NYTimes:Photographing Conflict for the First Time

That link should be in the Demotix FAQ's!!!

During the "Battle Of Britain" in 1940 when the British and German airforces clashed the RAF pilots had a life expectancy of about 3 weeks. However this was an average. If you look at the numbers in detail the attrition rate was VERY high in the first week, less in the second and less in the third. "the few" that survived the first month were far more likely to survive the war. The point of this?

The pilots were trained. Many (most?) of the new freelance correspondents heading to Libya have, as the link says, never heard a gunshot let alone been under fire. Yes there are a lot of "old timers" who have written books on war reporting but like "The few" from the Battle of Britain they are the exceptions. If you read the Bang Bang Club and the Frontline TV books half the originators are dead and most (all?) of the survivors did get shot or blown up at some time. Remember in the case of Bang Bang they were experienced reporters and for Frontline all Ex-military. They knew what they were doing.

Also war and conflict are not like they were. The stats are getting worse

http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-barometer-journalists-killed.html?annee=2011

BTW this is for *professional photographers* it does not include the many unknown amateurs and semi pro or probably even some of the freelance pros who were completely unattached.

Untrained reporters with no experience of conflict zones are very likely to not last a week. The Professionals have insurance and support to get them out when there is a problem. Trust me: Holiday insurance won't cut it.

I agree with Chris, I am ex forces and it aint like it is in the movies, it certainly isnt glamorous

pete

Hi,

Something that was touched upon, but not emphasized enough was the need to get first aid training.

St. John Ambulance, Red Cross and several specialist organisations provide advanced first aid training, and it is relatively inexpensive, and frequently free of charge.

I have a very comprehensive first aid kit in my car for when I go camping, but it has come into use, along with my training, on several scenes that I have shown up to to take pictures, and discovered that there was no one administering first aid.

Pete & Chris, you would probably be able to offer more suggestions, but I throw a pressure dressing in my camera bag, along with rubber gloves.

I believe someone mentioned in the article that Tim Heatherington died due to blood loss. Why not take a small amount of space in your bag that could save your, or someone else's life.

Victor

Like Peter I am also ex-military and heard the odd gun or two go off (and at the week end the odd bottle or two land beside me at a political rally .

Knowing first aid is a given. Carrying the right kit is essential but you have to know how to use it and how to improvise. Also not to panic. The right state of mind is essential and often more important than carrying the right kit. BTW a good first aid kit is sometimes more of a target for other people to steal than 30K's worth of camera kit.

However it is all pointless if it is YOU who is injured... It ain't like it is in Rambo where he sews up his own arm! Great you can fix other people, but is there some one who will fix you? This all comes under "awareness" or experience.... Yes you can get courses on first aid but more important are the courses on not getting hurt in the first place.

Start here
http://en.rsf.org/safety-of-journalists.html

READ THIS FROM COVER TO COVER at least twice
http://en.rsf.org/handbook-for-journalists-january-17-04-2007,21744.html

Finally read this
http://en.rsf.org/invisible-injuries-that-threaten-10-06-2009,33366.html

Yes conflict reporting is a great buzz a high almost like combat. Which is why reporters can suffer post traumatic disorders to a far higher level than the military who have close knit teams and a huge support structure. Ask how many conflict reporters commit suicide or fade out into drugs and drink? It is one thing surviving the physical the mental side is altogether different. Going to a conflict or disaster zone WILL affect you. If it doesn't you need to see a psychiatrist.

my follow up advice got canned by the over zellous anti spam system

I am not doing it all again but start here.

http://en.rsf.org/safety-of-journalists.html

and this is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL reading

http://en.rsf.org/handbook-for-journalists-january-17-04-2007,21744.html

BTW like Peter I am ex-military and seen/heard the odd gun or two go off.

Victor, yep excellent idea, and despite all warnings (HIV etc and perhaps being sued) I still could not stand and watch if I could help, (after taking several images first though)!!!

Chris, yep I think the saying goes, you can say what you want but say it loud (in one of the Vietnam fils I think).

Chris: I've fixed your post so that it appears properly.

Victor: thanks again for the link. Stephen and I will be poring over it while we're writing the relevant bits of the upcoming Demotix training pages.

Victor and everyone,

this is a very interesting discussion and thanks for the links. Although is all about safety, I think that Chris has the final say on conflict photojournalism:

"BTW this is for *professional photographers* it does not include the many unknown amateurs and semi pro or probably even some of the freelance pros who were completely unattached. "

And certainly for younger people than older ones - the physical strain on such an assignment are surely huge.

@Chris "Trust me: Holiday insurance won't cut it." I remember the forums all abuzz before the second gulf war on how insurance companies were not covering anyone and those professionals that were covered had to pay massive premiums.

best

Lawrence