Stacy Pearsall has one of the few jobs as a military photographer in the USA, and it is the only woman to have won twice the Military Photographer of the Year award. It is an uncommon path for a career in photography, one that has resemblance to the job that most photographers do [take good images, and Stacy's are very good indeed] but this job has its own peculiarities.
I have a tan Domke bag, which I use to transport my gear. But I usually use a shooter’s vest in the combat zone. I have to carry a weapon as well as my camera gear, so I stuff the pockets with camera batteries, M-9 bullets, and lenses. – Stacy Pearsall
You can find an interview with Stacy at PopPhoto and a very nice article published in LA Times. And more [images] from Military Photographers.
“The assignment… simple. The objective… illusive. The cost… immeasurable. We are the men and women who go through great risks to get the shot. We extraordinary videographers and photojournalists train with the best, operate in the worst and get noticed the least. Our mission is to be there when history happens. Ever notice that photo or video clip in the news, book, or documentary?
Well, someone had to be there. Someone had to get the shot. Someone had to tell the story. We are that someone.”
Courtesy of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Ansarov
{ 9 } Comments
I can’t imagine having to pack heat and your camera gear! Wow. I’m impressed with the double award too.
Unusual? I didn’t find it unusual when I was a military photographer. Quite the contrary, I found it to be as usual as it gets. Looking back on it, a couple of decades later, it still doesn’t strike me as unusual. Perhaps the training was unusual: as in absolutely superb. Having taught since then, I find the military photo schools to be head and shoulders above civilian schools of photographic education.
Thanks for sharing your opinion Michal. Certainly unusual doesn’t mean “strange” but more like “uncommon”. It is good to hear that the training is excellent … what else can one expect for the most sophisticated military in the world?
Thanks again!
Miguel
I don’t think sophistication had much to do with it. Again, quite the contrary. The military photo education was precise, concise, concentrated on craft, wasted zero time on useless intellectual niceties, and honed us to bring home the photo bacon. It is lean and unforgiving–you’re out in a nanosecond if you don’t measure up, many are lined up to take your place. In comparison, civilian photo schools in which I have taught cost students arms and legs in terms of money, yet spoil them stupid with bogus Art theories, without providing them with the rock bottom craft basics critical for survival in today’s dog eat dog photo environment.
By the way, aside from your words, I don’t seem to be able to find any of your photographic work on the web. Could you please point me to it? Thanks in advance.
Ah! my web site for my pictures … I am still in the process to make one … this year I hope. Miguel.
I would like to know how to be a photographer for the militray, i am only 16 at the moment but it’s the one thing i would love to do… please e-mail me and tell me. thanks so much!
I”m going to photography school right now but always wanted to join the military. My grandfather and brother both were in the army and one of my most favorite things to do is sit and look at their pictures. I was wondering what a person would have to do to be a military photographer.
I have just enlisted in the army as a combat photographer. The designation for the job is actually 25 Victor so if you are thinking about it thats what you want to ask your recruiter about. I gotta tell you it probably wont be easy for you to get in. They don”t seem to have a lot of slots open. You must have a minimum score of 95 in aptitute areas ST and EL and you have to have to pass extra vision testing. Also if you are thinking about it its a six year minimum enlistment with two years inactive. Still I think its going to be one of the best decisions I”ve ever made because everything I”ve read has said it”s a better way into a career as a cameraman than going to school and I won”t have to pay for school if I decide to go into it after my enlistment.
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