Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey have been in the circus business for decades. “The Greatest Show On Earth” showcases amazing acrobatic routines with the use of humans and animals. Though these performances may be “breathtaking”, many spectators are unaware of what goes on behind the scenes, especially to these circus animals. They go through extreme abuse, all for entertainment and profit.
Protestors from PETA, LION, and other animal rights organizations protest the circus every year in attempt to bring to light the abuse that these animals face. Many circus-goers are unaware of the these happenings, so I joined and covered one of the daily protests of the circus at Barclay’s Center.
Barclays Center, home of “The Greatest Show On Earth” for the next 5 years.
Protestors arrive at Barclays Center.
“Ringling Beats Animals” website banner being held by protestors.
Donald White stops for a quick picture.
Danny W. is focused on conversation happening between protestors and passers-by.
Eric, a former circus animal trainer, stands in protest of the abuse of animals.
Lisa Chang proudly stands in protest of the ill-treatment of circus animals.
Protestor Carla Athena passionately speaks on the abuse animals face in the circus.
Protestor Leslie M. has an informative conversation with a young girl and her mother.
A protestor speaks with children about the abuse circus animals face.
Protestors gather for a picture of their billboards.
Protest organizer John Di Leonardo, PETA affiliate and President of LION.
Protestors have a friendly chat with pedestrians passing.
6 comments
Hey Hermes, I like your event: because it triggers various kinds of emotion for the viewers. (pity, sadness or even anger- well for me that is!! )
Your pictures are great and show different kinds of technique e.g. d.o.f
The one thing that would put a cherry on top, is taking couple of pictures, of the different animals going into their crates and show how they are being treated!…
Anyways it is a good event.. 😀
GOOD JOB
Thank you very much! I hope I get the opportunity to build on this story, and uncover more facts.
Excellent suggestion, Jacqui!
no problem 😀 you should, it is very interesting insight.. I am curious to know what goes on behind scenes!
Hey man, awesome shots (as always)! The one of the little girl and her mother is definitely my favorite one. My one suggestion for future shoots, is to try and get a shot of the crowds entering the the stadium and the interactions with the protesters. Other than that, kudos on the great shots!
Hi Hermes!
Great photographs! You have a really good combination of close, personal shots and wider, contextual shots. I really love all the portraits! The only other thing I’d like to see is maybe inside the stadium (although obviously you probably didn’t have the time or chance to do that for this) and the protestors before or after the protests. Great job! Really beautiful pictures!
Hey Hermes, I like your event: because it triggers various kinds of emotion for the viewers. (pity, sadness or even anger- well for me that is!! )
Your pictures are great and show different kinds of technique e.g. d.o.f
The one thing that would put a cherry on top, is taking couple of pictures, of the different animals going into their crates and show how they are being treated!…
Anyways it is a good event.. 😀
GOOD JOB
Thank you very much! I hope I get the opportunity to build on this story, and uncover more facts.
Excellent suggestion, Jacqui!
no problem 😀 you should, it is very interesting insight.. I am curious to know what goes on behind scenes!
Hey man, awesome shots (as always)! The one of the little girl and her mother is definitely my favorite one. My one suggestion for future shoots, is to try and get a shot of the crowds entering the the stadium and the interactions with the protesters. Other than that, kudos on the great shots!
Hi Hermes!
Great photographs! You have a really good combination of close, personal shots and wider, contextual shots. I really love all the portraits! The only other thing I’d like to see is maybe inside the stadium (although obviously you probably didn’t have the time or chance to do that for this) and the protestors before or after the protests. Great job! Really beautiful pictures!