Occupy Nashville in Photos

Fellow photographer Kerry Woo also had the day off for President's Day and asked if I wanted to head down to the Legislative Plaza/Tennessee Capitol area, and photograph the Occupy Nashville folks and surrounding street scenes.  Since street and people photography is something I'm working on furthering my skills in, I quickly agreed. It was also my first visit to the area since the Occupy protesters set up camp in October of last year.

I arrived a little before Kerry and parked near by.  Being a holiday, Downtown traffic was light.  The Plaza was somewhat quiet, with a mellow mood upon my arrival.  Many Occupiers were napping in their tents and visitng quietly with other group members.  Meanwhile, tourists and skateboarders (along with the occasional runner) carried on through the plaza like it was just another day in Downtown Nashville.  It was a brisk, but beautiful day!

I hate to admit this, but for being in the Nashville Area since 2004, I haven't spent alot of time down on the Plaza.  I used to work on one of the top floors of the Renaissance Hotel (you can see it in the distance in the above pic) in 2009 and would often look down at the Plaza when events or protests were held.  I guess getting more into photography helps get a guy out more!  The War Memorial Auditorium and Plaza are attestments to some of this Nation's great architechture and history.  I'm grateful that Nashville has something that visitors and locals alike can visit!  The State Capitol isnt to be missed either.

No matter what "side" of the Occupy debate one may be on, it is a unique experience to go down there and witness with your own eyes what's happening.  I was impressed with the kindness that most of the Occupiers expressed towards Kerry and myself.  The news media generally shows only part of the story.  Being there filled in some of the gaps for me.

A bill to evict the campers recently moved over into the Tennessee Senate after being approved in the House. Word from the group is it could be as soon as Thursday when State Troopers once again converge on the plaza. More to come....

This Blog and all Photos are Copyright 2012 Thomas Frundle and may not be reproduced in any way without the expressed written consent of the author.