Subject: Ouch, that hurt!

An email form John D McHugh who has been shot while working in Afghanistan, for AFP as a photojournalist; his blog makes for an interesting read and shows the reality of what it is like to be a war photographer.

Hi Everyone,

I know that Helen has been emailing most of you thus far,but today I feel strong enough to write a short note.

So, yes, it happened, I got shot. And it sucked! And it still does. But, I am alive, and I consider myself very lucky. Some will say that a couple of inches to the left and I would be fine, but by the same train of thought a couple of inches the other way and I would....not be writing this email. Therefore, I am, once again, to be considered "lucky."

The whole story is too long and difficult for me to write out at the moment. The bare details are not. I was with an American/Afghan Army unit that was on a mission, when a different unit was ambushed close by. We were sent as a QRF (Quick Reaction Force) to help them, but walked into a second, lethal attack. I don't have all the details yet, but I know there were several people killed and wounded, including me. I was shot through the stomach,lower left abdomen, and the bullet damaged my colon and spleen before exploding out through my back. Ouch!

Thankfully I didn't pass out, but managed to take cover. We were in the middle of a big fight, so I think it was 10 or 15 minutes before the soldiers managed to get a dressing on me and get me into a Humvee, at which point we drove out of there, all guns blazing. In remained concious the whole time, and once back at the base, maybe 20 minutes over the worst roads in the world, I was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital, where I was operated on. Due to the injuries to my stomach and bowel, I have been given a colostomy bag ( all jokes welcome) and have been stapled back together. It looks like I have a zipper from my chest down to my groin as well as the entry wound in my stomach and exit hole in my back. So at least the scars will be dramatic.

After a few days I was flown out to a US military hospital hospital in Germany, where I am still. I am on lots of painkillers, my arms look like a pin cushion, and my torso looks like a patchwork quilt. Yes, I am still sore, but nothing like I was originally, so I don't want anyone worrying about me. I should make a full, if slow, recovery.

As soon as it is confirmed that I am returning to the UK, I will tell you more. And as soon as I can I will write out the whole story, and edit the photos. In the meantime, thanks for all the mails so far, and I will see you all soon.

Cheers,

"Lucky" John D

www.johndmchugh.com

Blog

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Newswear Digital Chestvest - Review

Newswears Digital Chestvest is a simple design that can carry heavy weight well and distribute it over your body

A fantastic piece of kit that is ideal for extending carrying capacity that is often the problem for the digital photographer, especialy when you need to add a laptop and additional items to your gear.



It's a simple layout that does not get in the way or snag easily, but it may be a disadvantage if you have to belly down in the dirt for that low angle shot. That said it allows you to sit in a car and wear it or ride a bike/motorcycle without hindrance.

It is ideally suited for photojournalists, documentary and sports photographers who need to be able to move fast and have access to their gear fast, the Chestvest is a must have on long protests or riot situations due to its low profile that is not as likely to snag like a camera bag in a tussle.

One disadvantage I did find is the additional pockets on the pouch flaps, these Velcro securely keeping in the contents but, dirt and rain runs straight in to these, so I don't put in anything that will be damaged by rain or water and they could do with an additional "pocket flap" over the top. Newswear do however do an all weather version at a slight additional cost which might be ideal for the old (pre climate change) British climate. Also in their range are press pouches, body pouches, rain covers, Womens chestvest and a documentary chest vest for use with smaller cameras and less gear

• Available in Black and a Navy Blue/Grey combination

• Designed for the photographer who wants to pack a lot of gear. In addition you can use a camera bag over the shoulder or laptop satchel; It works really well with the Lowepro Stealth AW Rucksack as it adds easy access to essential gear leaving equipment that you are not likely to use in the backpack. Other rucksacks could also offer versatility and the Chestvest adds great functionality with a daysack for walking
  

• Four main compartments are supplemented by four more accessory pockets inside each flap.

• It has a hidden pocket for things like id or Press Credentials, but is not suitable for a wallet as it is too small.
  

• Extra large pockets allow storage of up to 3 Digital Camera bodies plus lenses. I found it will take a D2x plus a D70/80 size camera
  

• The two centre pockets fit most telephoto lenses like the Nikon 2.8 80-200mm zoom lens and the 300mm F4 as well as the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 zoom lens and the 300mm F4 telephoto and even the newer Canon 300mm 2.8 lens.

• Camera weight is distributed over a number of areas including the chest, back, waist, and shoulders, freeing your body from stress points caused by traditional camera bag designs.

• Pockets secure camera gear with large patches of Velcro. No zippers are used. You can add additional pouches can be fitted to the shoulder straps like memory card holders and mobile phone pouches, as well as on the waist belt, but be careful you don't loose function by placing to much or to large items on them.
  

• Adjustable buckles and straps make for a one size-fits-all design that quickly adjusts to any body size or shape and will easily fit extremely tall or short, wide or thin people.

• The adjustable straps keep you cool in hot weather and allow the Chestvest to fit over winter clothing when the temperature drops. It can even fit over body armour, but you might end up looking like a paramilitary with the black set so I would urge caution here and opt for the press looking Navy blue and grey set
  

• Fabric is easily spot cleaned with cloth and warm water and is so strong the Chestvest will last for many years.
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