What are the steps to becoming a conflict photographer, working in the tougher areas of the globe?

  • GunslingDuckling@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    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.

    • MattMakesPhotos@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      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.

        • MattMakesPhotos@alien.topB
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          1 year ago

          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.

      • SituationMiddle5007@alien.topB
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        1 year ago

        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.

        • MattMakesPhotos@alien.topB
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          1 year ago

          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.