HOW TO BECOME A WAR PHOTOGRAPHER

War photography is one of the most challenging and demanding professions in journalism. Capturing the harsh realities of conflicts requires not only photographic skill, but also a deep sense of responsibility, courage, and resilience. In this article, we aim to guide you through the essential steps of becoming a war photographer, from developing the necessary skills to understanding the risks and ethical considerations involved.

- ANIRUDH IYER

1. Understanding war photography

A. What is war photography?
War photography is a genre of photojournalism that focusses on capturing images from conflict zones. These images often depict the brutality of war, the impact on civilians, and the efforts of soldiers and humanitarian workers.

B. Role of a war photographer
A war photographer’s role is to document the realities of war, providing a visual account of events that may otherwise remain unseen. Their work can influence public opinion, inform policy decisions, and contribute to historical records.

2. Developing essential skills

A. Photography skills
Technical proficiency: Mastering camera settings, lighting, and composition is fundamental. You should be comfortable with different types of cameras and lenses, especially those suited for fast-paced and unpredictable environments. Choosing the right equipment comes with experience, and hence, you’d need more than just photographic prowess. And sometimes this choice isn’t in your hands, and technical prowess is required to adapt to gear provided to you from a news agency, for e.g., Associated Press is partnered up with Sony, and if you work there, you will be shooting only on Sony equipment.

Storytelling: Beyond technical skills, a good photojournalist must be able to tell compelling stories through their images. This involves understanding the narrative of the conflict and capturing moments that convey the emotional and human aspects of war. Often times this can’t be achieved using a single image, and hence, a photo series is required.