How to Shoot (and Not Get Shot) in a War Zone

Gizmodo has a great piece written by a war photographer with some insights on the realities of his job.

Ever wonder how war photographers survive out there? We've enlisted Teru Kuwayama—a photographer who has covered conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hotspots for Time, Newsweek and Outside—to explain the perils of working in a war zone.

Among military planners, there's an aphorism that states: "Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics."

The daily mechanics of photographing in a "war zone" don't have much to do with photography—mostly it's about getting from point A to point B without getting your head cut off, then finding a signal and an outlet.

I'm probably not the right person to be give advice on war photography, since I don't even count myself as a war photographer—but for one reason or another, I've spent the better part of the last decade in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. I was a young photographer when these wars began—I'm not anymore, and from all indications, the "long war" is just getting started.

For what it's worth, here's some advice for first timers heading out to the badlands.

Read the full story and see some more of Teru Kuwayama's images on Gizmodo

Sunday at the Obama Wall

I went down to the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday to photograph some of the people writing messages to President-Elect Obama. Its part of my desire to be a more curious photographer, and to seek out subjects to photograph. I'm trying to be better about following through when I hear about an event or situation that might make make an interesting photo or story. I've learned that when I ignore that inside voice to go and witness something, I usually regret it. I was impressed by how joyful the crowd was. Even as they waited for their turn to write their message, there was a party atmosphere.

More images are on my website: www.jonathanbruckphotography.com.