Tear Gas & Pixels - What protest photography teaches us about truth, power, and not looking away. episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 14, 2025 · 30 MIN

Tear Gas & Pixels - What protest photography teaches us about truth, power, and not looking away.

from The Terrible Creative · host Patrick Fore

This episode wasn’t planned.But with federal troops deployed in Los Angeles, students arrested, immigrants targeted, and journalists silenced — it felt dishonest to pretend everything was normal.In this special essay-style episode, I explore the role of photography in moments of protest and power:Why the frame is never neutralHow truth is shaped, and sometimes distorted, by the cameraThe difference between documenting and performingWhat it means to be a witness, not a touristI also share a powerful on-the-ground reflection from LA-based photographer @chelsealaurenla, whose words remind us that not everything makes the news, but it still matters.If you’ve ever questioned whether photography can change anything… this one’s for you.Mentions & Resources:Follow Chelsea Lauren: instagram.com/chelsealaurenlaMusic licensed by Artlist.ioStay Connected:Subscribe to Field NotesThe podcast is the campfire, Field Notes is what you take home. Field Notes is the weekly email companion to this podcast, one part creative letter, one part behind-the-scenes mess, all bullshit-free.→ Sign up hereLearn more about the project at:terriblephotographer.comIf this episode meant something to you, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.It helps more than you know.

This episode wasn’t planned.But with federal troops deployed in Los Angeles, students arrested, immigrants targeted, and journalists silenced — it felt dishonest to pretend everything was normal.In this special essay-style episode, I explore the role of photography in moments of protest and power:Why the frame is never neutralHow truth is shaped, and sometimes distorted, by the cameraThe difference between documenting and performingWhat it means to be a witness, not a touristI also share a powerful on-the-ground reflection from LA-based photographer @chelsealaurenla, whose words remind us that not everything makes the news, but it still matters.If you’ve ever questioned whether photography can change anything… this one’s for you.Mentions & Resources:Follow Chelsea Lauren: instagram.com/chelsealaurenlaMusic licensed by Artlist.ioStay Connected:Subscribe to Field NotesThe podcast is the campfire, Field Notes is what you take home. Field Notes is the weekly email companion to this podcast, one part creative letter, one part behind-the-scenes mess, all bullshit-free.→ Sign up hereLearn more about the project at:terriblephotographer.comIf this episode meant something to you, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.It helps more than you know.

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Tear Gas & Pixels - What protest photography teaches us about truth, power, and not looking away.

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This episode was published on June 14, 2025.

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This episode wasn’t planned.But with federal troops deployed in Los Angeles, students arrested, immigrants targeted, and journalists silenced — it felt dishonest to pretend everything was normal.In this special essay-style episode, I explore the...

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