How to Stay Safe in a Protest with Ant Urban

There really is no ‘how-to’ guide for covering a protest as a video journalist, particularly when demonstrations take an ugly turn. I’ve been shooting demos for over a decade – from the Occupy movement back in 2010 through to Brexit and, more recently, anti-lockdown rallies. Demos are almost always unpredictable and what might start out as a family-friendly rally can often take a darker turn. There are precautions that can be taken but documenting violent clashes between opposing factions can be a risky career move. Thankfully, on the whole, demonstrations in the UK – whether through robust policing or, simply, a British reserve – don’t usually see the violence meted out in mainland Europe, but the risk of being injured in the ‘line of duty’ is still high.

As a videographer, filing to Newsflare, continuously risk-assessing your surroundings and having top-notch situational awareness is important. I feel comfortable covering most demos in London and the UK, but would feel a little lost elsewhere. Know your limits and ask yourself, constantly, “Is it worth it?” It’s very easy to feel protected behind the camera lens but flying bottles, batons and other projectiles are indiscriminate. A good sense of peripheral vision is a must. On that note, good head protection is vital – whether a bump cap or a cycle helmet, this should not be neglected. Always have an escape route, particularly if you’re shooting solo. Have one eye on your nearest exit route, away from the protest. For the most part, other videographers and photographers look out for one another but carrying a first-aid kit or ‘grab bag’ is an option – not just for you, but fellow press and protesters. I use a small, discreet, lightweight camera and a monopod, and try to keep my gear to the bare essentials. Protests can often run all day and you need to be able to stay active and mobile.

You don’t need any official training to cover protests, but it does help. There are ‘hostile environment’ and first aid courses that can be taken, and they give a good grounding when shooting demos. Wearing the right clothes is important. You don’t want to stand out too much and become a target for the anti-press brigade, but similarly, it’s important to remain detached, particularly when scuffles flare up. Think carefully about whether wearing press credentials can draw unwanted attention to yourself. Being a journalist is not a “get out of jail free” card but you’re less likely to be hit by a baton if you don’t look like a protester.

Leicester Square, London, shot by Ant Urban

You don’t need to throw yourself onto the front line to grab the necessary visuals. Keep an eye on the police, and learn their tactics, though they too can be unpredictable. I tend to adopt a position on the flanks of any scuffles, shooting side-on from the edge. This is primarily for two reasons. One – it’s much safer than facing a line of police officers and their batons head-on. And two, I feel it provides a more impartial backdrop to the story and you look less like you’re goading police or protesters. Preparation is often key. Know what you’re shooting, the intricacies of the demo and how those protests have unfolded in the past.

Covering protests is exhausting and can often leave you drained and reeling from what you’ve seen. Allow time to consume those visuals, breath, and, particularly as a freelancer, pick and choose what you cover carefully. I try to remain impartial and engage with protesters on both sides, willing to listen, learn, and respect, but I also realise that passions are high and sometimes it’s best to just walk away.

Oxford Circus, London, shot by Ant Urban

Most importantly, I return to the salient point of asking yourself, “is it really worth it?” If you don’t get the shot, there’s every chance someone else will, particularly these days where UGC content makes up a large part of press coverage.

So, in sum, if covering a protest remember to:

Be aware of your surroundings and know your escape route
Use lightweight equipment and dress appropriately, including protective gear
If things start to get dangerous, ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” and consider calling it a day