PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT OF MILITARY PHOTOGRAPHY: LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, REMARKS AND CAUTIONS

The article presents an attempt to define the term «military photography» as a genre of photo- journalism. The article considers the role and significance of military photography in the modern in- formation space in the context of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war as an element of visual design of texts and one of the important documents of war crimes recording. The relevance of the publication lies in the fact that armed conflicts, local military unrest, or full-scale wars have long been of interest to the audience in terms of visualizing their course. In addition to the information and visibility that society so desires, photographs taken on the contact line between the enemies also become documentary evidence that cannot be denied or refuted.

Photographs in the genre of military photography provide irrefutable proof that people or events recorded by technical devices have lived, have happened, are happening, or will continue to live and happen. That is why any photograph is perceived as the most detailed depiction of the facts of visible re- ality compared to any other image (painting, sculpture).

A brief review of the sources on the research topic is made. The views on military photography of both journalism theorists and practicing photojournalists are analyzed. The most important aspects of the professional activity of a photojournalist, violations of ethical norms, problems and challenges faced by photojournalists of modern media in creating and publishing visual content on military topics are outlined.

The author emphasizes the legislative requirements and certain prohibitions on the creation of photo illustrations on military topics and the forms of punishment for violators of such regulations. On the basis of legal and regulatory documents, theoretical generalizations and professional requirements, the author provides advice and recommendations to practicing journalists who will work on creating visual content on military topics for modern media.

The conclusions emphasize the importance of professional training of photojournalists working in the combat zone. It is emphasized that, in addition to the professional training of photojournalists who will specialize in recording military events, it is important to pay attention to the legal and regulatory documents that regulate the work of photojournalists in war. Knowledge of such a legal framework, moral and ethical codes and professional advice from practicing journalists should be a mandatory component of training programs.