Combat Camera: Capturing the Military Experience

Combat photography has long played a critical role—in the U.S., since the Civil War—in documenting history as it happens, informing the public, and challenging society. From heroic to horrific, the stills and videos that combat photographers capture shape how we think about the military experience and have even influenced military and government policy. Here are additional insights into the important work of combat photographers.

Powerful Stories
Combat photographers are visual storytellers. Images can often tell powerful stories in ways that the written word alone cannot. Their work can give viewers a raw and direct look into the military experience, raising awareness about the realities of war, shaping public perception, and influencing political decisions.

“I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated.” —James Nachtwey, famed American combat photojournalist 

Relationships Built on Trust
To gain access to military actions, combat photographers often embed with military units, living and moving with servicemembers. They depend on military protection while in dangerous situations. And they must build trust with the people they are documenting. (While most combat photographers are civilian journalists working independently or for news organizations, some are servicemembers who have completed both basic training and specialized training to secure their role.)

Mental and Physical Challenges
Combat photographers can face extreme risk and danger, including violence and life-threatening situations. They may encounter harsh conditions like severe weather, lack of sleep, and limited access to food and medical care. Both mental and physical fortitude are required. Unpredictable environments and the chaos of war zones can take an emotional and psychological toll and can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Essential Role
While facing immense challenges and extraordinary risks, combat photographers play an essential role in shaping collective memory for generations to come. They document history, raise awareness, educate the public, and put a human face to war for those who are otherwise far from it, reminding viewers that conflict is more than just geopolitics or strategy. It is always, at its heart, about people.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.