May Day protests Seattle | Seattle editorial photographer

Tonight was just about the craziest night I have ever documented. Police were well-prepared for protestors connected to May Day events here in Seattle, and the expected violence got underway pretty early in the evening. It was incredibly intense to be in the middle of this developing news story, as smoke grenades were going off and police were shouting at everyone to “Get back,” as they pushed at the crowd with their bikes. Just as I was walking all over the city with the crowd and protestors and media, it was all I could do to just keep moving, and trying to keep my head on a swivel. My big fear going in was that an anarchist might try and grab my camera or assault me, as happened last year to other media shooters, and so atleast I was fortunate in that regard. All in all, a damn crazy night. Even if it was nice to see the 20 photojournalists from around Seattle doing great work all afternoon. And an enormous thank you to Matt Mills McKnight, Erika Schultz and Ted S. Warren for loaning me some cards tonight when I realized I left my card wallet in the car with the laptop!

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

Occupy Seattle portraits | Seattle editorial photographer

I made portraits of some of the protestors down at Occupy Wall Street in Westlake Park. The weather was awful and discouraged heavier traffic in the park, which has seen a few thousand people at times in the last week and a half. Props to my friend Isa Farnik for his help keeping the light stand stable as wind blew us every which way. I will be returning soon to photograph again. I’m drawn to how many different people are getting their voices heard.

Occupy Seattle portraits of protestors at Westlake Park Friday, October 21, 2011 before a general assembly meeting of the group. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Occupy Seattle portraits of protestors at Westlake Park Friday, October 21, 2011 before a general assembly meeting of the group. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Dan Aldano | Occupy Seattle portraits of protestors at Westlake Park Friday, October 21, 2011 before a general assembly meeting of the group. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Click the link to view