 Tepsurgayev began his career in journalism as a driver and a fixer for foreign journalists during the First Chechen War (1994–1996) between Russian troops and Chechen separatist guerrillas.Later he contributed to Reuters on an irregular basis and provided outlets with footage he shot from the front lines of the conflict.Reuters' shots of Chechen field commander Shamil Basayev having his foot amputated were taken by Tepsurgayev.