Published on Thu Jul 21, 2011 by
David J Colbran
Last Updated on Thu Jan 22, 2026
"As public sector service cuts take place and plans about changes to the higher education system come into effect, there has been an uprising in street protest in the UK.
The project shows both peaceful and violent reactions to changes in society under a new Government and the response from police and stewards trying to control events. It poses questions about the effectiveness of police tactics during modern demonstrations, the validity of new and alternative methods of protest used by some groups and the sudden re-awakening of a student political movement."
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The below images were exhibited at The Bluecoat Arts Centre in Liverpool as part of the Look 11 Photography Festival 13th May to 26th June 2011. Also images from this show have featured in national media recently.
The festival was a great success, hopefully I will get the opportunity to work with this festival again in the future.
Over the last two decades I have been documenting various social issues and how they manifest themselves via protests. I covered many UK Uncut actions and documented direct actions, student demonstrations and protests both here in Liverpool and across the UK. You can see a large collection of protest photography over on my Tumblr blog.
As a result of this work I have collaborated with a number of criminology academics researching new types of street protests. I have presented my work and experiences as a professional photographer in a module called "Photography and Protest" several times at Liverpool John Moores University. And participated in workshop and seminar activities.


















You can view / follow me / comment on this work on the Behance network - Out on the Streets - Look11 exhibition
More of my personal projects and blog posts via the jump.
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Author: David J Colbran
I love Oye and the way it connects audiences from all corners of the globe. I have enjoyed chatting and connecting with artists, bands and fans on social media during and after the festival.
When clients first hear that I'm based in Liverpool, the most common question I get before booking a London conference photography job is: "Won't that cost more, with travel and a hotel to factor in?"
Images from the launch of Love and Loss @ Arc-Hive on Friday 29 May 2026 - solo album by mate Martin Lappin
Simon Green, Freelance Tour Manager.
