A collection of press equipment on a wooden floor. Items include a helmet, tactical vest labeled "PRESS," camera, lenses, microphone, memory cards, and a beige bag.

An unexploded missile is embedded in the middle of a dirt road, with fields and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

A muddy, debris-littered landscape with a destroyed truck and playground in the background. Lying in the foreground is a camouflaged human figure.

A child in a colorful jacket stands next to a heavily charred and destroyed car in a desolate area with dilapidated houses in the background.

Two people sitting in dimly lit room with scattered belongings, blankets, and bags. One person sits cross-legged on a mattress and another rests against pillows, partially covered with a blanket.

Several old, weathered stretchers are leaned against a brick wall. A German Shepherd dog walks across the foreground.

Soldiers operate a large artillery gun in a forested area while smoke rises in the background, suggesting recent activity. Netting is draped overhead, likely for camouflage.

Two individuals walk through a desolate area carrying a makeshift stretcher, surrounded by dilapidated buildings and debris.

An elderly person in a blue hat and green coat stands in a dimly lit room, shielding their eyes from a bright overhead light.

Lenka Klicperová

Photojournalism | Last Updated: June 18, 2024

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I have been shooting images in war zones for almost fifteen years, often on the front lines.

Sometimes it’s no fun at all.

My goal is to survive somehow, not to go crazy and drink myself to death.

I’ve been shooting on Canon since 2012. That’s when the company offered me a “rearmament” on very favorable terms, and I’ve been loyal to Canon ever since.

I’m a very non-technical type, and I don’t enjoy changing equipment.

I use a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens, which is all I need practically.

I must have as little equipment as possible, as I often wear a ballistic vest. I must wear just enough to keep up with the soldiers at the front.

I can’t do without a RODE VideoMic Pro Microphone because I also shoot video.

I don’t know what I’d do without a classic Domke Bag. It’s already lost its color as I have to wash it often. In the field, it rolls with me in the mud of the trenches. It’s taking a real beating, but it’s still holding up!

In addition to the tech, I also have a powder puff in it. I have a ritual now—when I go to the front, I powder myself in the car just beforehand for good luck.

When I arrive from the field, my least favorite part of the job begins—picking out photos and editing them. I use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, but I hardly edit the photos as I think they should be as true to reality as possible.

However, reality is often much worse than it looks in the photos.

When I come home from Ukraine, for example, I’m happy to have full SD cards and to have survived.

I know that’s a big deal. Many of my friends and colleagues have not had that luck.

So please keep your fingers crossed for me because I’m leaving again soon!

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