byline goes here

By Claire O'Neill

[Photo]

This slideshow requires version 8 or higher of the Adobe Flash Player. Get the latest Flash Player.

TEXT.

For full screen, click on the four-cornered arrow icon in the viewer's bottom right.

NPR staff photographer David Gilkey says that the number one rule for a photographer is: never abandon your equipment. But he decided to do just that -- leaving most of his things behind except a camera, a lens and a bulletproof vest. What was supposed to be a brief patrol with the Marines in southern Afghanistan turned into a 7-day trek through the surprisingly lush Helmand River Province.

Trekking in temperatures well over 110 degrees, the Marines abandoned almost all of their belongings except their weapons, and dodged almost constant fire with only the clothes on their backs.

Hear Gilkey talk about what it's like taking photos in a war zone.

Have an idea? Pitch it! | The Picture Show on Facebook | on Twitter

categories: Afghanistan Dispatch

3:31 - July 13, 2009

What is this?

Share