The Military Photojournalism Connection

MPJ CONNECTION Profile

In The Forum
Passing of Robert 'Mo' Morrisey

I Saw Your Imagery

Wanted: Help from anyone willing to give answers

Proposed ban on photography on New York City Transit

Introduction and I need help

Is Film on its' last legs?

Low cost film scanner

Nikon Wireless Lighting

Picasa 2 Image Catalog Program - free Google software

Links of Note
White House Photos

Defend America Photo Essays

Roll Call
Class of
1964-1974

Class of
1975-1983

Class of
1984-1997

Class of
1998-2004

MPJ Profiles
Matt Hevezi
Drew Myers
Jeff Allen
Luis Agostini

MPJ Connection: How did you get started in photography?
In August 2000, the weekend before I was to go down to Parris Island to begin recruit training, I failed to get my desired military occupational specialty of military policeman. From there, I pretty much ran my finger through the MOS brochure, and saw the 4300 field, and said to myself, "I can do that."

MPJ Connection: Branch of service you are or were in.
United States Marine Corps

MPJ Connection: What are your suggestions on how to get more applicants for the university-level (currently Syracuse) training program?
I have not attended this course, nor know much about it, but I think if more billets were created for Marine graduates of SU in a joint combat camera environment, it would attract more Corps applicants, because many of the students are senior E-5s or Staff NCOs, and from there, its mostly "chief" billets, and they will very likely never be required to hit the shutter on another camera again.

MPJ Connection: Who has influenced your photography the most?
Sgt. Leo Salinas, current SU stident. He was so critical, sometimes it would appear too critical, of Corps photography, that one of my main motivations, even to this day when I shoot, would be, "What would Salinas think?" Also, he told me to keep a few things in mind when I shoot:

-Fill the frame with your subject
-Watch your background

MPJ Connection: What do you love about photography?
The ability to tell a visual story without words.

MPJ Connection: What do you consider the best photo assignment you’ve covered to date?
The Fallujah invasion in November 2004. I was with the first and second squads of second platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. This was my "D-Day." During that assignment, I was in my "zone," both as a Marine and a combat correspondent. I never even had to think/second-guess my abilities in either field. Everything just kept moving forward. I also learned a lot of lessons as a combat correspondent that I am eager to pass on to the younger CCs. Plus, my Fallujah photos have appeared everywhere, from the wire services (AP/AFP/Reuters) to major daily newspapers (Washington Post) to GQ Magazine, its website, and its photo exhibit in Manhattan, N.Y.

MPJ Connection: What wisdom can you pass on to others?
Learn and practice the fundamentals of military photography before you want to learn any "cool camera tricks." Get to personally know your subject(s) before, during and after your shoot, because you will never know when your subject's name will hit the limelight, whether for fortunate or unfortunate reasons.



 

MPJ Connection: How long have you been active in photography- In and out of the military?
Four years, seven months.

MPJ Connection: What advise would you pass on to young photographers just starting out?
Make mistakes. Mistakes mean you actually made an attempt.

MPJ Connection: Are you shooting all digital, all film or a combination of both?
I shoot digital.

MPJ Connection: What are your thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages of digital and film?
Film--more expensive, slower transfer. But the quality is better, and photographers tend to put more thought behind each exposure, where with digital, which is less expensive in the long run and provides a quicker transfer, photographers take that LCD for granted.

MPJ Connection: If you could change "the way we do business in military photography" what would be your first action?
Tell stories first. Document second, if you are done telling your stories. By document, I mean working as the COs' personal paparazzi.

MPJ Connection: If you were asking these questions what would you ask that isn’t here and answer it.
What can be done at the entry level of military photography to improve military photographers/CCs?
At the Defense Information School, the field training exercise is an absolute joke. Incorporate more sensory aspects of the combat zone (sights, sounds), because believe it or not, lance corporals and PFCs are not going to be on the phone, answering media queries will serving in Iraq. They are going to be running around the streets, clearing and jumping obstacles with their photo subjects. So maybe a real obstacle course, with combat load and camera. Or even take them to one of the local military installations (MCB Quantico) and assign them there post-graduation for several weeks at TBS before they hit their permanent station.

USMC Photo by Luis Agostini