From 'Nam to Afghanistan--Ray B.

Ray Bribiesca listening to questions by students at Gaylord College
Photo by: Ana Lastra

Ray Bribiesca, a longtime cameraman and photojournalist for CBS program, 60 Minutes, spoke to Gaylord College students Monday, Nov. 1st, 2010. Bribiesca, or Ray B, worked with 60 Minutes reporter Lara Logan while covering the American troops while they worked to secure the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

It was his work with Logan that was highlighted by 60 Minutes, showing the exceptional prowess that Bribiesca has developed over the years. Bribiesca has been in the news busines since his days as a Marine in Vietnam. It was there that he honed his photography skills, capturing the first major war to be viewed more readily by the public than previous wars.

"I've been doing this forever. I started out in the Marine Corp when I was 17 as a combat cameraman...I have always shot combat," said Bribiesca.

Throughout his career, Bribiesca has looked for more than just a 'shooting' story, but for the human story. He focused his attention on shooting the faces of war and to create stories better than his last. He told students that to become a great photographer, luck and practice would be involved.

"You don't think, you just react...that's what you've been trained to do," said Bribiesca.

Ray Bribiesca at Gaylord College
Photo by: Ana Lastra

Bribiesca recollected stories to aspiring journalists, inspiring and through his experiences, teaching the future of journalism. No doubt his newest assignment to Yemen excited and fueled students to work to his level.

Although Bribiesca's last assignment began this week in Yemen, he is far from done with working with his camera. Never leaving his house without it, Bribiesca plans to stay in photography. He hopes his last assignment with CBS in Yemen won't be his last assignment ever--the rest of us hope it isn't as well.

"I've been at CBS forever. I've covered everything from Presidential campaigns...to President Obama. I've done every war. I've been wounded a couple of times...I've been taken hostage once. I've pretty much done it all so to speak. It's been great, it's been a great, great ride," said Bribiesca.