Iranian Protests in Los Angeles

[JerInTheBox]

Yesterday I went out and did my first bit of photojournalism at the federal building in Los Angeles. There was a big protest to support regime change in Iran, and here are a few of the shots I got:






The rest of the set can be found here.

I learned a couple things. First, with the sun going down it's tricky to light your shots properly. Depending on what side of the street you're on people will be much brighter or darker than your last shot. I had a flash and kept it set to TTL most of the time, which seemed to help when I'd forget to change my exposure in the heat of the action. Second, these people want to be photographed (for the most part). They will be some of the most willing, natural, and energetic models you'll ever have. With the exception of the top photo here, all these people saw me taking their picture and did what they could to make it better in the hopes of getting more eyes on their cause. I really enjoyed this experience.

The show of support out there was tremendous. I'd say 80-90% of the cars driving by were honking their horns and waving to the protesters. I know we try to stay away from political topics here, but I think this is one that goes across borders and boundaries. So if you don't know what's going on in Iran, please take a few minutes and bring yourself up to speed (it's all over every news site), and if you've been keeping up with the events please don't stop watching.

In my view this is the most important thing happening in the world right now, and the eyes of the world are all that's standing between a violent, oppressive regime and millions of innocent people who want their freedoms back.

[westx]

Nice shots and great story.

[gottasnap]

These are beautifully shot. The sky in the first one seems to match the mood of the protesters. And the last one of the silohette of the boys is also very nice. And, I have been reading this on the news. I hope it all turns out well for everyone's sake. Thanks for sharing this.

[JerInTheBox]

Thank you both for your comments.

To be honest, I was really hoping these would get a little more of a reaction here. Not just to get more eyes on my photos, but to spread some awareness about what's happening in the world. But it seems like if your shot isn't of a flower, a sunset, or your child the DPS crowd doesn't take notice.

[kurtwall]

Originally Posted by JerInTheBox

Thank you both for your comments.

To be honest, I was really hoping these would get a little more of a reaction here. Not just to get more eyes on my photos, but to spread some awareness about what's happening in the world. But it seems like if your shot isn't of a flower, a sunset, or your child the DPS crowd doesn't take notice.

There are places for politics, world affairs, and current events. Happily, this ain't one of 'em. I want places in my life where I don't have to have a cause celebré. I hope DPS continues to be one of those places.

[southernbelle]

Wow... these are very powerful shots! I can't really pick a fav... if I had to pick one, I'd say the second one resonates with me the most. I'd say you have done a great job with photojournalism here!

Don't be discouraged if it doesn't seem like you are getting many views/comments. Just because someone doesn't comment doesn't mean that he or she wasn't touched in some way by your shots.

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by kurtwall

There are places for politics, world affairs, and current events. Happily, this ain't one of 'em. I want places in my life where I don't have to have a cause celebré. I hope DPS continues to be one of those places.

This is a photography site. Some of the most powerful images in history have been photojournalistic in nature; about politics, world affairs and current events. The posting of these types of images don't require you to have a cause celebré...that's your choice.

[zephod]

Originally Posted by kurtwall

There are places for politics, world affairs, and current events. Happily, this ain't one of 'em. I want places in my life where I don't have to have a cause celebré. I hope DPS continues to be one of those places.

I have to agree with Kurt. I love this place because it's neither democrat nor republican; nor right and left; not even American vs whomever (ok that's an american slant but heh you should have expected it :P). We love photography and the joy of what's behind the shot. That said, I love the emotion and the verve involved in these photo's but I will not go into the politics here.

So I hope you will allow me to tell you how wonderful the shots are and that they've helped inspire me to spend a little more time about people who are passionate about their cause and capture the moment. Which, I should say, you have done beautifully.

I will offer this one note on the subject though. If I were to call myself a photojournalist I would strive to present the issue without slant as to my own beliefs. Journalism has lost it's way with reporters becoming pundits and the media forgetting it's place in society. That's a personal opinion that I believe has a lot of validity today.


Keep clicking,

Doug

[vakeel]

I am with Kurt on this one! The only point of view I come here for is the visual one. There are millions of other sites I can visit if I want to know what's happening in the world. So please keep politcs and international relations out of here.

[pjflan7]

nice shots and what is interesting is the Iranian people don't neccessarily fit the "Arabic" look. They come in many shades, sizes and shapes. Love your silhouettes....could be any gathering...very timeless....could even be the 60's