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It is frequently the case that when complaining about the actions of a public official, policeman etc. that it is difficult to proceed against them as their always seems to be `insufficient evidence' to justify proceedings or to back up your claims. It is one of the priciple reasons that I began to photograph actions myself. |
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I have noticed that when a case comes to court, and photography evidence is
important, much effort is applied by the opposition to discredit its value. Frequently
attempting to demonstrate that a still photograph of an event is not a true representation
of the event. It is sometimes suspected that events shortly before and after the
photograph was taken may change the way it is viewed.
This is, of course, not so much the case with video photography.
The advances in digital images, presents all sorts of issues that the authorities, media and activists are going to have to take increasing accout of. Check out my page on these issues at digital_man.htm.
Make sure you have plenty of spare tapes and fully charged batteries. If in doubt about white balance, iris or focus, leave them on auto. Be aware of framing - don't chop off heads!
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Camera viewfinders often show slightly more than TV screens, so don't frame anything too tight. Keep it steady. Tripods are often unsuitable for actions, so find a steady surface to prop the camera on, or hold it in both hands and brace your elows against your chest. Use the 'steady shot' feature if your camera has it. Still shots are usually the most effective, but if you must pan or tilt the camera, do it slowly and smoothly. Avoid zooms while filming as this wastes the battery. Try to film for at least 10 seconds before and after the action you want to cover. This allows time to edit the shots together. |
A bunch of 'Video Activists' |
Film the action from as close as possible, but also try to get 20 second cutaways of close-up faces, banners, police numbers, and a wide 'establishing shot' to set the scene. Again, these are vital for editing. Don't point the camera towards a light source- e.g. a bright sky or window. This turns the foreground into a silhouette.
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Interview several people about the action- their hopes, fears, running commentaries etc. Frame these close enough to see faces clearly, keep the microphone in close, avoid bright backgrounds and keep it steady! Think in terms of sound as well as vision. Film at least one long, unbroken sequence for sound atmos, particularly if there is background noise such as music. Visuals can then be laid over the top. |
Tape over the red light at the front of the viewfinder so that no-one can see if you're recording. If security or police don't want to be filmed, try getting up close and filming from the hip. If all else fails, point the camera at the ground but keep recording - remember sound alone can also be incriminating.
Take along at least a couple of friends. One to watch out for other action or trouble, and one to leave site with completed tapes. If you get a real scoop, don't worry about finishing the tape. Get it out straight away and call Small World or Undercurrents!
`Evidence Gatherer' at the RTS `do' in Birmingham. (G8 protest).
As an aside here, I thought that you might be interested to know how the police themselves are now proceeding in gathering video evidence.
The Metropolitan Police have also developed a new method for filming demonstrators. In the past it has proved difficult to capture people on film from behind a riot shield.
Now the "Virtual Vision" hi-tech video camera allows cameramen from SO3 Public Order Branch to film by use of a tiny screen which projects the image into the retina of the eye. Underneath the now familiar riot helmet the officer wears what looks like a pair of dark sunglasses while the camera can be pointed in any direction.
Alan Lodge / Tash: ... tash@gn.apc.org