A photographer was shot yesterday in Northern Ireland. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come all over again! :-(
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13869210

There is news that Anton Hammerl was killed by Libyan troops six weeks ago. Libyan officials insisted that he was in their safe custody earlier this week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13466350

RIP Anton Hammerl.

Why does it seem as though all war photographers are always getting killed or maimed by some kind of explosive device? It must be that they are so focused at looking through the viewfinder that they get tunnel vision.

Rest In Peace guys...

RIP, They will be missed. Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/magazine/mag-08lede-t.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

An article on war photography from the NY TImes themselves and the men and women who do that line of work.

RIP, both of them. Thanks for the info and links, Mike and Niko. Such awesome photographers; it's a real loss.

Mike Gunter said:
Hi SB,

This possibility is why I was so strongly opposed to the notion of a lackey-ship posed as an internship.

War zones are no place for internships. That's a goofy, stupid notion. Like putting battery acid on pancakes. Interns are students. Their mentors are teachers. So, what do you do, halt the 'war' and have a teaching moment? It's ludicrous.

Sad.

My best,

Mike

Yes, I think you've changed my mind Mike, I was originally in the "it wouldn't happen to me" and "boy would that be exhilarating" camp, but I've not seen the things you have, and this terrible event rather brings home the stupidity of my earlier notion. I must also confess that I can name many of the BBC's foreign news correspondents, but wouldn't have been able to name the camera men. It's just made me realise how much of an unsung bunch of heros they are, we see the reporter standing there with the flack jacket and microphone, but rarely do we ever see the person holding the camera who is taking just as much risk (possibly more) behind the scenes.

Very sad, I might not have known them personally, but they were still members of our "family".

Updated thread title since both Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros died when they were struck by an RPG (rocket propelled grenade).

Here is another article about the "Bang-Bang Club". The book was written several years ago but has now been made into a movie.

*WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES AND LANGUAGE*
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/21/conflict.journalists.bang.bang.club/index.html?hpt=C1

I still can't believe Joao Silva lost both legs a few months ago in Afghanistan. If you haven't read the book I recommend it.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrw-mSDJC_k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

SkintBrit said:
It kind of makes you re-think our comments made in the other thread about wether you would do it for nothing as an intern. Very sad, but as Niko said it was their life, and you can't be in that line of work without taking risks. I have to say iv'e obviously seen their work but never attributed it to them. Can you buy a book of his/their work?

Hi SB,

This possibility is why I was so strongly opposed to the notion of a lackey-ship posed as an internship.

War zones are no place for internships. That's a goofy, stupid notion. Like putting battery acid on pancakes. Interns are students. Their mentors are teachers. So, what do you do, halt the 'war' and have a teaching moment? It's ludicrous.

Sad.

My best,

Mike

It is a shame they died however when you enter a war zone you have to know there is a likelihood of being injured or killed. Condolences to their families and friends.

It kind of makes you re-think our comments made in the other thread about wether you would do it for nothing as an intern. Very sad, but as Niko said it was their life, and you can't be in that line of work without taking risks. I have to say i've obviously seen their work but never attributed it to them. Can you buy a book of his/their work?

i heard this a few hours ago as well. This is just terribly sad. Both men changed lives with their photographs. RIP.

Hi,

Hondros also died as a result of his wounds.

RIP.

My best,

Mike

Wow this is very upsetting news as both men contributed volumes of extraordinary work depicting the struggles of our times. A truely sad day...

He died doing what he loved.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/20/libya.journalists/index.html?hpt=T1

It is so sad, that all the region is burning...

- Syria is following the steps of Libya (more then 250 dead)
- In Gaza they killed an Italian reporter that supported them.
- In Yemen also stuff is not so quiet although the media does not talk about.
- Jordan is still quiet but some say it will be next.

Mike - thanks for letting us know this sad news.

Tim Hetherington killed in Libya today.

Also injured in either RPJ or mortar attack was photographer Chris Hondros.

Hetherington was the co-director of the documentary Restrepo.

My best,

Mike