I am at Syrian border at the moment. The border gates are open and you need visa to enter Syria legally. But as a photographer it would be very difficult to get visa. You could get visa as a tourist it is difficult too at the moment. You can ask Syrian Embassy in your country for that.
Some Areas are under Free Syria army control in Idlib and Homs but not in Afrin. Some people cross into Syria illegally but they mostly go to Idlib to the areas where Free Syria army control. If you cross the border illegally go to Afrin and get caught by Syrian Soldiers or Police, you may be arrested and put in prison.
This is my web site
http://www.memetaksakal.com/fixer_translator_in_hatay_antakya_syrian_border.html