Is There A Difference Between A Combat Photographer and a Combat Correspondent?
by Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri Combat Correspondent, USMC
Article rating: 7.04
“The brave ones were shooting the enemy. The crazy ones were shooting film." - Norman Hatch USMC WWII Combat Photographer
Many people often confuse the two fields involving photography, believing that the jobs are interchangeable. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The difference between the two in the Marine Corps is probably bigger than you would think.
Combat Correspondent is a term exclusive to the Marine Corps. The Combat Correspondent program was started in World War II because of the lack of news coming out of the war zone. It was felt that the Marine Corps’ success in the war weren’t being reported accurately to the American people. It was a problem that needed to be fixed immediately.
A Marine with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, walks up what used to be stairs in a recently bombed building Nov. 24 in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Al Fajr.
There was no time to train Marines to be writers, so instead they did the opposite. Writers with no less than five years experience were recruited and trained to be Marines. No corners were cut, or slack given. Lieutenant General Thomas A. Holcomb, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, 1942, said “the Marine Corps is sacrificing none of its high standards, and combat correspondents must meet all physical requirements for regular Marines.”
Newspaper photographers were also recruited at the same time. The two were usually assigned together, one to write stories, one to take pictures.
Lance Cpl. Jacob L. Hassell, 19, a rifleman from Summerville, S.C., with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, takes a moment to sit down Nov. 10 after intense fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Al Fajr.
As the years passed, the two fields became increasingly demanding. News writers were given more responsibilities, facilitating all communication flow between the Marine Corps and the general public. Along with writing, editing, and publishing materials, they were in charge of special events, media relations, radio and television broadcast, magazine production, and their own photography.
A Christmas tree made out of spare metal is proudly displayed outside Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group headquarters. The tree was carefully constructed by 23-year-old, Poughkeepsie, NY, native Lance Cpl. Tara C. Taylor.
Likewise, photographers were given a much larger workload. They participated in investigations, research, documentation of events, and poster printing, all with their primary duty of operational and intelligence imagery.
Lance Cpl. Xavier Forester (left), 23, a assaultman from Tampa, FL, with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, loads rockets onto a HMMWV Nov. 24 with Lance Cpl. Jacob L. Hassell, 19, a rifleman from Summerville, SC.
As a result, two separate Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) were created: Public Affairs (Combat Correspondents) and Visual Information (Combat Photographers). Both attend the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland for an intensive three-month course in their respective field.
Marines of Company B, 1st Battalion 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, hunker down behind a building in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, to take cover from an enemy sniper across the street during Operation Al Fajr.
The differences lie in their mission, because after all, everything that’s done in the military is for a specific mission.
Using a mirror at the entry control point in Al Asad, Iraq, Newnan, Ga., native Cpl. Joshua P. Chabot, 22, LAAD gunner, 4th Low-Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Security Battalion, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, inspects a vehicle.
As a Combat Correspondent, my mission is to tell the Marine Corps story. Everything I do is news or feature news related. That is my mission, so the photos I take have to correspond to the story I’m writing or perhaps even tell the story standing alone.
Gunnery Sgt. Ryan P. Shane (center), platoon gunnery sergeant from Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, and another member of 1/8 pull a fatally wounded Marine to safety while under fire Nov. 9 in Fallujah, Iraq.
When Combat Correspondents go out on a photo shoot, they need to get all the different kinds of photos that tell the story: horizontal, vertical, unique angles, long, medium, extreme close-up. Their photos need to show action, emotion and be alive. In a word, they need to "pop."
Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, try to lure an enemy sniper into giving away his position by using a helmet to draw fire in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Al Fajr.
When I am on the job in the field, I have to rely on myself. I’m constantly looking for the right angle, the right position, the right lighting, the right candid moment and all the right qualities to take a picture that tells the story.
Days before assaulting Fallujah, Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, partake in a card game at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, Nov. 3, 2004.
This is not a requirement for Combat Photographers as they primarily photograph events for documental and historical purposes. They may go on a photo shoot that has little or no news qualities. Some of their photos tend to lack action, emotion, and some of the necessary traits that qualify a “stand-alone-photo” (a photo that needs no explanation or story).
An Iraqi Construction Apprentice Program student receives a graduation certificate from Cmdr. John Prien (far right), commanding officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14, for completing phase one of the ICAP course at Al Asad, Iraq, Aug. 23.
Please don’t get me wrong. Many Combat Photographers are extremely talented. But it’s like trying to tell a story with a photo of a mountain by Ansel Adams. Beautiful, amazing, and obviously taken by a talented photographer, but it’s just a photo of a mountain not DOING anything. It’s not photojournalism or good story telling.
Sgt. Micheal R. Ramirez (right), 26, a squad leader from Hondo, Texas, with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, points out an objective Nov. 23 in Fallujah, Iraq, to Platoon Commander 2nd Lt. Steven G. Berch, 24.
I’ve worked side-by-side with the Combat Photographers and we’ll come back with entirely different photos. Many times I can’t use theirs at all. The reason being, Combat Photographers are not trained to take the kind of pictures Correspondents need to tell the story.
Securing a bandage on a leg injury, 28-year-old Seattle, Wash., native Hospital Corpsman Lucas Jushinski, Corpsman, Company B, 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, administers aid to a wounded detainee in Fallujah, Iraq.
Please don’t get me wrong. Many Combat Photographers are extremely talented. But it’s like trying to tell a story with a photo of a mountain by Ansel Adams. Beautiful, amazing, and obviously taken by a talented photographer, but it’s just a photo of a mountain not DOING anything. It’s not photojournalism or good story telling.
Recently, in Fallujah, dozens of Combat Correspondents and Combat Photographers alike went into the city with the Marine and Army infantry battalions. Each one was required to do everything the grunts did. All of them did an amazing job of photographing the historical event, and they both deserve credit for their hard work.
The Quick Reaction Force is one of the many new responsibilities assigned to the reserve unit since assuming control of air base security in August. Marines pictured: Lance Cpl. Scott A. Ward (left) and Lance Cpl. Chris D. Dzubay.
Between the two jobs, one is not better than the other; they are just different. Those interested in journalism should consider being a Combat Correspondent. Whereas those only interested in photography and aren’t strong writers should stick with Combat Photography. Regardless of the path one may go down, they are both rewarding military careers for those interested in photography.
Iraqi children gather around a truck, reaching in the air for candy and goods tossed to them by Lance Cpl. Michael L. McMillin, main battle tank technician, Civil Affairs Team 1, Detachment 2, 4th Civil Affair Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
I'm seventeen years old, and I am going to be enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in only a few months. I have always been generally interested in writing, journalism, and photography. I was really shocked that there was such a job as a combat correspondent in the Marines. Reading this article, I have been more motivated than ever to join and reach my goal of becoming a Combat Correspondent, as it has been my dream for about 1 year now. It's amazing that my three passions are all put together into one job. Thank god!
Ever since I was a little girl, I would take pictures of my friends and write about what we were doing. I must have a million photographs, and even more stories to tell. This is absolutely my sure and definite goal, no matter what.
Posted by: Jasmin Oct 25, 2006 @ 6:25 PM EST
Implying that a combat photographer's photos "tend to lack action, emotion, and some of the necessary traits that qualify a stand-alone-photo" is such bullshit!
Personally, I have been both -- a combat photographer and correspondent & as I have had to work in different offices with completely different missions, I can tell you this article is so blatantly lacking with what a photographer does. A correspondent writes a little story, a photographer has to caption a thousand images a day, which is no small accomplishment then follow it up with an after action report. And as far as the quality of images goes, photographers are so much better at taking pictures. Why? Because it's what they're trained to do. PJ's (photojournalists) just do it on the side to support their story, and it usually shows in bad composition and bad attempts at manual adjustments making the photo too light/dark or too fast/slow or an inadequate depth-of-field. I've seen more offices successfully convert photographers into writers than convert writers into photographers. If you're going to compare the two, know what the fuck you're talking about first and don't downplay the work of photographers just because you aren't one.
Posted by: Sari Feb 1, 2007 @ 5:14 PM EST
It is my opinion as a combat photographer (myself) that the quote above is more realistic then most can phatham.(Quoted from above)
“The brave ones were shooting the enemy. The crazy ones were shooting film."
- Norman Hatch USMC WWII Combat Photographer
There are many elements to consider about this job, as well as the fact that every United States Marine is a riflemen. What other Photographer goes through 3 months of Boot camp, then 3 weeks of Combat training, and ends up shooting film and photos in some cases to be hostile environments. Instinct would tell you to hide, however more then often the best envelopment is in the danger zone. The photographs that capture the realism behind whats really happening are 100% in the line of fire or in some cases these photos are there to capture the heart and soul of the ones involved as well as the public eye. Face the facts...The news may (or may not...) slant an article and stress that certain photo says something completely different then the truth. On the other hand take the photo of the flag raised on IWO JIMA.
Posted by: Pvt. McCormick Apr 11, 2007 @ 11:26 AM EST
My son is leaving in less than 2 weeks for the USMC basic training. He is going to be a combat photographer and I am terrified. That is why I am on line looking for information. Thank you for the article and also for those who posted comments.
Posted by: Rhonda Farrar Nov 1, 2007 @ 8:52 PM EST
The opinion of this one individual is lacking in experience. I feel as though with the way that this has been written, the author has not gained the experience of working with a seasoned combat photographer. I will be the first to admit that a CC (Combat Corispondant) can and will always out write me, the combat photographer. But put us in the same situation on the battlefield, both with many years of experience in our respective career paths and see who comes out on top. A CC must gather quotes, arange contacts, and take the photos neccesary to tell their story. I admit that I have worked with some that are good at what they do, but most (I state most again) of the time even the experienced ones don't know a thing about about the fundamental elements of photography. They mostly claim to be good at what they do because they may catch a moment that they feels tells an important part of thier story. But it is only a part. With a single well composed and planned out (most of the time within a fraction of a second) photograph, a seasoned combat photographer can completely tell the story of the events. You say that they are used primarily for historical documantation. You might want to review your DoD Directives a bit more closly. The photographs that are taken are first and foremost for the Secretary of Defense, as a way to brief of current events. JCCC alone releases to 750 media outlets, not to mention releases from DVIDS or Defense Link. After they are released to the public they can travel around the world in a matter of seconds. And their primary use before they are filed away as "historical documentation" is to inform the public of both foriegn and domestic countries, of current events, oporations, or planning. I am currently in Afghanistan and I am not trying to toot my own horn, but I have yet to cover a mission that both the military and civilian media have not been able to use for a publication. Most of the time the photo will travel the world in both foreign and domestic media outlets, and if there is not a story to accompany the photos they will be used as stand alones, usually triggering an article being written. This is because I shoot a story with pictures, not pictures for a story. What has more bounce??? Photographs... This is why there are photos on the covers of news related publications, because it draws the attention of people and compels the to read the article. I am not trying to slam CC, I have in the past, and am now working with very talented writers whom I have learned a lot from. After working with a seasoned photographer they realise the importance of a trained professional. I do not know your background or level of experience, or the people that you have worked with in the past. But come on Cpl. you have absolutly no room to brag or to slam us photogs. My ten-year CC in this office sent me this link because he reacted much in the same way that I did. We both feel that you have misrepresentated the career fields. Your broad generalization leads us to believe that you may not have much experience yourself. A search of your name reveals good (not great) photos, but I have yet to see any of them in Time, New York Times, any books, magazines or any publications outside of the military other than a few blogs. A CC job is mostly internal release with the hope that someone somewhere will get it to an outside media source. A great photo taken by a trained professional can travel across the globe in thousands of publications in a matter of hours. Give us credit where credit is due, and do some research on some very well known photographers. You reference photos from Ansel Adams, and say that beautiful photos like his are not useful to you... I agree, Adams was not a military photographer, but what of Robert Kapa, or O' Donnel? These people have captured images that are recognized Throughout the world. Look at some of Kapas' photos and tell me if you can write an article that can convey that kind of emotion...
Bottom line, is that I am not trying to slam you or CC's. I am stating that you may need to review your facts, and consider that maybe your experiences with photographers are bad because they had lacked experience, not because we can't portray a story with a single photograph.
Posted by: Deployed Sgt Photographer Dec 28, 2007 @ 2:13 PM EST
I read the article in it's entirety and went "What the hell?" Then I looked above and saw "by Cpl Joe Chaverri (Emphasis on "Cpl")." then put my confusion to rest. You need more experience brother.
Posted by: Sean A. Conley Mar 28, 2008 @ 12:25 AM EST
Excuse me, Joel* (It's late lol)
Posted by: Sean A. Conley Mar 28, 2008 @ 12:27 AM EST
Hello, my name is Victoria and I am Joel.s mother. This article was informative to me because I got a better idea of what Joel's job entailed.It was His article about His job as a CC. The negative comments and vulgar language used was pretty shocking. I feel bad for the young 17 years old girl who was inspired by my sons article. She actually found a postion in the military that was perfect for her and you bozos(nice language) , tore it down. Next time use more constructive rather than destructive critisims. it really doesn't matter anymore since Joels photographs of the battle for fallujah have been seen around the world. His tour with Bravo 1/8 in nov. 2004 , which he fought along side with and took pictures have been shown across America. It is more amazing that Joel , a marine reservist received the coveted THOMAS JEFFERSON AWARD , for photojournalist of the year. Then, he got the Lou Lowrey award, LEATHERNECK OF THE YEAR, then MARINE COMBAT CORRESPONDANTS AWARD. Joel was bombared with awards that year and let me tell you he was overwhelmed. Let me tell you something about Joel , he is a very humble guy. Joel never toots his horn, I have to toot it for him. I am so stinking proud of him. Now he is working in FORT WORTH at a vet center as an outreach counselor . He meets soldiers as they come back from the war and tell them if they need someone to talk to the vet counselors are available. I am grateful to God that he came back alive from the war and is living a fruitful life..
Joels pictures were in magazine and in books you just have to search the net. IGOOD LUCK JASMIN WITH YOUR DREAM! SINCERELY VICTORIA CHAVERRI. AND GOD BLESS AMERICA........LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!
Posted by: Victoria Chaverri Jun 29, 2008 @ 6:28 PM EST
Bottom line, guys and gals - combat correspondents and combat photogs are both an integral part to the fight. While Cpl Chaverri's photos were fantastic, I know there were hundreds of ComCam photos from the same battle which were also top notch. Problem is, they are not getting out to the media and being used as they should be. That was 2004, fast forward to 2006. With RCT-7 in western Anbar, we (Public Affairs and ComCam) worked together frequently, as our ComCam photogs shot some OUTSTANDING photos. I used them frequently with our PA articles to release to external media in an attempt to: 1. Better compliment the articles with great imagery, 2. Get our ComCam photogs' awesome imagery published. Take it from someone with more than 18 months in IRaq and has worked with ComCam teams quite closely - both the Combat Correspondent and Combat Photographer are critical elements to "telling - and documenting - the Marine Corps story." FInally, all of you are wrong about photos - in a combat zone, and most certainly in today's 24-hour news cycle, the written story and still images are both secondary to VIDEO. As we used to say in Iraq, "Video is King." 10 seconds of great video from the Front would gain more national and international media play than HUNDREDS of the best combat images - period.
Posted by: A Marine GySgt and Combat Correspondent Jul 26, 2008 @ 11:21 AM EST
Hi, i have recently enlisted with the marine corp and i am trying to get a combat photography as my mos i was wondering if there was any tips on what i should do and what all i need to do any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated
if you could mail me at xxmacbethxx@gmail.com thank you for any help you can give me i really want this MOS it sounds like it would be amazing and perfect for me while i am in the marine corp
Posted by: Poolee morehead Apr 23, 2009 @ 1:48 AM EST
I was a combat videographer (4671 Combat Camera not Correspondent) in The Corps, served in Iraq from Aug '04 to Feb '05. It was probably the greatest MOS in the entire Military. Its not for the light hearted. You will see everything.
