Learn: Top 5 Tips for Protest Photography

Multi-genre photographer Khali Ackford has been at the heart of some of the most culturally significant protests and movements in the UK, including the UK Black Lives Matter movement, the toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol and marches against male violence. But what does it take to capture these intense moments? In this guide, Khali Ackford shares his top five tips for documenting protests through photography. Over to you, Khali.

Through my photography, I want to help shine a light and elevate my community. There is so much more to photography and creativity than making money from it. Although we all need to do so, think about how you can help an unheard part of your community through your artwork. A bit of spare time can mean a lot to another person or people.

As photographers, we are always looking to have the most up-to-date kit and technology to hand. As a professional, that is good practice but my advice is to get to know and utilise the kit you have, it’s not the kit that makes the photographer, it’s your eye and attention to detail.

Get the Right Gear

Since I started photography, I have always used Nikon DSLR cameras. Since I started with a Nikon D300, I have never felt the urge to change brands but have dabbled with other cameras throughout my career. At the moment, I am shooting with my Nikon Z7 body. I wanted to change from DSLR to mirrorless mainly due to the amount of low-light photography I do, but also because the lightweight body of a mirrorless camera appealed to my back.

My style of documentary photography is very much getting in amongst the action and shooting. My go-to lens is my 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, it allows me to capture a wide variety of images without having to change my lens in a fast-paced environment. My 50mm f/1.8G is another must-have in my bag, sometimes I only go out with this lens and my Z7 body. Working with prime lenses is always a preference for me, the depth of field is beautiful and lightweight when you are on the move. I also have my 14-24mm f/2.8G IF-ED to capture those wide shots of large crowds.

I have recently purchased a Fujifilm X-E4 as I wanted a small camera I can have on me at all times. I was sick of carrying all my kit around and finally bought a different brand of camera. I love the built-in film simulations and the functionality of the camera is beautiful and delicate. It's a great little walk-around camera to never miss a moment.

Show Respect 

Documenting protests I think is a very sensitive subject. Why are you there? What are you trying to say through your photography? When I am at a protest, first and foremost I am there to support and march with the people. I built friendships with organisers and regular faces at each march I attended. Trust and respect are built and I was known to document each protest or important event in Bristol. 

As the photographer, you have to understand that there are moments that could incriminate people in your photos and I personally think it is our responsibility to protect their identity by masking faces. As a mixed-heritage photographer, the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020 were very emotional and important for me to document. I didn't hold back whilst capturing these protests and the people there. I feel I had no problem getting in close and personal whilst shooting. In contrast, I was documenting a march against male violence in 2021. I went there with the same energy but pretty quickly felt myself backing away from moments I would normally run in and capture. Women crying or having emotional moments would show the atmosphere from the day but to have a male photographer in your face I knew would not be welcome and I didn't want to invade their space. My point is, there are times to hold back and times to go in. Please respect the people’s space.

Tell the Story 

To tell the best story to me means to cover as much of the day as I possibly can and attend as many protests as I can. I have tried to cover both sides of the story by photographing a white supremacy rally against the pulling down of the Colston statue in Bristol but felt unsafe and was aggressively approached. 

Although I wouldn't return in a hurry, I am interested in the reactions to the protests I agree with and find it intriguing to photograph where possible. Being one step ahead of the protest is useful, you are ready and poised to capture energy as soon as it happens. Looking for vantage points to show the size of the march will help show the support on the day. Multiple angles and shots can help tell the story when the images are used. 

What will you do with images after the day? For me, it's about telling the story of the people. During the lockdown, I wanted the people that couldn't be there on the day to feel what it was like to be there. It was important to me to get the imagery out as soon as possible on social media as that is a platform I use and have a following.

Exercise Safety

There is safety in numbers. If you can't go to a protest with friends, try to meet people there and stay close to the march. Whilst photographing, be conscious of your surroundings. Some people outside the protest may not agree with what is happening, so again rejoin the group where possible. 

Police will always try to gain information about the protest—do not talk to the police. There are usually legal advisers there to help with legal issues if they arise and to provide further info throughout the day. Also, stay away from the wrong crowds. There can sometimes be small groups that may well start problems or could be heavy drinking, it’s best to stay clear in case anything starts to get out of hand. Some people are there to take advantage of the energy and not there to support the cause.

Stay Up to Date

It is hard to keep up to date with protests and events sometimes and there are some pages that can help in your area. A quick Google search can usually point you in the right direction.

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