Posted on Feb 29, 2016
How does one get into military photography outside of being a journalist?
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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
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
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 9
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.
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LTC Yinon Weiss
CPT (Join to see) - I'm not an expert in the field, but if you want to make this into a career then I don't know of any ways other than working for somebody else or as a freelancer. If you want to be a professional at it, you need to do it under some official status. Most militaries wouldn't want "random" people getting close and taking a lot of pictures of them!
Also, you could look into giving up your commission after your initial term of service to become a 25V.
Also, you could look into giving up your commission after your initial term of service to become a 25V.
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CPT (Join to see)
That's what I figured. I'll have to look around.
I like photography, but not enough to give up my commission :p I've worked too hard for it.
I like photography, but not enough to give up my commission :p I've worked too hard for it.
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SPC David S.
Being a war corespondent I think requires being a very unique individual. I suggest watching the HBO movie/documentary Jim: The James Foley Story. A good look at what freelance journalism looks like - stranger in a strange land.
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/jim-the-james-foley-story
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/jim-the-james-foley-story
Jim: The James Foley Story l HBO Documentary Films l HBO
The official website for the HBO Documentary Film Jim: The James Foley Story featuring videos, images, interviews, resources and schedule information.
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1SG (Join to see)
Sir, Thanks! For all those interested, I am preparing a basic online photography and writing tips, tricks and techniques program. Will be kicking it off in the next couple weeks. Reach out to me at [login to see] or follow me here and on LinkedIn will be there for your questions. Sincerely, 1SG Lawn, 205th Press Camp Headquarters.
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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.
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CPT (Join to see)
I unfortunately am ineligible for that as I will be a 2LT as of 13 May. 25V is only open to enlisted :\
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SGT (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - There are two other links provided. Also, just because you can't become 25V doesn't mean you can't find one with a lot of experience for resources.
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CPT (Join to see)
Ha thanks SGT. Missed the DVID one. Looking at that now!
And very true. I will definitely keep that in mind
And very true. I will definitely keep that in mind
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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.
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.
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CPT (Join to see)
1SG, Thank You!
I appreciate the information and will be emailing you with some questions.
I appreciate the information and will be emailing you with some questions.
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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.
Ask your leadership if you're allowed to document training exercises or parts of the training.
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CPT (Join to see)
Ha i really wish I would have known about the MOS when I enlisted.
Im supposed to be a PL at my receiving unit so I dont know if I will get that opportunity. May have other important duties...
Im supposed to be a PL at my receiving unit so I dont know if I will get that opportunity. May have other important duties...
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SGT (Join to see)
It's the Army's best-kept secret.
I peeked at your profile and saw that you're going to commission as a signal officer. There's a chance you could end up at 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) and get some hands-on education with some amazing equipment.
I peeked at your profile and saw that you're going to commission as a signal officer. There's a chance you could end up at 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) and get some hands-on education with some amazing equipment.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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SSG (Join to see)
You absolutely do not have to be a journalist. 25V is a separate MOS from the Public Affairs journalism MOS's. You do have to be enlisted, though.
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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.
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