Sixty Minutes with a cameraman

"60 Minutes" cameraman Ray Bribiesca Introduces himself to journalism students at Gaylord Hall.  Photo by: Zachary Herring

Seating was sparse Tuesday in the Hall of Fame Room of Gaylord Hall as Emmy and Peabody Award winning photojournalist Ray Bribiesca sat down with Gaylord journalism students to discuss topics ranging from his assignments in war torn countries, to some tips and advice on camera usage.  

Bribiesca, who has been involved in television news production for more than four decades, started his career as a combat cameraman in Viet Nam at the age of 17. Since then, he has covered everything from presidential elections to the current war in Iraq.

On November 2nd, not long after returning from yet another assignment in dangerous war territory, Bribiesca was sent out on his last assignment for CBS to document the violent underside of the country of Yemen. Although he acknowledges the risk involved in filming in these areas, sometimes under enemy fire, Bribiesca believes it's all about getting the shot.

Bribiesca discusses his experiences as a photojournalist during war time. Photo by: Zachary Herring

"You don't think, you just react," said Bribiesca. "If anything bad happens to you, heaven forbid, that just goes with the territory."

 Bribiesca also explained the line you walk as a journalist during war time.

"When you're in a situation like we are, you're literally taking the position of soldiers in the field," said Bribiesca. " When you're taking a soldiers place, you have to help. We're all trained, and CBS sends us to a 3 week first aid course where you're literally taught to save a life."

Bribiesca finished up the discussion by offering a few tips on working with a camera and the business of news photography. Along with technical aspects such as composition and lighting techniques, he also commented on the importance of being perceptive.

"You have to look at everything," suggested Bribiesca. " Everyone has a story to tell."