would you risk...

craig · Nov 12, 2005

I would go as long as I did not have to fund the trip. Family and my position in life are fully important. I consider it as "all hands on deck". Meaning that if someone needs my photos to help their readers understand what is going on I am there. In a small way I could be helping out. Basically my passion for photography is stronger then my fear of death. I too am missing the fear of death gene or whatever.

Personally; well... this could go way off topic, so I will keep my trap shut. Generally I feel that I do not have a firm grasp of why people kill people. That is why I would go and possibly be killed.

Somewhere celeb photos were mentioned. These people work hard man. The photos of J Lo looking pissed at the camera do not sell. These photographers have a rapport. In dealing with the the rich and or famous that is a small miracle in it's self. Come to think of it I would rather shoot Baghdad then the Academy Awards.

jstuedle · Nov 12, 2005

I would like to go to see if we are getting a true picture of what's going on. We see the bad things, the "if it bleeds, it leads" syndrome. A half a million yanks have been there with 2,000 deaths. I don't know how many thousands from the UK and other countries have gone over there, but I would say a substantial number. A lot of that half a million plus have been there 2 and 3 times. 100,000 people were killed in traffic accidents here last year. Surly, something besides killing is going on over there. The death rate in Washington DC is said to be higher than in Iraq. I would like to witness some of the good things.

darin3200 · Nov 12, 2005

I would go, but what I find interesting if everyone talking about carrying guns. The problem is at what point do you lose your status as a observer and become a participant in the conflict, and as a participant how could you even claim to have objectivity.

jstuedle · Nov 12, 2005

I would go, but what I find interesting if everyone talking about carrying guns. The problem is at what point do you lose your status as a observer and become a participant in the conflict, and as a participant how could you even claim to have objectivity.

As a PJ, you can only stay objective if you can stay uninvolved. The sad fact EVERY journalist gets involved. You can't tell me that a PJ in a conflict don't choose a side and that choice is reflected in there work. Humans are emotional, and that emotion comes through in all of our work if we are worth a darn.

As a neutral "observer" you could not carry a weapon. You then become a target. You would most likely be a target anyway in this conflict. P.J.'s used to be considered neutral observers in a conflict and were "protected" by all sides. Now only Al Jezera PJ's are not a target, everyone else is fair game.

I should stop, this is getting close to a "P" word type discussion, and we can't have that.

Hertz van Rental · Nov 12, 2005

Unimaxium said:
I've got an idea!
What do you guys say we hold our next TPF meetup in Baghdad?

At the moment we only have to go to Paris.
Or if you are really brave you could try New Cross...

jstuedle · Nov 12, 2005

At the moment we only have to go to Paris.
Or if you are really brave you could try New Cross...

Very true, just pick the conflict of the week. It's what the cable channels do and look at there ratings.

Verbal · Nov 12, 2005

icondigital said:
huh? thought you said you were a "very peaceful guy"?

I am, but everyone should know how to use guns... and if someone threatens me, my family, my friends, or my country... he'd better watch his friggin' back. :mrgreen:

Also: Colt 1911 .45 would by second choice. :hail:

icondigital · Nov 12, 2005

Verbal said:
I am, but everyone should know how to use guns... and if someone threatens me, my family, my friends, or my country... he'd better watch his friggin' back. :mrgreen:

Also: Colt 1911 .45 would by second choice. :hail:

got a sig myself!
but i'd watch out as far as shootin people in the back!:smileys:

Hertz van Rental · Nov 12, 2005

Obviously some people can't take a subtle hint.
Do I have to spell it out? Guess I do.
Be very careful where you start to take this conversation - a little thought before posting and choosing to do the right thing will reduce the risk of tears before bedtime.

HvR
Moderator

photogoddess · Nov 12, 2005

I'd probably go but I know that this kind of pj work is really tough in more ways than one. Besides the obvious physical risks, there would be moral issues popping up left and right. I don't know how I would handle watching someone being killed, villages or towns being destroyed while documenting the events. I can see the potential for ending up with long term issues. I do seem to remember that there was a pulitzer prize winning photographer that witnessed and photographed an execution that eventually ended up commiting suicide. Bottom line, I'm sure the job is exciting but it's not without long term risks.

Verbal · Nov 12, 2005

Hertz van Rental said:
Obviously some people can't take a subtle hint.
Do I have to spell it out? Guess I do.
Be very careful where you start to take this conversation - a little thought before posting and choosing to do the right thing will reduce the risk of tears before bedtime.

HvR
Moderator

I think I'm a dunce... was something in this thread getting out of control or something? It all seemed peaceful to me so far... =\