I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions I had about conflict photography that I have had trouble finding answers to elsewhere.

I’ll be graduating in May from College and am seriously considering trying to get into conflict photography.It’s always struck me as something very appealing both in the sense of reporting on the reality of what is happening and in the more personal experience of learning about the world firsthand. I am hesitant because I have very little experience with photography and no experience dealing with situations that are as potentially or consistently dangerous as conflict areas. That being said, it is something I am prepared to work for as long as I can do so responsibly and am just trying to figure out the best way to do so.

First, what did your career path look like leading up to where you are now as a conflict photographer? Could you shed some light on how someone would go about seriously pursuing conflict photography, or at least how you did?

Second, in regards to a formal education in photography, what, in your opinion, is the best route for someone aspiring to working in conflict zones? I have little to no knowledge about photography and am graduating in May with a degree completely unrelated to photography or journalism. Would I be better off going back to school or taking some classes on photography and going out and trying to learn as much as I can on my own?

Third, how did you prepare or evaluate when you thought you were ready to go into a dangerous situation as a photographer, how did you learn to assess risk in those situations? I’ve backpacked a little before but it’s a massive leap from backpacking to conflict areas.

And lastly, is it a better route to try and establish a portfolio and get hired with a newswire and learn within an organization or to just freelance? or does it matter?