The Annenberg Space for Photography will be opening a new exhibit, “Helmut Newton: White Women – Sleepless Nights – Big Nudes,” on June 29th. The exhibit that just closed was “War Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath”. After seeing that exhibit I began to think about how far photographers are willing to go to get a photograph.

I’ve never thought of myself as someone who would risk life and limb for a picture, but I do have a large amount of respect for the men and women photographers who go to the frontline of war conflicts and are embedded with the soldiers. Some realize that they may not return from where they’re going and are willing to take the risk to show the world what war is really like. Would I consider doing that kind of photography? For the most part, the answer is probably no. It takes a really unique and very courageous individual to do that kind of photography.

On the home front, there are dangers involved with photography as well. Most of the dangers here involve “man against nature” situations such as forest fires or natural disasters. Fires can be unpredictable and move at different directions and speeds without a moments notice. Tornadoes are also unforgiving and move at a rapid pace with almost no warning signs. Before going out and taking photos of such situations, photographers need to be educated in what they’re up against and how best to be prepared for the unexpected.

Photographers of any level can expect a certain amount of risk when in the National Park System as well: Fast moving rivers of icy water that can lead to thunderous waterfalls; Grizzly bear encounters which can end up in aggressive confrontations or fatal attacks; High towering granite cliffs with sharp drop-offs that can send you falling for hundreds of feet with no safety net below.

The next time you go out to take photos, think about the risks you are willing to take to get that once in a lifetime photo. Is it worth it? Most likely it is, but it’s always good to keep the risks in mind and think ahead of time as to what you can do to be ready for any uncertain situation.