How to Become a Military Photographer

The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard are the five branches of the military. Each branch has different experiences to offer a photographer. If you can imagine yourself capturing combat on film around the world or taking professional military pictures, then you may have found your career.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Decide in which branch of military you would like to be a photographer. Consider where the different branches work. For example, Coast Guard photography involves a lot of pictures while you're on the water. View each branch's website to get more information about in which branch you would like to serve.
2. Look for available photographer jobs on the military websites in their "Career" section to see if it is a job that interests you. For example, the Navy has an Arts & Photography career that expects you to be one of the Navy's professional photographers, record troops in action as a Combat Cameraman or run high-tech video and photography equipment.
3. Contact the branch of military that you wish to join. Each branch has a spot on their website where you can give your contact information under an "Enlist" or "Find Recruiter" section. By sending your contact information you are in no way obligated to join any branch, it is just a way to get the facts.
4. Consider carefully all of your options and join a military branch. Your recruiter must know you want a career as a photographer. They can help you sign up for the necessary training to perform this job well.

Tips & Warnings

• Before signing anything that binds you to service in the military, understand what it is you are getting into. It can involve travel overseas and active duty for a number of years.

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