War stories

Peter Dench gets an insight from some of those whose business is to report on the war in Ukraine

- Peter Dench

At the time of writing, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 12 journalists and media workers have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian-led invasion on 24 February. For many, the war is only a cheap flight or drive away. Experienced photographers are following a trodden path and novice photographers have the opportunity to wet their boots. With little opportunity to embed with the military and unpredictable nature of the conflict, what are the daily challenges, how are photographers being treated, are they being targeted and is their photography being used for propaganda?

Jay Davies (JD) is director of photography at Getty Images overseeing news coverage in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Getty Images is primarily a news agency that gathers pictures and sells them to subscribing news organisations, newspapers, magazines and television broadcasters. Jay manages seven news photographers and can draw on several dozen other photographers from the sports and entertainment divisions if necessary. With the staff photographers spread thinly, freelancers also provide a crucial contribution.