In 2015, I found myself in the midst of a clash between anti-Islamic fascists and anti-fascist protesters across from Flinders Street Train Station in Melbourne. As a photographer, I was immediately drawn to the charged atmosphere and the need to document the Melbourne political protest.

At the time, I was still learning the ropes of photography and had not yet discovered the concept of shooting in RAW format. Nevertheless, I found myself running around the conflicted crowd with my camera, capturing moments that would later become an integral part of the visual story of the clash.

The clash was sparked by an increase in anti-Islamic propaganda from the Murdoch papers, and the anti-fascists were there as a counter-protest to show solidarity. With at least one hundred police officers creating a wall between the two groups, tensions were high, and it was challenging for me to navigate the barriers and capture images from different perspectives.

Despite these challenges, I was able to capture striking images that conveyed the intensity and emotion of the clash. My photos show the determination of the protesters as they stood up against hate and intolerance, as well as the heavy police presence that sought to keep the peace.

This day marked a turning point in my photography career. It was when I discovered my need to document a story, to capture moments that spoke to the complexities and nuances of social and political issues.

In conclusion, my experience at the Melbourne clash between anti-Islamic fascists and anti-fascist protesters highlights the important role that photographers play in documenting social and political events. Through my lens, I was able to capture a moment in time that conveyed the power of solidarity in the face of hate and the determination of those who fight against it.