How does one get into military photography outside of being a journalist?

2016-02-29T19:22:08-05:00

Some good 'ol Army training. Preparing to be future leaders.

I am trying to get more into military training photography, whether its for analysis purposes, or winning hearts and minds through public relations and civil affairs. Could somebody help guide me in some sort of direction? I really don't care about the journalism aspect or want to work as a freelancer at a newspaper. I just enjoy photos

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-02-29T19:23:59-05:00

this photo was taken by myself during a recent ROTC field exercise.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-02-29T19:24:15-05:00

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/arts-and-media/combat-documentation-production-specialist.html
shooterjobs.com
https://www.dvidshub.net/

Combat Documentation/Production Specialist (25V)

Learn about becoming a Combat Documentation/Production Specialist whose tasks include: supervising, planning and operating film equipment to document Army operations.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 29 at 2016 7:30 PM

2016-02-29T19:30:29-05:00

Commission into Public Affairs. I don't think you'll be able to have the primary job of being a combat cameraman, but you can work your way into that general environment, and position yourself for your longer term goals.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-02-29T20:47:15-05:00

Cadet CPT Rawlins, greetings Sir!

I am the 1SG for the 205th Press Camp Headquarters. I am preparing a (basic) rigorous online photography and writing training platform that you are free to tap into.

We have a number of young Soldiers who have not had DMOSQ training yet, and we follow the Army "Will Train" policy.

Feel free to email me at: [login to see] , follow me on LinkedIn. Will help you where I can. Just takes a willingness to learn and think outside the box.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 9:18 PM

2016-02-29T21:18:42-05:00

I believe anyone can serve in an "additional duty" capacity as a Public Affairs officer. The unit in which you serve should have cameras and equipment set aside specifically for that purpose. As far as training is concerned, it used to be an on line course that you complete individually at your own pace, (not sure if it's still available but you might want to check). Good luck!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 1 at 2016 5:34 AM

2016-03-01T05:34:41-05:00

I got Shanghaid into it. While stationed in Hawaii young dumb and plenty of money not much to spend it on bought a crap load of Camera Equipment and got pretty good with it. Couple duty stations Later. I Photograph any and everything at NSGD Sugar Grove to include Visiting Dignitaries and Helo's Landing "If you want to know who is who at the NSA see who Lands at Helo Pad at NSGD Sugar Grove, WV" from the book "The Puzzle Palace". Command Photographer Transferred and I get called into the OICs office "Oh Joy" He instructs me to accompany the AOIC to the 60' Antenna Building. Once there he takes me into the Command Photo Shop and teaches me to Develop and Process Film and Prints. After I got it down he says Congratulation you are the New Command Photographer. Everything in this lab is yours to use as you see fit.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 6:10 AM

2016-03-01T06:10:30-05:00

Military photography includes the fact that you have to become a journalist. No way around it, because in order to properly present a. Event as is you need to elaborate on the storyboard around the pictures taken. Also, army photography is an enlisted MOS.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-03-01T07:51:24-05:00

I had a Petty Officer in my division once who just began taking photos and submitting them to publications, contests, even unsolicited entries. He was so good, All Hands magazine published his work, then when he left active duty, he rose pretty quickly in the media world. Last I checked, he was making an excellent living as a professional photo journalist in CA.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:43 AM

2016-03-01T08:43:34-05:00

Enlisting as a combat cameraman is the best way to do it, since that gives you the ability to access areas you otherwise wouldn't be able to go to. It's also the best job in the military, haha.

Ask your leadership if you're allowed to document training exercises or parts of the training.