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Spc. Justin Phillips, a Bossier City, La., native, with Bravo Company, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry
Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, inter...
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Spc. Justin Phillips, a Bossier City, La., native, with Bravo Company, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry
Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, interacts with a child during a key leader engagement
in Ganjitsu Kalay, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, 30 Sep., 2011. Key leader engagements allow coalition
forces the opportunities to meet with local elders and leaders of tribes to learn about issues in their
communities and be able to offer help in finding solutions. U.S. forces cleared 14 improvised explosive
devices from this child’s village while conducting this operation. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kristina Truluck-Released)
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Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, interacts with a child during a key leader engagement
in Ganjitsu Kalay, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, 30 Sep., 2011. Key leader engagements allow coalition
forces the opportunities to meet with local elders and leaders of tribes to learn about issues in their
communities and be able to offer help in finding solutions. U.S. forces cleared 14 improvised explosive
devices from this child’s village while conducting this operation. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kristina Truluck-Released)
Read less
Nov, 2014Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
People's Choice in your most awarded photo Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Tell me a story Photo Challenge
Winner in Pure Photojournalism Photo Challenge
People's Choice in hooah army Photo Challenge
Winner in Answering the Call Photo Challenge
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Peer Award
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Emotions
Happy
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Categories
Platinum
somewhatlucky
February 10, 2015
We were akways happy to see kids when we were out - they reminded us of our own little ones. =)
Ultimate
njkerosky
March 18, 2015
Wonderful Capture!!!...Your photo is a finalist in the "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" Photo Challenge...Congrats!
Ultimate
chris0530
March 27, 2016
First of all Thank you and your team for your service, excellent photo. Love it!!
Ultimate
bmdphotography
December 02, 2016
I love this picture. This shows so much love and it is very moving.
Platinum
Platinum
edstines
December 02, 2016
Wonderful picture, gives me hope that we can indeed help to bring peace and a better life to others. Love it!
PRO+
adavies
June 25, 2017
Lovely image...very touching! If you haven't don so already, please consider joining my Random Acts challenge:)
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/random-acts-photo-challenge-by-adavies#sthash.aJeqMvXW.dpuf
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/random-acts-photo-challenge-by-adavies#sthash.aJeqMvXW.dpuf
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken during my first deployment to Afghanistan.Time
I can't remember the exact time of day, though I believe it was some time around noon. We had been talking with the boy's family for some time. It was taken on September 30th, 2011.Lighting
As a photojournalist, you don't pose images, nor add extra light (could you imagine carrying light kids while engaged in combat? No thanks!). The soldier just so happened to sit against the shaded part of the building while chatting with the little boy.Equipment
My setup was simple: a Canon 5DMkII and a 24-105mm L series lens.Inspiration
So many think of combat photography as smoke, bullets, and glory. I was gravitated toward 'everyday' scenes like this...moments that I considered as the 'other side of war'. Before I joined the military, I never saw moments like this. I didn't think that they happened.Editing
There is very little editing that can be done with photojournalism. We want to keep the images as close to the original as possible while also being attractive. It's been some some time since I have edited this photo (and learned so much more since then!). I believe I increased the contrast, saturation, and exposure a bit. Nothing wild and crazy like I would do with my personal photography.In my camera bag
While deployed, my equipment would vary depending on the mission. Back then, I usually only had the Canon 5DMkII, a 50mm lens, a 24-105 lens, the Gem III night vision adapter, and memory cards and batteries for days. Now I would definitely be including my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to the kit and perhaps an extender for the days that I'm not allowed to get close to the action. In addition to equipment, I usually have backup water bottles (along with the camel bak) and snacks. You can never have too many snacks on a patrol or mission.Feedback
Join the military and become combat camera, haha. On a more serious note, you have to earn the trust of whomever you're supporting. Talk to everyone from the highest to the lowest of ranks (you'll sometimes get some of the best photos with the junior enlisted service members) and get to know them. You will soon learn who tries to keep away from everyone, who gravitates towards playing with the kids, and those who try to pet the animals (guilty). Don't just say in one spot - roam around. Roam with purpose. Talk, build that trust. Trade food and jokes.
