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photojournalism

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In Central Africa children start fires to help catch rats to eat as a food source. Many of these fires get out of hand and not only destroy valuable grasses used for building homes but significantly impact air quality. Many children are also seriously injured from getting caught up in the subsequent infernos. Armee Nationale Sihanoukienne forces, Dangrek Range, Cambodia Against all advice, this photojournalist accompanied a group of FDLR (Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) guerillas into the jungle with no security. As the FDLR have been demonized over their role in the Rwandan genocide of 1994, I thought it important to interact and observe them directly. The majority encountered were far too young to have participated in the genocide. The reality was far different than from what one might otherwise have expected. 'The face of the US Marine Corps in Afghanistan'. This image captures the essence of the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan - protection of our friends whilst facilitating and fostering Afghan security for the future. One of the Embedded Training Teams (ETTs) of The Third Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division works out of the Korengal Post (Kunar Province near the Pakistani border) and is responsible for training the Afghan National Army and ensuring their future success against the insurgents. On assignment with BANBAT III near Kabona in Ituri District, DRC. Sitting atop BTR-80 (Russian armored personnel carrier)
Imbaba camel market, Cairo A young Afghan boy stands with his back to a mountain from where the Taliban and foreign fighters have been shooting at coalition (French) forces. This image for me represents the defiance of many Afghans toward the insurgents who kill and maim with relative impunity throughout the country. A military observer (MILOB) from the People's Republic of China photographs at T-55 tank at the port of Kinshasa. During a joint verification meeting earlier in the day (set up in the aftermath of the fighting that followed the first round of the Congolese elections) generals loyal to VP and then opposition candidate Jean-Pierre Bemba accused President Kabila of violating the arms embargo in effect during the electoral period in the DRC. Nine T-55 tanks were identified and photographed. Jokong Temple, Lhasa, Tibet Guatemalan Special Forces shot during Operation Falcon Sweep targeting FDLR guerilla forces in and around Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Chifonzi, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the degradation of living in an IDP camp, Acholi children play a game called Lawala which traditionally helped develop their warrior skills as they seek to throw sticks through a rapidly thrown hoop. Madi Opei, Kitgum District. Uganda Patola, Lhasa, Tibet Since 2004, Congolese FARDC troops supported by United Nations peacekeepers have conducted military operations against militia groups in Ituri that have refused disarmament and integration into the national army. The largest of these has been the Patriotic Resistance Force of Ituri (Forces de Résistance Patriotique d'Ituri, or FRPI). I actually had an opportunity to spend time with FRPI troops in the field (a quarter of whom were child soldiers) and accompanied a large number as they surrendered in Aveba. Four year old violent rape victim in eastern Congo. This child was brutally raped and subsequently shot and left for dead. Miraculously she survived and for me represents the beauty and brutality of this troubled nation. In October 2006 I traveled to Nyunzu, Katanga to meet with Major Mundusi (in grey suit and hat) and btwn 750 - 1,000 of his Mayi-Mayi. I was accompanied by two unarmed UN military observers and their translator. Mundusi was furious at delays in the disarmament process and threatened me with cannibalism. After taking but a handful of images and with only one very courageous Pakistani Major at my side we were able to escape. As much as I enjoy a good meal, I do not particularly care to be part of one.
'The curse of gold' and other mineral wealth in the DRC has led in large part to the brutalization of the Congolese people by some of their more powerful neighbors. This image shows an open pit gold mine in Mongbwalu, Ituri District, Democratic Republic of Congo Mayi-Mayi child soldiers in Buniakeri, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. This image was shot between firefights in the Tagab Valley (Kapisa Province) by the last checkpoint before entering Taliban/al-Qaeda dominated territory. The early morning mist on the mountains lends this seemingly tranquil image of what could be two travelers in the 14th Century a surreal beauty. The firefight resumed shortly after these figures passed. Since 2004, Congolese FARDC troops supported by United Nations peacekeepers have conducted military operations against militia groups in Ituri that have refused disarmament and integration into the national army. The largest of these has been the Patriotic Resistance Force of Ituri (Forces de Résistance Patriotique d'Ituri, or FRPI). I actually had an opportunity to spend time with FRPI troops in the field (a quarter of whom were child soldiers) and accompanied a large number as they surrendered in Aveba. This image shows militia Commander Cobra Mahtata standing between his Intelligence chief (right) and FARDC 6th Brigade Commander Colonel Anthony Kagaba (left) awaiting the arrival by helicopter of FARDC Brigadier General Mayala on December 14, 2006 - the day of his official surrender. During Operation Kajaki in Helmand Province the Royal Irish Guard that I was embedded with encountered two brothers who tried to detonate an IED as our patrol crossed a small bridge. Had they succeeded at least five to eight coalition forces would have been killed. When caught the older brother threw the remote control detonator to his younger brother. Such is the nature of the enemy in Afghanistan where one can be attacked by anyone at anytime.

  • Willing to travel anywhere under any conditions and circumstances to photograph and/or write about current events, nature, adventure travel, documentation
  • Considerable experience embedding with numerous guerilla groups, militaries, commandos and 'Special Forces' from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa
  • Can travel upon 24 hour advance notification - depending on availability and visa requirements
  • Can shoot in digital and/or 35 mm format


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copyright © 2005 by Keith Philip Lepor. All rights reserved.