunction with Pittsburgh police. It is estimated that 4,000 police officers have been requested, and the city currently only has 900 police officers.
In his communication from the Secret Service, Osterreicher did receive an encouraging note that they would do their “best to provide the media with information that will assist them in providing coverage of the event and also keep them from harms way if ... the media choose to follow law enforcement directions.”
The Summit is expected to draw protestors involved in peace, environmental, labor, and social justice organizations. The Pittsburgh G-20 Resistance Project has said they plan to hold a march and a day of direct action on the first day of the Summit. On the second day, a Peoples' March and rally in downtown Pittsburgh is scheduled.
NPPA members can send eMail to Carey at president@nppa.org to report problems or request help during the Summit. Both Carey and Osterreicher will be on call to attempt to deal with any immediate needs of members, they said today.
“I am hopeful that we will not be needed and that cooler heads will prevail on all sides, thus avoiding any confrontational situations,” Osterreicher said. |
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Christopher Mitchell, Photographer
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Saint Paul | MN | USA | Posted: 11:32 AM on 09.23.09 |
| ->> An extra pair of eyes is always helpful - if you can have someone with you paying close attention to what is going on while you are shooting, you may get a few extra seconds to react. |
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David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 2:09 PM on 09.23.09 |
| ->> Not to hijack the thread but if there's anybody flying in to Pittsburgh early tomorrow morning and wants to share transportation (as far as we can take it) and hoof it the rest way in just call my cell. |
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