Face Off
Category
Documentary
Location
Trafalgar Square, London
Gear
Canon 700d, Canon 10-18, Neewer flash
Description
On Trafalgar Square, a pro-Palestinian demonstrator faces off with a police officer during a tumultuous protest. Working in amongst the dense crowd, with police lines frequently pushing or storming the protesters, it was challenging to stay on my feet that day let alone find good compositions. But seeing this protester and officer’s eyes meet, I spotted an opportunity. I used a wide lens and soft flash to create strong contrast as well as a deep shadow beneath the officer's cap, adding depth to the scene. The mirroring of the black-and-white checks of the officer’s hat in the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, plus the anonymity of the protester with his back to me, made this one of my favourite pictures of the year. The meeting of the faces had a 'Tango-like' quality which to me captured the way that conflict between police and protesters in these highly chaotic situations is often a sort of 'dance.'
Photographer
Jamie Bellinger
Social Media
Instagram: jamiebellinger
Website: www.jamie.photo
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