Back to index of Nerve 24 - Summer 2014

Artist Profile - David Colbran

I am a freelance photographer based in Liverpool. I mainly undertake commercial work, events, PR, conferences, press calls, etc, but like most photographers I have a range of ongoing personal projects.

Coupled with the increase of social media, to me there seemed to be a change in types of street protest a few years ago. Actions were being organised online away from traditional protest groups - e.g. SWP, trade unions, Labour party etc.- and I decided to start photographing and documenting these protests in Liverpool and beyond.

Technically, professionally and personally it's been challenging undertaking this work. Knowing about the aims and motives of a protest is my key to getting good coverage. If you don't know what a protest is going to be about, what its objectives are, and the controversy that might surround it, you may as well stay at home. Which is why I try and work with activists and gain their trust. Understanding the backstory to a protest keeps me motivated - as, of course, many demos and protests are fairly non-eventful and never result in interesting or sellable images. Being prepared helps with technical issues. Checking and bringing adequate equipment, spare batteries and spare memory cards is normal. And, naturally, being ready for all sorts of British weather.

Finally, the obvious. I try and be creative with my coverage, looking for different and sometimes difficult viewpoints, images that capture banners, signs, close-ups of leaflets. Including recognisable landmarks also helps with successful press images as well as strong composition.

www.djcdesign.co.uk
liverpool-photographer.tumblr.com

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