My series from "A Protest For All" - a study, a series.

[Gabriel M.A.]

You may have been aware about the so-called "gay marriage" law brouhaha that took place in France recently. The law was introduced into the Assembly as "Le Marriage Pour Tous" ("Marriage for All"). The opposition rallied against it with a movement they called "La Manif Pour Tous": loosely translated, "A Protest For All".

I am aware that the issue(s) can carry strong emotions, and it is a difficult topic to bring up as this is one thing that for a Westerner this is "closer to home" than say workers' rights in Bangladesh or democracy protests in the Middle East.

And this is the main reason why I decided to engage on this: this is a difficult and uncomfortable issue to touch upon when it's in your backyard, so to speak.

I have a complementary series from the Parisian Gay Pride parade, and I mention it because at the core of these series is this: symbols, colors, the core of Western societies as far as the guaranteed right to express your opinion freely without fear of prosecution...and cognitive dissonance.

I still need to edit/curate my series, but I wish to get your opinion on the photography (framing, treatment, cohesion, etc.)

Should the mods decide this request for a critique belongs elsewhere (if at all), I yield to their collective wisdom.


RFF-relevant note: the majority were taken with an M8 (w/either CV 15mm, Summicron 35mm or 50mm); otherwise Canon 5D w/50mm Summicron-R (and not shown here yet, Canon 50D w/70-200L)

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I originally thought on doing this a B&W series, and some images work rather well that way...

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

But it was soon evident to me that color was of the essence...



A crowd flowing down one of the main arteries of Paris.



Throughout the march, protestors were met by residents, a mix of supporters and nonsupporters. The nonsupporters (who were supporters of the "Marriage for All" law) were met with insults, but the crowd showed good self-restraint, in general.



The "anti" rallies was generally more restrained in their general emotions, as opposed to the "pro" rallies who were far more cheerful.



The rally goes past a food stand run by an immigrant.






Using Gandhi for an argument against adoptions by gay couples.

 

[sevres_babylone]

I'm never very good at deciding between black and white and colour. It is especially difficult here, because I find the first ones in each series visually strongest. I particularly like the first black and white one, with its cross or "x" motif -- the echoing of the plus sign on the placard by the cross or x formed by the stick of the sign and the woman's outstretched arms below. For me, that one is strongest in black and white, and I suspect the effect of the cloudy sky as backdrop for that sign would be diminished if it were colour. But I can't say the others would lose in the same way. Sorry to be not much help in how you should go.

 

[bk1970]

I really really like them so far, and I prefer them in colour as well. Somehow it gives them immediacy. Very good use of wide angle and very appropriate aspect ratio.

 

[daveleo]

Color adds some dimensions to the scenes, and maybe such a complex
issue needs more color images than B&W images.

It is not clear where you are going, what your final "product" will be, what
you "agenda" is, for what purpose are you making these pictures - are
you neutral or opinionated on this? Are you documenting the crowd
events or taking a stand on the issue? I think you will need to wrap some
very credible words around the pictures to help the viewer interpret what
you are saying on this

The pictures here are fairly dramatic in character. Do you intend that they
all come off like that?

I don't comment on you compositions because they are excellent (as are
those on your website) and you don't need my opinion on that topic.


As far as this thread goes, you will have to keep reminding people that
you are not asking anyone to stand on one side of the line or the other.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Thank you for the replies so far -- and it also illustrates my issue with whether to go w/B&W or color. But I do think that I should stick to color, as it conveys part of the message of the protest --and the series itself.

Dave: regarding your question on whether I am neutral or opinionated on this...that is the issue. It is complicated because, while I do have an opinion on the issue they're protesting, my goal is to be merely an observer. That is part of the challenge, to me. Observe, and show. No "agenda" other than showing my vision as a photographer, yet mixing it with my love of neighbour.

I should state I have different opinions, and one that is driving me here is: clashes of opinion, the underlying drama, yet the celebration of a Western democracy's ideal of "freedom of speech" guaranteed by a government you are very much against. Another one is my observation of, as I stated earlier, cognitive dissonance (including of decrying a State that is guaranteeing equality of rights of speech and congregation...other governments would crack down on an opposing view).

The other one is just simple humanity and its angst, which is no more one people's than another's, and when we feel oppressed, whether that feeling is justified or not (which to the oppressed it's irrelevant), cognitive dissonance becomes a tool, conscious or not, carrying waves of masses.

 

[noimmunity]

It is always desirable with social movements, but particularly this one given its theme (which has tried to depict gay marriage as marginal), to photograph also some of the margins of the movement, which were actually quite well documented here and there in the webosphere. One of the oft-heard analyses of this movement is that it served to legitimize fringe fascist groups. (During the several months of this Demonstration for All activity, homophobic and anit-arab violence increased markedly in France, and of course there was the murder in Paris of a syndicalist student by rightwing youth a few days ago). "Margins of the movement" could be photographically interpreted in a multitude of ways. Most of the photos you show here are "of the middle of the foule (the crowd)."

 

[jtullar]

Great Photographs! Indeed this a touchy subject, I assume this is the anti gay marriage side? I also find the Hangover 3 poster funny as they renamed it "Very Bad Trip 3" lol.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Thanks guys, for the feedback so far. I hope to get some more.

 

[robert blu]

It's difficult to document a situation where you have an opinion staying "neutral". You are doing a good job, personally even if I like very much B&W for documentary work in this case I agree that color gives something more. I do not like to interfere in your choices but maybe some close "street portrait" of the various people would give a sense of deeper connection with the protesters. Not easy anyway, please go on.
robert

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

It's definitely something to consider, Robert. I have thought about it, but the French "droit d'image" gives me pause for such endeavor. It's something I would not have hesitated to do in the U.S., but given the different laws here, it's like a little straightjacket. Maybe I'll do it next time I have an opportunity.

 

[robert blu]

It's definitely something to consider, Robert. I have thought about it, but the French "droit d'image" gives me pause for such endeavor. It's something I would not have hesitated to do in the U.S., but given the different laws here, it's like a little straightjacket. Maybe I'll do it next time I have an opportunity.

I understand it, we have similar (same?) law in Italy. We can shoot but not publish the photos.
robert

 

[Timmyjoe]

We're going through something similar in the States, luckily without some of the violence. Right now the most violent aspect is the rhetoric.

Leica M8.2 w/35 cron asph & 50 lux pre-asph

Best,
-Tim

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Hi Tim - thanks for sharing, although I'm not sure how this helps me as a critique.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Anything else, anyone?...

 

[johannielscom]

Gabriel,

do the protesters also carry specific colors, as those in favor of the new law do?

gotta say I like the subdued colors you have chosen to use, I usually get put off by the modern day overly-bright digital look and these photographs are less 'loud', and therefor enticing to study the imagery more.

Also, the crops you have made are more panoramic looking in dimensions and as a result imply that there is a true narrative going on there. They are more of a scene than a regular-dimensioned photograph would be. At least, to me they are!


Looking forward to seeing more of your future series and the narrative evolve!

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Hello Johan -- ::sigh:: I had my whole reply ready to click "Send" and for some reason my browser went back, and I lost *the whole response*. ::sigh::

So, briefly now: yes, those were the colors. A take on the French flag colors (dark blue, white and blood red), teal, white and pink. People were wearing prominently either of those colors, even if their main color was black. Livestrong used yellow, AIDS awareness red...they decided this twist of "multicolors" themes. Tongue-in-cheek, you could say.

Processing-wise, I decided that the subtle toning brought out the movement's colors into "the forefront".

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Well, thank you for those who took the time. I'm surprised that the usual people that have something to say in critiques have said nothing. I guess that's the critique!

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

D'oh -- I meant to post these earlier re: Robert Blu's comments.

I did some closer/portrait-like shots, specially with sign-carrying protestors, but I soon moved away from that. You'll see a bit of a progression here (skipping the "portrait" by a leap), where you'll also note I decided not to concentrate on the obligatory "show us the sign" photo:













These shots are from the first rally. I noticed during the last one that there were far less words, and far more emphasis on movement logos, flags, and "theme" colors. Not to mention dissonance (see Gandhi's appearance in a posting above).