Trey Foerster
October 2026 - Paid Protester
Original
About the Image(s)
Here in the States, there is great controversy over the public demonstrations against Trump and the Republicans. There's also talk and articles suggesting that most of the protesters are paid and not spontaneous. That’s why I found this shot so interesting, since I have never seen that corroborated. It’s a costumed person with a sign indicating they are a paid protestor and can be paid via VENMO or cash. Tech stuff: f/11, 1/800 sec., ISO 500, 35mm focal length, pattern metering.
4 comments posted
Trey, this is an interesting photo, and sadly a sign of our times.
You have photographed a "protester" who clearly identifies with "Renta-Crowd" and will seemingly participate at any rally for any cause provided they are paid.
There is NO conviction to a particular cause shown here. Just a busker hiding in a costume to preserve their anonymity.
.... or have I missed the point and this is a satire mocking the (supposedly paid) protesters walking the streets!
A great photo, with a story and it poses many questions about the state of our society.
Posted: 10/10/2026 02:58:38
You have photographed a "protester" who clearly identifies with "Renta-Crowd" and will seemingly participate at any rally for any cause provided they are paid.
There is NO conviction to a particular cause shown here. Just a busker hiding in a costume to preserve their anonymity.
.... or have I missed the point and this is a satire mocking the (supposedly paid) protesters walking the streets!
A great photo, with a story and it poses many questions about the state of our society.
Posted: 10/10/2026 02:58:38
Trey this a "thought provoking image". Well described and captured. Posted: 10/18/2026 06:13:13
Trey, you got a thought-provoking image, opening up many questions not only about the rent-a-protester but about the societies we live in. This phenomenon (if I can call it that) is not unique to the US. I don't blame the protester for hire; it is also a sign of the times. We take what work we can - it is survival.
Or it is a paid protester inserted in the area to discredit the protest.
Well framed, taking advantage of the reflection (other reality?) a pure documentary tone. Posted: 10/19/2026 08:35:11
Or it is a paid protester inserted in the area to discredit the protest.
Well framed, taking advantage of the reflection (other reality?) a pure documentary tone. Posted: 10/19/2026 08:35:11
Hi Trey. Surely a thought provoking image. If I could suggest a little more cropping and more lighting on the left, so we can see the reflection and the sign. We could link the concept of the amount paid to the purchase of food! let everyone think of it freely! Posted: 10/21/2026 17:05:50