Faces in Protest II Photo

Photographer’s Note

15 November 2005, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

"Howard's a W&$@%&!" these three characters were shouting as they stumbled down the path leading away from the Carlton Gardens, in Melbourne's inner north, after the November 15 National Day of Protest against changes to national Industrial Relations legislation.

Pretty much a grabshot-- I thought I had a tighter crop in the viewfinder as I ran towards them but I guess not in the end. I'm not happy with the lack of any interest in the background.

For more information, see my note that accompanies "Faces in Protest"

The rest of my shots from this event (I regretably didn't take as many as I anticipated) are more formal portraits of significant participants which I feel are probably too specific and contextual for TE so this will be the only other shot from this protest. I was there as a participant and not merely an observer so I wasn't really on the lookout for 'moments'. Maybe next time.

Mingfang, teacozie, eleparc, alejandroguzman, rtome has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Mingfang (1415) 2005-12-12 7:34

Hello again, Mike!

i think this is a good portrait which context the first one of the Protest, though the background not any contacting with. you show us who were taking part in the protest, and how they are. I like to look at them fashionable but addicted in politics.

WOW, it sounds geat, you are a participant and observer, good for you. that is most photographers expecting. i hope you can show more about it.

teacozie (1371) 2005-12-12 11:29

Hey Mike,

Mate, not a bad grabshot as you put it. These things happen so fast and sometimes the mind is ticking over on other matters that comprising them all together is easier said than done.

But on that note I don't find this photo too bad with an interesting POV and slightly off centre to give it a whirling feel. I must say by the looks of these boys your lucky to have got them to stand still long enough to even grab this!!

On a side note and another State away I wanted to throw my 2 cents worth in on what has been happening in Sydney over the weekend. I thought Racial aggression was something Australia could rise above and the sterotype of having drunken yobs beat up on minorities may have been a thing of the past.

Sometimes I wonder if my Australia is totally different from what Australia really is or becoming or become. Giving someone a 'fair go' seems a long way off...

But then again I'm on the other side of the world at the moment... add distance to understanding and all of a sudden I don't understand.

Once again, nice pic Mike... keep them coming.

eleparc (24059) 2005-12-12 13:17

obviously a father and his two sons... they all seem pretty friendly despite the middle finger up. nice shot and good compo placing your group on the left of the frame:-) the tilt really adds something in this shot IMO!
Eric

markoci (3917) 2005-12-13 7:03

this is a GREAT docu shot mike! the hand gestures and the t-shirt says it all, i especially like the way how it's naturally displayed and not in a "show it off to the camera" way. you also got three (and a half) very interesting characters (those riveted jackets look awesome!) and the quality (good choice to focus on the middle guy) is great, beautful details and bokeh, works very well in b&w. you don't need anything in the bg (your subjects are captivating enough believe me) the "void" on the right could perhaps be countered by a tighter crop on top and bottom). i know being a participant can be tough, you get a good rapport with people but it's hard to focus on photography, too bad you didn't take any more shots.

alejandroguzman (4672) 2005-12-19 22:27

Great shot Mike...!!!!
Compo, DOF, POV, definition, lighthness.. and I really like the movement in the pic.

hugs
alejandro