It’s no secret that we are currently living in a politically charged, divided world. Each week, people across the globe are protesting, whether it’s joining the fight to help save Planned Parenthood, aiming to create awareness of the Black Lives Matter Movement, to block Trump’s attempted Muslim ban, Brexit or towards our government’s shocking approach to the on-going refugee crisis. In 2017, documenting these events are just as important as attending them. Meet Caprice Renzullo, the 17-year-old photographer documenting London’s protest.
Every task that I get, I always aim to make sure the images I capture carry a message. With all that is going on in the world right now, I feel the world needs documentary photography. To be honest, I’m not too good with politics, but I do know the power a photograph can have. My aim with these photos is not just to show I care, but to make others care as well. Looking at these photographs reminds people that this is really happening, a lot of people just think if it does not affect them then why should they care? In world anchored by images, photographs can really sway individuals. We live in a world driven by social media so why not use it as a platform to get these important messages out there.
If one person looks at these images and feels what I felt at the protest, or feels like they need to get involved, or even simply feels like they need to start caring I’ve done my job.
Caprice Renzullo
I decided to go down to the marches and try to capture the true emotion that people were expressing, but also to capture the passion that so many lack. I remember sharing my Black Lives Matter photos on Facebook and one comment that stuck out to me was “you’re showing you care in a way that suits you.” That’s when I truly felt like I succeeded in what I’ve always wanted to do.
Even if one person looks at these images and feels what I felt at the protest, or feels like they need to get involved, or even simply feels like they need to start caring I’ve done my job. Imagery that sparks discussion is key, these photographs are a gateway for essential conversations that will educate people on how the world is still moving, but not enough people are moving to make the world standstill.
I cannot just watch people just sit there and say nothing, silence is compliance and people need to start noting this. People worldwide, every day are affected by Trump’s actions and rhetoric, and the oppression of black people is ongoing and will never end if people don’t do what they can.
I am so happy that in the last two years people are not shy of expressing their passion for these issues, as I feel like this year especially people are so vocal. This nicely coincides with the fact that my love for photography has grown so much. For me, I am ready to keep capturing to make a change.