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Tampa photographer Dave Decker shares his favorite photos of 2022

By Ray Roa on Thu, Dec 29, 2022 at 2:26 pm

Over the last two years, Tampa photographer Dave Decker has developed an inimitable ability to bring Creative Loafing Tampa Bay readers directly into his world. Whether he's surrounded by the chaos of a right-wing circle jerk (read: anything involving Justice For J6, or Trump), street protests for reproductive rights, or at concerts, community events, Tampa Bay Lightning pep rallies, and in photoshoots, to see the world through Decker's lens is a chance to be embedded in the energy of this region we call home. Decker—who just opened his studio in historic Ybor City—has handpicked his 50-ish most compelling photos of the year. Have a look below.

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Photo by Dave Decker

Over the summer, Tampa Convention Center welcomed, with open arms, the 2022 Turning Point Student Action summit where anti-fascist protesters and supporters of former president Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis clashed outside.

Tampa photographer Dave Decker shares his favorite photos of 2022

Photo by Dave Decker

Decker and CL staff writer Justin Garcia traveled to South Florida to help with mutual aid efforts after Hurricane Ian. While the focus was on getting help to those in most need, Decker found time to bring the scene to CL readers.

Photo by Dave Decker

A tree is littered with the remains of a mobile home down in Edgewood, Florida after the effects of hurricane Ian.

Photo by Dave Decker

Decker is also a studio photographer who takes promo shots like Tampa's Pohgoh, which graced its first-ever CL cover this year in advance of its latest album, 'du und ich.'

Photo by Dave Decker

Members of the NAACP Atlanta Branch and armed local anti-fascist activists march the line up to Georgia's controversial Stone Mountain Park to counter an event hosted by Sons of Confederate Veterans in late-April. The neo-Confederate organization revels in the pseudo historical lore of ‘Lost Cause’ ideologies which correspond to and are sympathetic to the principle and history of neo-Colonial white supremacy. The group claims to promote, ‘Heritage not Hate’ Southern Poverty Law Center has designated many members of SCV as having dual membership in other groups designated as hate groups.

Photo by Dave Decker

Scott Lambert before competing in Hot Dog Party 16 at Crowbar in Ybor City, Florida on July 3, 2022.

Photo by Dave Decker

PSL Tampa Bay and St. Pete Cop Watch organized a January protest outside the St. Pete Police Department after public pressure led to the release of bodycam footage showing St. Petersburg Police Officer Leighton Williams shooting 17-year-old Christopher Tonsel. This is the family of Tonsel holding a press conference outside of the Saint Petersburg Police Department headquarters. Tonsel was wounded by SPD police officers in a takedown.

Photo by Dave Decker

Chuck Ragan of hot water music sings add Bo Diddley Plaza for the Fest 20 in Gainesville.

Photo by Dave Decker

Dropkick Murphys play Jannus Live in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 7, 2022

Photo by Dave Decker

Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak speaks with residents at Silver Oaks apartments in Tampa, Florida which came under scrutiny this spring over appalling living conditions.

Photo by Dave Decker

State Attorney for the 13th District Andrew Warren, in August, addresses the media on the day he was suspended by Florida governor Ron DeSantis, and simultaneously gives a press conference on closing a cold case from 30 years earlier.

Photo by Dave Decker

In October 2022 a Tampa-based Iranian student group gathered to protest at USF and reccounted tales of not being able to connect with family back home.

Photo by Dave Decker

In October 2022, around 40 activists gathered at Columbus Statue Park in South Tampa to protest Tampa's glorifying monument to a man who was a confirmed pedophile, rapist and slave trader.