What are the steps to becoming a conflict photographer, working in the tougher areas of the globe?
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- Buy a camera. Learn how to use it.
- Pick a conflict.
- Fly (12 hours at most) to conflict.
- Make friends with one side.
- Take lots of pictures of interesting things. If it bleeds it leeds.
- Market images to media outlets or internet moneymakers.
- Make money to support further existence.
- Try to stay alive.
Naaaah.
- Fund a conflict.
2.1. Make it exclusive to cover.
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.
Buy camera, create conflict
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.
Realistically you’re not going in with a military unit. I’m pretty sure those days are mostly done. The army has an MOS specifically for Combat Photographers. The government gets to claim ownership of the photos and control the narrative there’s not really any reason to take responsibility for a civilian who’s probably going to just document misconduct anyways.
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.
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.
My bad when you said keep up with infantry I assumed you meant US military Infantry. I have army brain.
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.
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.
Bet you’ve got some cool stories at least
Where would I get started on the latter parts of this? Joining a branch of the military? I’m currently studying Ukrainian.
People think war is glamourous?
Mostly people who have never left the comfort of their own city. This is why World War I happened.
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.
- Go to a war zone
- Take pictures
- Survive
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 in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Be a local photo journalist, local as in lives in the conflict zone.
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.
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.
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.
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
See the documentary ‘War Photographer’ about James Nachtwey