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There is a weird psychology among journalists —especially visual journalists — that can make you feel you are not as good as others because you didn't put yourself in harms way, didn't get teargassed, didn't get assaulted at a protest, didn't "shake off" an injury.
It's B.S.
It's B.S.
1) you're doing vital work whether you are in the line of danger or not, whether you are on a metaphorical front line or not
2) It's not poor journalism to put your own safety first
3) Running toward danger is both part of the job and a terrible idea. Don't push your limit.
2) It's not poor journalism to put your own safety first
3) Running toward danger is both part of the job and a terrible idea. Don't push your limit.
The journalists that are getting in the thick of it are doing incredible work to report and keep themselves safe. Never discount how much work goes into the second part of that sentence. This is not the type of thing that is smart to do if you're green, never covered riots, etc.
This chilling footage of @johnminchillo taken by @JulyThePhotoGuy is instructive. Showing cool heads in a really tense situation. And showcasing why it's always good to be in a team — or at least with someone who has your back — in these situations. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CJxKMArpN0_/
Lastly, HEFAT training is a godsend. I did mine though GJS. But there are many. here are links to GJS and IWMF programs.
https://www.iwmf.org/programs/hefat-training/ https://www.gjs-security.com/full-course-offerings/
https://www.iwmf.org/programs/hefat-training/ https://www.gjs-security.com/full-course-offerings/
