Combat photography
- Started
- Last post
- 12 Responses
- rounce
Ok I decided the other morning after 5 days of partying, I was laying awake in bed having this deeply introspective moment don't know if it was the last of the drugs in my system or what but I came to the conclusion that I wanted something vastly different to what I'm doing now. So I decided I'd use the new year vibe to persue one of my ambitions as a combat photographer either as a full blown career or at least having it on my CV.
I spoke to the USMC lieutenant in charge of media operations in Afghanistan yesterday via email and they said I could go embedded for a price (flights, place to sleep, food, etc).
Any QBNers have related experience and could drop some advice, or am I barking up the wrong tree?
- zenmasterfoo0
My wife has a bunch of photog friends who've gone over for various agencies/newspapers, etc. I don't know anyone who has done it this way. Best of luck, I really think it will be a great way to bolster your portfolio. Get a guide before you go. For the times that you're not out with a unit. Having a local show you around opens up a lot of shooting opportunities. Also, get in touch with a NGO on the ground there. See if they'll walk you through some places of interest.
- Tungsten0
Combat photography is not the type of profession you just jump into. It's dangerous, hard work that can take a tole on you physically and psychologically. You'll need proper press credentials and combat training before being allowed to be embedded. Keep in mind that as a foreign journalist you're not just at risk of being hurt in combat, you are actually a prime target for kidnapping by the insurgents.
Here's an interesting discussion between experienced war photographers on what to expect while embedded in Afganistan...
- cursiveshotgun0
Learn the language, it will help you immensely.
- nilsnihil0
Why not do something good instead of proving you are brave enough to be there? There are a dozen of NGO's which would put you to good use such as http://www.rawa.org/index.php but going there just to document the spectacle of suffering is grotesque.
- rounce0
Thanks for the pointers.
I've asked a few people who've been in various hot spots, Congo, Bosnia, Chechnya etc and they all said learn the language before anything.
I was hoping to try and get some work with NGOs prior to going. A friend's dad was a convoyer with the British Red Cross and he's agreed to help me get started making contacts as far as that goes.
- Tungsten0
Here's a useful tip from NPAC.....
If you have a camera with an infrared focusing beam don't point it at a helicopter. It will set of the heli's defensive warning system and they with think you're about to fire a rocket at them. Then the will try to kill you first.
- Stugoo0
off topic, but have you been to the 'this is war' exhibition in the barbican?
was good fun till i got hungry.
http://www.barbican.org.uk/artga…good luck though mate.
- sikma0
you've seen this right?
- sikma0
and you know about Robert Cappa died right?
If your cool with that then do it.
- duckofrubber0
Check out www.benlowy.com . I went to school with this guy, and he is a fantastic photographer who's been knee deep in conflict journalistic photography for the last 6 years or so. Nice guy, although I haven't talked to him since school...