Photographing a Rally

Hi everyone. I'm looking for advice on photographing people at a rally. There's a vote next week to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage, and the Ku Klux Klan will be in town Saturday to support it. Of course, there is a group demonstrating against the KKK, which is were I'll be. I've never been to anything like this before, and I typically just shoot scenic/landscape type stuff. This seems like a good opportunity to get some powerful images, but it's a completely knew thing for me. I know this is a very general question, but can anyone give me some tips on how to approach people and how to get good shots in a crowd? I'll be using B&W film, in mid-day sun. I have some filters I can use, but I suspect that would be too much trouble in this situation. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Paul

First off, be mindful of your surroundings. That is watch where your step, so that you don't step on someone or something and fall.
I would also reccomend that you don't get caught up in the rhetoric, if you are there to photograph something like this be objective as much as possible.

As far as gear goes, make sure you have a long lens, an 80-200 is my lens of choice, but don't be afraid to use a wide lens too, and get in the crowd. I wouldn't recommend filters, there won't be time to change them. If you have a flash bring it. It will help eliminate some shadows that may occur under such lighting conditions.

Lastly, keep on your toes. It could make a difference in getting the shot.
Good Luck! Make sure you post some of your stuff.
Brian

There's some great quote about "If I can't feel the shot, then you're not close enough". Something like that, anyway. I think the most powerful shots would be with taken close to the action with wide angle lenses, but long lenses can have their place too. Don't worry about filters.

As long as you're photographing for your own or editorial use, then I don't think you really need to worry about anything. If someone's at a public rally then they're going to be photographed, simple as that. If not by you, then someone else. If they obviously don't want their picture taken then move along - there will be plenty of other opportunities to shoot. Just look confident and people will believe you.

I saw a great "street" shot of someone preaching on a sidewalk in Chicago, and his hand was partly covering the lens - he obviously didn't want his picture taken and it turned out to be a really powerful shot, but you have to decide what your own personal comfort level is. Doing something like that could get you a broken camera - or nose... Watch your step, in more ways than one.

I've met the guy who to the shot I talked about above, and looked on his website and it's not there anymore. Check out his website anyway - you might find some inspiration. It's really incredible work.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

Brian, I really like your holga shots from that anti-war march that you posted a little while back. (A holga will be on my xmas list.) This is really two seperate rallies happening at the same time, so I don't know if I'll be able to see both, but I'm going to try. And thanks for the reminder about the flash.

AV, Shots you can feel. I like that. I don't have a very long lens, so up-close is really my only option. You're right about that website...very powerful stuff. I'm trying to keep my expectations low, but I'm excited to have this opportunity.

Hopefully I'll have something I'm not embarassed to post.

Paul