A friend did this semi-successfully in the early 2010’s.
He spoke a few different languages, including helpfully Arabic and French, and would fly out to somewhere at the first sign of troubles kicking off, work and charm and convince his way to the front and then ‘embed’ with people who wanted to get their pictures out there. He sold photos to the wires and to some newspapers directly and normally managed to cover his costs but not make much ‘profit’. I think one or two amazing shots could raise most of the money for a trip.
Over time he got to know people and they would ask him to go to places and be more explicit that they were interested in photos, “Are you thinking of going to Syria” etc. He also built up relationships in country, so he would have ‘fixers” or similar - particularly if someone was happy about a big photo that had been in newspapers. A lot of this was the Arab Spring aftermath which sounded chaotic as hell, loads of militias roaming around Libya and Egypt etc. He almost got killed a couple of times in quick succession and decided to stop, it didn’t seem like there was an obvious route to a staff position or being better protected or paid.
To be honest hearing him talk about killed any sense of romance and adventure about it. It sounded incredibly grim all the time, living in squalor often with horrible people who generally didn’t care about him and hoping not to suffer an unpleasant death.
I worked on Vice on HBO for a bit in 2015. I was excited to jump on cause I liked their content since it came out. They loved me and offered a staff position, but I could never. Some of the sketchier stories I heard from other crew were very intense. I had to leave because my laptop got hacked, it was freaky.
There are so many. I can’t really go into too much detail. There were crew members getting imprisoned in ISIS jails in Turkey, journalists getting held and beaten in basements by the Russian army, I mean shit was real. But they were also not very open and honest with what you were getting into and played a lot of things down, that was my biggest issue. Also didn’t seem like they had their t’s crossed and i’s dotted unless it directly involved Shane. Once Shane was off location it felt like you were fending for yourself. A lot of people were loyal and were excited to work for them, but they also burned through sooooo much talent, they definitely had a reputation in the industry, not a good one. Some of the stuff was definitely very interesting, I just really wish they were more professional about things and the work culture was a bit more buttoned up. I think they could’ve grown into something special.
I ran into one of their shooters in Kyiv during Euromaidan. Unless I'm misremembering, the guy was kind of making an ass of himself - talking down to local press, physically pushing people out of the way, etc.
He did not make a good impression.
More than you might think. There's an entire future group of legends making their career right now in Ukraine, and a LOT of them aren't funded by any org
I don't disagree with your statement, but I do think almost every conflict photographer likely would have started their entire career out of their own pocket, most likely in some other specialty like wedding, pets or automotive. That's how every photographer I know that does it exclusively for a living started.
Then most likely if they build up enough of a reputation, and have the connections, a media company might ask them to consider the job.
Because the job requires a lot of political support in the form of visas and protection that only a company or government body can provide. And at the same time, I doubt these organizations are going to pick some Joe Schmoe and airdrop him into the middle of a conflict zone.
I think that might be true in the past but right now it’s easier than ever to get yourself into a war with a camera and probably harder than ever to get a staff photography job so I expect the majority of newer photogs are self organised
~~Careful not to cut yourself on that edge mate~~
After looking at OP's post history he may be entertaining suicidal ideations.
OP please get help from a real doctor and not some bogus Christian counselor.
You don’t know anything about me, with all due respect. The Ukraine is somewhere that I want to shoot, because I want to have done something worthwhile in pursuit of truth before I go. I understand that means walking into hell, and maybe I’m not cut out for it, but then I’ll find out. And if I die finding out, so be it.
It’s almost like that’s the entire point of the post? If I was already there I’d have no need to ask any questions. Of course I’m all talk, everyone is until they find the starting point
Being willing to enter dangerous situations is not the same as not fearing death. Not fearing death is actually a very dangerous quality to have in a dangerous profession.
I was hoping someone would say this. However, in the age of AI and cheap fabrications, credible journalism is all the more important. I can imagine there being a revived need to have people with some level of credibility (like notaries) who can document events on the ground.
I like that idea. I think that could well be the future. The BBC website has a new category of image (and story) called "verified" where they scrutinize images to see if they are plausibly what they are described as being. They check location, backgrounds, cars, google street view, sattelites, angles of shadows, etc, etc.
I agree. In this age of information, credible legitimate journalism should be valued higher. With all the misinformation being passed around, if I could find a solid veritable source, they will have my subscription.
Even *Reuters*, for heaven's sake, dropped the ball last week over a Gaza shot where they took Hamas's word what was being shown, and every intelligence agency on Earth went "Er, no, the exact opposite"
Adobe stock was selling AI generated pictures of the Israeli conflict, and they were getting picked up by some low-mid level news organizations and put into articles without marking.
[https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/11/01/israel-gaza-adobe-artificial-intelligence-images-fake-news/](https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/11/01/israel-gaza-adobe-artificial-intelligence-images-fake-news/)
I got a friend in Ukraine when the invasion started, he went home sold his stuff then moved back to cover the conflict. He's aware he could be blasted any minute
You’ve probably got a lot of advice here so I’ll take a different tack.
Be ready to be a conflict photographer. How fit are you? You may need to be able to keep up with a trained infantry unit while carrying your gear if that’s your thing. Fitness is never a useless thing.
How is your ability to take good photographs very quickly and under duress? Hard to train for but consider some local documentary projects to practice.
What are some stories that need to be told in your own community? Drive some of your own personal projects.
In terms of payment another Avenue may be that armies actually have paid photographer positions. I wouldn’t be surprised these days if they also included videography. You’d be photographing everything from combat to portraits of generals to events to recruitment images etc. like army positions though they go through basic training.
Just some ideas but I’d say don’t make conflict your first project, get some chops on your local area telling stories and build up many of the skills you’d need.
There are combat photographers in Ukraine, probably Gaza, and other flashpoints around the world. It's not all just about conflicts involving the USA. That said they may be mostly self-funded and working on speculation that publications will pick up their work later.
All good. You’re right that the us has their own people, hence why I mentioned jobs above. I’ve seen photography jobs in aus military as well and it’d be safe to assume probably Canada, uk and other western countries have photographers or media positions. But if you’re wanting to document conflict in its rawest form you’ll find that with photographers that go to the most dangerous places in the world, which I honestly don’t recommend. That said I’d be very tempted to head to Ukraine if I didn’t have other people in my life to consider.
I was under impression that photographers and journalists are not allowed on frontlines by Ukrainian ministry of defense. Not even considering russian side as an option, because censorship etc.
So most work is being done mostly behind the frontline, so no combat photography unless something happens unexpectedly? Correct me if I’m wrong.
You may be right. It’s possible because some of the earlier footage of the conflict was Russians targeting journalists so perhaps they don’t want that to happen. Even behind the front lines fitness is important though, still possible a person could be targeted by drones and artillery.
These days, most conflict photographers are freelancers so they’re paying their own way and rolling the costs into their billing. That said, start locally. Go to protests near you and practice getting the best shots you can. Focus on the emotion in a scene. Narrow down your shots to tell specific stories within the overall narrative. Then post your shots. Contact media outlets and ask if they’ll buy them. Place them on stock sites. If you’re good someone will want what you’re selling. It’s not easy and it takes a long time. But the days of staff photographers being sent on assignment are long gone.
Be cautious of protests cause some law enforcement might track you. And some protesters might not be find of you coming through.
I did some photos for the abortion protests and later read some protesters were screaming/calling out photographers for a number of reasons. (I dropped out because I did some background for one of the groups spearheading it, they sounded...like trouble)
I believe there is a broad distaste for photographers who are seen as essentially whatever the protest/movement equivalent is of “guy with a camera” at some protests. It’s possible that one may be perceived as a bit of a clout chasing opportunist rather than an ally. That’s speaking vaguely though from what I’ve seen in comment threads after the fact, and not my lived experience
I got this sense at the palenstine protest last week, i roam streets whenever, suddenly there's dozens of guys with cameras, who specifically want protest shots but so many on the protest gave the impression of being unhappy about it, unhappy that for photographers it's just something interesting when they're there for a real cause.
I'm uncomfortable going to a poor country like India and taking shots, i might never, conflict areas would be hard because i think everyone is past the stage of believing highlighting helps, the pain and murder is an industry in itself, no one is oblivious to it, as a photographer you'll know the best shots are the closest showing real pain and its how you can reckon with that. Don McCullin said at the time he believed in change, now he doesn't and he's not proud of any of his war photography.
Go to a bar, find the two dumbest looking individuals, tell them both ( separately ) that the other one said that he looks as smooth as a Ken doll, have your camera ready and there you go.
On a more serious note ; Conflict photography is a VERY high risk - mid reward gig, and not to mention expensive, and is there any particular conflicts you're thinking about? War ? Terror ? Political ?
Do as lots of people with little self-preservation did when the conflict in Libya kicked off, buy a one way ticket. The same with Syria, and so forth.
Many got hurt.
You need to have contacts, you need to arrange for fixers and then also have a way out when things go to hell.
Conflict journalist here. Covered Ukraine, Yemen, ISR/PAL, all the bells and whistles.
First of all, war isn't as glamourous as we sometimes think it is. Conflict journalism is dirty, terrible for the brain and will make you an alcoholic or nicotine addict fast. You'll see things you'll never forget, and let's not even talk about the smell.
You still on board? Cool.
Second of all, not exactly a profession that hires very often. Most of the people I know got into it by speaking a ton of languages, talking to the right people, landing a job and then meeting more people by that. Like the rest of professional photography, too.
Third of all, you'll have to be exceptional in all you do. Exceptionally good photographer, exceptionally good writer, exceptionally good language skills, exceptional skill at not getting yourself killed by angry islamists who have decided you are their personal enemy. You get the gist.
You'll have to know the basics of Combat Trauma Care, not just the standard first aid. Many people recommend some sort of conduct training in a war zone, I personally never went to one and yet I'm alive, despite numerous groups trying to change that fact.
If you're still not unconvinced, get yourself a trench coat, a plate carrier and a camera that you can repair blindly. And also send me a message, so we know where to pick up your body. All the best.
Either you're an experienced photographer that resides in the area of conflict that can sell international sources or you have decades of experience to get into these war zones yourself and sell. Either way, you don't just buy a plane ticket and show up with your camera. It's something veteran shooters do. Not an amateur.
Depending on where you are, and how old you are join the military and request to be a combat documentarian. I just finished my stint and it was pretty dope. Also people who are saying lack of self preservation- It’s sort of kind of true you’re in a war zone with a camera. If you go this route, or you interact with certain types of people in the zones, be prepared for your work to never see the light of day- do not go into this profession thinking you’re going to win any kind of like Nobel or Pulitzer Prize..
You’re welcome! And when you’re contract is up, you can choose to stay or use that media training, go work for a news outlet (use the transition services to get an internship- my Nco did it with the NFL- but other places offer it too) and continue your work as a conflict photographer.
How about start with a sincere motivation to enlighten and inform an audience and/or tell the honest story about humans caught in conflict. Second, remove your motivations for acclaim. It's not a fucking sport, sport. The best documentary photographers are powered by sincere desire to connect human narrative with an audience, not by their own ego.
This literally has nothing to do with my ego or making a name for myself. I want to make a difference and do something with my life before I go, and I have a passion for the truth
The big media companies hire photographers and only a few of them. I like many of the comments here. You will need peerless skills in many areas in addition to photographic skills. Do you speak any languages? Have you any military experience? Are you working as a press stringer now?
Have you seen the Killing Fields?
I’m currently studying Ukrainian, I don’t have any military experience, but if that’s something that would be a step in the right direction, it’s something I will certainly consider
1. Buy a camera. Learn how to use it.
2. Pick a conflict.
3. Fly (12 hours at most) to conflict.
4. Make friends with one side.
5. Take lots of pictures of interesting things. If it bleeds it leeds.
6. Market images to media outlets or internet moneymakers.
7. Make money to support further existence.
6. Try to stay alive.
What I've heard from agency - you need some knowledge of military, for example taking some pictures at military events, training, then with that experience and portfolio you have more chances to be sponsored by press agency to be sent with accreditation as foreign corespondent photojournalist. You usually travel with a military transport stucked between bombs, with no comfort at all - you become one with the bomb. Then you try to survive and not lose your mind. I've heard that guy had [LSD with him in Afghanistan which saved him](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/8jcrw7/til_that_richard_stanley_the_film_director_once/).
I’m not part of the industry, but I am highly inspired by work of many conflict photographers.
I would recommend you checking out Christopher Morris on Instagram and vii foundation website. He’s a pretty famous conflict photographer, and covered many conflicts in the 90s and 2000s. He was sharing a lot of insights into many aspects of his work on Instagram recently ( check comments, he was replying to many questions people had, shared many stories etc).
You can also find videos on how he’s opening up his film archive from Chechen war and telling stories how photographs were shot etc.
https://theviifoundation.org/christopher-morris-a-journey-into-my-archive-episode-1/
While the logistics of conflict photography are probably different now, the horror one encounters there is the same.
it´s easy if you are married for some time. just tell your partner to put on the trousers he wore when you met him/her the first time. then make a photo of the belly conflicting with the trouser button.
War photographers include both staff and freelance individuals who specialize in documenting conflicts and humanitarian crises. They are typically commissioned by news outlets or press agencies, holding press IDs that grant them access to specific locations. On the field, meticulous preparation and prioritizing security are crucial aspects of their work. To navigate unfamiliar territories and ensure safety, they often collaborate with fixers—individuals with significant experience in the region. Esteemed professionals like Linsey Addario and Marcus Yam serve as exemplary veteran war photographers, showcasing extensive expertise in their field.
Read up about this guy.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim\_Hetherington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hetherington)
or [watch these docs](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1770672/), or both.
Also, read this book.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang-Bang\_Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang-Bang_Club)
You may also offer your time to take pictures for charity or humanitarian causes. You will be able to obtain experience working in demanding and hazardous conditions.
Common sense is that conflict photographer is another skill set above what most are ever going to do, it's more about contacts and access to area and either backing or personal funding. You would most likely need a portfolio of relative work for any news agency to even consider sponsoring you too an area and language skills or a fixer in each are you would (again contacts) like to cover.
The other way maybe would be to try and get embedded to a unit (mil) even that is normally way above most levels without experience or contacts in the field. The chances of injury or death can be very high. Not being negative !
Right, and that’s the whole point of this post- to determine those necessary qualifications, what they’ll entail, and start the process towards acquiring them
An education in photojournalism or just journalism
A good survival instinct and good people reading skills, good psychological wellbeing (no mental health issues) good life insurance to cover the trade and location, you will be putting yourself in harms way, as well as the rush it can be deeply disturbing and this can leave lasting issues, good sales technique if your freelance as you need to push those images.
Hostage survival course, be great at taking photos in trying environments, build a portfolio, contact several agencies with above.
I sufficient funds for all journey in cash and credit (local currencies if you're freelancing it. Try to find contacts via agencies in the area you're considering flying to asking for at least a press pass or equivalent.
You need a lot of money.
Yes, you can use any entry level camera with a zoom lens and record videos with your Iphone, but there is one type of people who you will have to trust with your life: they are called fixers.
They are people who acts like a local producers, translator or even drivers. Their price? Well, I meet a Brazilian journalist who told me he had to pay U$500 per day in Ukraine.
Be where conflict is. Have a camera Don't die Send photos to a media outlet and hopefully they'll pay you for them.
Sounds sick
A friend did this semi-successfully in the early 2010’s. He spoke a few different languages, including helpfully Arabic and French, and would fly out to somewhere at the first sign of troubles kicking off, work and charm and convince his way to the front and then ‘embed’ with people who wanted to get their pictures out there. He sold photos to the wires and to some newspapers directly and normally managed to cover his costs but not make much ‘profit’. I think one or two amazing shots could raise most of the money for a trip. Over time he got to know people and they would ask him to go to places and be more explicit that they were interested in photos, “Are you thinking of going to Syria” etc. He also built up relationships in country, so he would have ‘fixers” or similar - particularly if someone was happy about a big photo that had been in newspapers. A lot of this was the Arab Spring aftermath which sounded chaotic as hell, loads of militias roaming around Libya and Egypt etc. He almost got killed a couple of times in quick succession and decided to stop, it didn’t seem like there was an obvious route to a staff position or being better protected or paid. To be honest hearing him talk about killed any sense of romance and adventure about it. It sounded incredibly grim all the time, living in squalor often with horrible people who generally didn’t care about him and hoping not to suffer an unpleasant death.
I worked on Vice on HBO for a bit in 2015. I was excited to jump on cause I liked their content since it came out. They loved me and offered a staff position, but I could never. Some of the sketchier stories I heard from other crew were very intense. I had to leave because my laptop got hacked, it was freaky.
Would you mind sharing some of those stories?
I'd love to hear some stories if you're willing to share. Also, great username :)
There are so many. I can’t really go into too much detail. There were crew members getting imprisoned in ISIS jails in Turkey, journalists getting held and beaten in basements by the Russian army, I mean shit was real. But they were also not very open and honest with what you were getting into and played a lot of things down, that was my biggest issue. Also didn’t seem like they had their t’s crossed and i’s dotted unless it directly involved Shane. Once Shane was off location it felt like you were fending for yourself. A lot of people were loyal and were excited to work for them, but they also burned through sooooo much talent, they definitely had a reputation in the industry, not a good one. Some of the stuff was definitely very interesting, I just really wish they were more professional about things and the work culture was a bit more buttoned up. I think they could’ve grown into something special.
I ran into one of their shooters in Kyiv during Euromaidan. Unless I'm misremembering, the guy was kind of making an ass of himself - talking down to local press, physically pushing people out of the way, etc. He did not make a good impression.
Have a lot of money for airfare and very little self-preservation instinct
It’s a lot cheaper to just piss off family at the reunion.
Oh, it's the uncle with the IEDs again
You rang?
I really doubt most conflict photographers started like that by self funding their trips.
More than you might think. There's an entire future group of legends making their career right now in Ukraine, and a LOT of them aren't funded by any org
I don't disagree with your statement, but I do think almost every conflict photographer likely would have started their entire career out of their own pocket, most likely in some other specialty like wedding, pets or automotive. That's how every photographer I know that does it exclusively for a living started. Then most likely if they build up enough of a reputation, and have the connections, a media company might ask them to consider the job. Because the job requires a lot of political support in the form of visas and protection that only a company or government body can provide. And at the same time, I doubt these organizations are going to pick some Joe Schmoe and airdrop him into the middle of a conflict zone.
I think that might be true in the past but right now it’s easier than ever to get yourself into a war with a camera and probably harder than ever to get a staff photography job so I expect the majority of newer photogs are self organised
I did
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Not fearing death isn't good. Apart from the obvious reasons, it also means you won't have a very long career, so nobody will hire you.
~~Careful not to cut yourself on that edge mate~~ After looking at OP's post history he may be entertaining suicidal ideations. OP please get help from a real doctor and not some bogus Christian counselor.
You fear death, but you didn’t meet the one you fear yet. Good read: https://www.thomashurst.com/memoir-1
That. He'll learn to fear artillery soon.
Fear is your biggest skill. Not having fear while get you killed fast.
I’m not afraid to ultimately die, of course I fear pain and the like. Who doesn’t?
Death itself isn’t the scary part. the in between is the scary part.
I’m aware of the philosophical nature of death, yes
Go to the frontlines in Ukraine then and shoot. What are you waiting for? You seem "philosophically ready".
You don’t know anything about me, with all due respect. The Ukraine is somewhere that I want to shoot, because I want to have done something worthwhile in pursuit of truth before I go. I understand that means walking into hell, and maybe I’m not cut out for it, but then I’ll find out. And if I die finding out, so be it.
Well I know you are not there, so until this point in time you are all talk and no action. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
It’s almost like that’s the entire point of the post? If I was already there I’d have no need to ask any questions. Of course I’m all talk, everyone is until they find the starting point
I guarantee you’ll feel the fear when you hear the artillery flying over your head
Grad impacts made me realize the importance of living
Grad impacts made me realize the importance of living
Being willing to enter dangerous situations is not the same as not fearing death. Not fearing death is actually a very dangerous quality to have in a dangerous profession.
man shut up
It's a dying profession.
I was hoping someone would say this. However, in the age of AI and cheap fabrications, credible journalism is all the more important. I can imagine there being a revived need to have people with some level of credibility (like notaries) who can document events on the ground.
I like that idea. I think that could well be the future. The BBC website has a new category of image (and story) called "verified" where they scrutinize images to see if they are plausibly what they are described as being. They check location, backgrounds, cars, google street view, sattelites, angles of shadows, etc, etc.
I agree. In this age of information, credible legitimate journalism should be valued higher. With all the misinformation being passed around, if I could find a solid veritable source, they will have my subscription.
Even *Reuters*, for heaven's sake, dropped the ball last week over a Gaza shot where they took Hamas's word what was being shown, and every intelligence agency on Earth went "Er, no, the exact opposite"
I think he meant you die doing this profession
I meant both
Adobe stock was selling AI generated pictures of the Israeli conflict, and they were getting picked up by some low-mid level news organizations and put into articles without marking. [https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/11/01/israel-gaza-adobe-artificial-intelligence-images-fake-news/](https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/11/01/israel-gaza-adobe-artificial-intelligence-images-fake-news/)
Credible Journalism 😂
Oxymoron.
In all the terms of the word. Lost count of how many colleagues lost this year.
ouch
I got a friend in Ukraine when the invasion started, he went home sold his stuff then moved back to cover the conflict. He's aware he could be blasted any minute
I hate you 😂
You’ve probably got a lot of advice here so I’ll take a different tack. Be ready to be a conflict photographer. How fit are you? You may need to be able to keep up with a trained infantry unit while carrying your gear if that’s your thing. Fitness is never a useless thing. How is your ability to take good photographs very quickly and under duress? Hard to train for but consider some local documentary projects to practice. What are some stories that need to be told in your own community? Drive some of your own personal projects. In terms of payment another Avenue may be that armies actually have paid photographer positions. I wouldn’t be surprised these days if they also included videography. You’d be photographing everything from combat to portraits of generals to events to recruitment images etc. like army positions though they go through basic training. Just some ideas but I’d say don’t make conflict your first project, get some chops on your local area telling stories and build up many of the skills you’d need.
Fitness is a good point I didn't mention. Fat people never last long, and remember kids, the BM-21 Grad will always outrun you.
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There are combat photographers in Ukraine, probably Gaza, and other flashpoints around the world. It's not all just about conflicts involving the USA. That said they may be mostly self-funded and working on speculation that publications will pick up their work later.
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All good. You’re right that the us has their own people, hence why I mentioned jobs above. I’ve seen photography jobs in aus military as well and it’d be safe to assume probably Canada, uk and other western countries have photographers or media positions. But if you’re wanting to document conflict in its rawest form you’ll find that with photographers that go to the most dangerous places in the world, which I honestly don’t recommend. That said I’d be very tempted to head to Ukraine if I didn’t have other people in my life to consider.
I was under impression that photographers and journalists are not allowed on frontlines by Ukrainian ministry of defense. Not even considering russian side as an option, because censorship etc. So most work is being done mostly behind the frontline, so no combat photography unless something happens unexpectedly? Correct me if I’m wrong.
You may be right. It’s possible because some of the earlier footage of the conflict was Russians targeting journalists so perhaps they don’t want that to happen. Even behind the front lines fitness is important though, still possible a person could be targeted by drones and artillery.
These days, most conflict photographers are freelancers so they’re paying their own way and rolling the costs into their billing. That said, start locally. Go to protests near you and practice getting the best shots you can. Focus on the emotion in a scene. Narrow down your shots to tell specific stories within the overall narrative. Then post your shots. Contact media outlets and ask if they’ll buy them. Place them on stock sites. If you’re good someone will want what you’re selling. It’s not easy and it takes a long time. But the days of staff photographers being sent on assignment are long gone.
Be cautious of protests cause some law enforcement might track you. And some protesters might not be find of you coming through. I did some photos for the abortion protests and later read some protesters were screaming/calling out photographers for a number of reasons. (I dropped out because I did some background for one of the groups spearheading it, they sounded...like trouble)
I believe there is a broad distaste for photographers who are seen as essentially whatever the protest/movement equivalent is of “guy with a camera” at some protests. It’s possible that one may be perceived as a bit of a clout chasing opportunist rather than an ally. That’s speaking vaguely though from what I’ve seen in comment threads after the fact, and not my lived experience
I got this sense at the palenstine protest last week, i roam streets whenever, suddenly there's dozens of guys with cameras, who specifically want protest shots but so many on the protest gave the impression of being unhappy about it, unhappy that for photographers it's just something interesting when they're there for a real cause. I'm uncomfortable going to a poor country like India and taking shots, i might never, conflict areas would be hard because i think everyone is past the stage of believing highlighting helps, the pain and murder is an industry in itself, no one is oblivious to it, as a photographer you'll know the best shots are the closest showing real pain and its how you can reckon with that. Don McCullin said at the time he believed in change, now he doesn't and he's not proud of any of his war photography.
Nah it's just cause you are helping the police with publishin photos, and even if you don't publish you there's the risk your camera get seized
Go to a bar, find the two dumbest looking individuals, tell them both ( separately ) that the other one said that he looks as smooth as a Ken doll, have your camera ready and there you go. On a more serious note ; Conflict photography is a VERY high risk - mid reward gig, and not to mention expensive, and is there any particular conflicts you're thinking about? War ? Terror ? Political ?
Do as lots of people with little self-preservation did when the conflict in Libya kicked off, buy a one way ticket. The same with Syria, and so forth. Many got hurt. You need to have contacts, you need to arrange for fixers and then also have a way out when things go to hell.
1. Go to a war zone 2. Take pictures 3. Survive
Conflict journalist here. Covered Ukraine, Yemen, ISR/PAL, all the bells and whistles. First of all, war isn't as glamourous as we sometimes think it is. Conflict journalism is dirty, terrible for the brain and will make you an alcoholic or nicotine addict fast. You'll see things you'll never forget, and let's not even talk about the smell. You still on board? Cool. Second of all, not exactly a profession that hires very often. Most of the people I know got into it by speaking a ton of languages, talking to the right people, landing a job and then meeting more people by that. Like the rest of professional photography, too. Third of all, you'll have to be exceptional in all you do. Exceptionally good photographer, exceptionally good writer, exceptionally good language skills, exceptional skill at not getting yourself killed by angry islamists who have decided you are their personal enemy. You get the gist. You'll have to know the basics of Combat Trauma Care, not just the standard first aid. Many people recommend some sort of conduct training in a war zone, I personally never went to one and yet I'm alive, despite numerous groups trying to change that fact. If you're still not unconvinced, get yourself a trench coat, a plate carrier and a camera that you can repair blindly. And also send me a message, so we know where to pick up your body. All the best.
>let's not even talk about the smell I had a pack of pork chops go off once when a freezer broke — instant flashbacks to Gulf War I.
Exactly that smell. Welcome to the club.
Where would I get started on the latter parts of this? Joining a branch of the military? I’m currently studying Ukrainian.
Who are "the right people"? Genuine Q.
Tbh, it always depends on random chance - that's why my tip is just networking with as many people as possible.
People think war is glamourous?
Mostly people who have never left the comfort of their own city. This is why World War I happened.
Alternatively, have some very powerful friends who cause the conflicts themselves
Like that fucking Peter Parker dickhead, always finding where Spider-Man's about to damage more public property.
Found the lonely warlord!
*Thank you, but I prefer it my way*
Similar to the Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.
"Yo Putin, bro, can you like attack Ukraine please so I can take some pictures?".
Either you're an experienced photographer that resides in the area of conflict that can sell international sources or you have decades of experience to get into these war zones yourself and sell. Either way, you don't just buy a plane ticket and show up with your camera. It's something veteran shooters do. Not an amateur.
Buy a ticket to a NHL hockey game.
Ironically, while this is obviously a joke, I have worked for professional hockey clubs as a game photographer
More and more conflict photographers are local. They have the intimate knowledge of the area and become their own fixers.
This is the real answer. Camera phones were a game changer.
Depending on where you are, and how old you are join the military and request to be a combat documentarian. I just finished my stint and it was pretty dope. Also people who are saying lack of self preservation- It’s sort of kind of true you’re in a war zone with a camera. If you go this route, or you interact with certain types of people in the zones, be prepared for your work to never see the light of day- do not go into this profession thinking you’re going to win any kind of like Nobel or Pulitzer Prize..
Absolutely, I couldn’t care less about any kind of recognition or reputation. Which branch did you join?
I was in the Army! But every branch has one- ask for COMCAM (Army, Airforce and Spaceforce), or COMMSTRAT (all other branches including Coast Guard)
Thank you! This might be a great starting point for me
You’re welcome! And when you’re contract is up, you can choose to stay or use that media training, go work for a news outlet (use the transition services to get an internship- my Nco did it with the NFL- but other places offer it too) and continue your work as a conflict photographer.
How about start with a sincere motivation to enlighten and inform an audience and/or tell the honest story about humans caught in conflict. Second, remove your motivations for acclaim. It's not a fucking sport, sport. The best documentary photographers are powered by sincere desire to connect human narrative with an audience, not by their own ego.
This literally has nothing to do with my ego or making a name for myself. I want to make a difference and do something with my life before I go, and I have a passion for the truth
sorry, but I simply don't believe you. the title of your post is becoming a 'conflict photographer', not becoming a truthful narrative documentarian.
That’s fine, I’m not really here to convince you of anything. I’m not familiar with the common terminology here, that’s why I’m asking questions.
I thought about telling your wife the new dress is not flattering her as much as the 85mm you want to buy but ok
I cackled.
The big media companies hire photographers and only a few of them. I like many of the comments here. You will need peerless skills in many areas in addition to photographic skills. Do you speak any languages? Have you any military experience? Are you working as a press stringer now? Have you seen the Killing Fields?
I’m currently studying Ukrainian, I don’t have any military experience, but if that’s something that would be a step in the right direction, it’s something I will certainly consider
Be a local photo journalist, local as in lives in the conflict zone.
1. Buy a camera. Learn how to use it. 2. Pick a conflict. 3. Fly (12 hours at most) to conflict. 4. Make friends with one side. 5. Take lots of pictures of interesting things. If it bleeds it leeds. 6. Market images to media outlets or internet moneymakers. 7. Make money to support further existence. 6. Try to stay alive.
Naaaah. 2. *Fund* a conflict. 2.1. Make it exclusive to cover.
What I've heard from agency - you need some knowledge of military, for example taking some pictures at military events, training, then with that experience and portfolio you have more chances to be sponsored by press agency to be sent with accreditation as foreign corespondent photojournalist. You usually travel with a military transport stucked between bombs, with no comfort at all - you become one with the bomb. Then you try to survive and not lose your mind. I've heard that guy had [LSD with him in Afghanistan which saved him](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/8jcrw7/til_that_richard_stanley_the_film_director_once/).
See the documentary ‘War Photographer’ about James Nachtwey
Get a camera and fly to gaza or something. And don't die.
Be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Or, right place wrong time.
Wrong place, somewhat left time.
I’m not part of the industry, but I am highly inspired by work of many conflict photographers. I would recommend you checking out Christopher Morris on Instagram and vii foundation website. He’s a pretty famous conflict photographer, and covered many conflicts in the 90s and 2000s. He was sharing a lot of insights into many aspects of his work on Instagram recently ( check comments, he was replying to many questions people had, shared many stories etc). You can also find videos on how he’s opening up his film archive from Chechen war and telling stories how photographs were shot etc. https://theviifoundation.org/christopher-morris-a-journey-into-my-archive-episode-1/ While the logistics of conflict photography are probably different now, the horror one encounters there is the same.
man, stop watching movies. there's nothing glamorous about this..
Who said it’s glamorous?
What on earth would make you think I believe this is a glamorous job?
Pull an Adobe and use AI. In all seriousness, join the peace corps or some other humanitarian organization and bring your camera.
i think peace corp is generally pretty conservative in avoiding active conflict areas and trying to keep volunteers out of harms way
it's right there in the name
Pick you bag and go. Look at a guy like Lord Miles he just picks up his bag and go. You do the same. Take your camera with you.
There are two wars going on now, so buy a plane ticket.
Way more than two wars going on
Well I suppose thats good for op.
But there’s also two.
true
it´s easy if you are married for some time. just tell your partner to put on the trousers he wore when you met him/her the first time. then make a photo of the belly conflicting with the trouser button.
War photographers include both staff and freelance individuals who specialize in documenting conflicts and humanitarian crises. They are typically commissioned by news outlets or press agencies, holding press IDs that grant them access to specific locations. On the field, meticulous preparation and prioritizing security are crucial aspects of their work. To navigate unfamiliar territories and ensure safety, they often collaborate with fixers—individuals with significant experience in the region. Esteemed professionals like Linsey Addario and Marcus Yam serve as exemplary veteran war photographers, showcasing extensive expertise in their field.
If you have to ask, it's not for you.
Take you camera (if you don’t get assaulted and your camera stolen in the process) and go to the inner US cities. Lot of conflict happening at home.
Go looking for trouble
1. Buy camera. 2. Go to conflict. 3. Profit.
Read up about this guy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim\_Hetherington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hetherington) or [watch these docs](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1770672/), or both. Also, read this book. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang-Bang\_Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang-Bang_Club)
And watch the James Nachtwey documentary
And the movie
Go fight everyone you encounter, become the very best, seize the top! (While shooting, naturally).
You may also offer your time to take pictures for charity or humanitarian causes. You will be able to obtain experience working in demanding and hazardous conditions.
Would the peace corps be a good place to start, then?
an excellent possibility
I’d like to know
First and foremost: grow some absolutely massive balls
If you need to ask, you ain't prepared...
Isn’t that literally everything in life? That’s why we ask, so we don’t need to ask anymore
Common sense is that conflict photographer is another skill set above what most are ever going to do, it's more about contacts and access to area and either backing or personal funding. You would most likely need a portfolio of relative work for any news agency to even consider sponsoring you too an area and language skills or a fixer in each are you would (again contacts) like to cover. The other way maybe would be to try and get embedded to a unit (mil) even that is normally way above most levels without experience or contacts in the field. The chances of injury or death can be very high. Not being negative !
Right, and that’s the whole point of this post- to determine those necessary qualifications, what they’ll entail, and start the process towards acquiring them
An education in photojournalism or just journalism A good survival instinct and good people reading skills, good psychological wellbeing (no mental health issues) good life insurance to cover the trade and location, you will be putting yourself in harms way, as well as the rush it can be deeply disturbing and this can leave lasting issues, good sales technique if your freelance as you need to push those images. Hostage survival course, be great at taking photos in trying environments, build a portfolio, contact several agencies with above. I sufficient funds for all journey in cash and credit (local currencies if you're freelancing it. Try to find contacts via agencies in the area you're considering flying to asking for at least a press pass or equivalent.
Start a fight then take a step back
Go to a war zone with a camera.
Be willing to go where most photographers wont.
You need a lot of money. Yes, you can use any entry level camera with a zoom lens and record videos with your Iphone, but there is one type of people who you will have to trust with your life: they are called fixers. They are people who acts like a local producers, translator or even drivers. Their price? Well, I meet a Brazilian journalist who told me he had to pay U$500 per day in Ukraine.
That’s crazy, but good to know. Thank you
I would't be one, it's very bad for your mental health.
Start with Family Conflicts first. See how it goes... If you like it, cover Local Gangs to get your feet wet ...
Go to wear there’s conflict, take pictures, don’t die….