It was to be another Mike Milestone. My very first blog post. I was enthusiastically looking forward to telling the story of warm sunny days, happily married couples, colourful carnivals, exciting events and sharing my passion for all things photographic. Little did I know that in the space of a couple of weeks I would be talking about conflict instead of confetti and bombs instead of bouquets as the horror of the Russian invasion of Ukraine rapidly unfolded before our eyes.
I’ve photographed many protest marches in Leeds that have covered a diverse range of Issues, but never imagined in my lifetime that I would be surrounded by impassioned people talking about a developing war in Europe, a conflict like so many others including those which still rage in other parts of the world, affects the lives of millions of innocent people, whether it’s the loss of loved ones or having to leave their lives behind to seek sanctuary in a strange country. In situations such as this, there is always a sense of helplessness and people do what they can to help no matter how small, it may be in the form of donations including money, clothing and other essential items and at the very least take to the streets to show support and solidarity to those suffering the horrors of war.
As I followed the march with camera in hand from Briggate, finally arriving at the town hall steps, I overheard a woman at a bus stop exclaiming how pointless the march was as no one would take notice and it isn’t physically helping anyone, it’s a view that in some cases is justified, but a protest such as this at least shows that as humans, a lot of us actually do give a damn.
I really did want my first post to be one that would set a tone that would follow through onto my other posts, so I apologise if it may come across as a downer, but clearly I can’t ignore what is happening in the world and I will continue cover subsequent demonstrations about this and other issues as I’m sure there will be many more to come.
I for one do stand with the Ukraine, but also with the innocent who suffer at the hands of any conflict which is not of their making. We can only hope that the situation is resolved as soon as possible
Album of images on my Facebook page Mike Bettney Photography
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