James Nachtwey - War Photographer

THIS VIDEO: Robert Capa was probably the most probably the most famous war photographer during the middle of last century, while James Nachtwey has claimed that position during the past few decades. He is now 75 years old and his life’s work is a record of the worst of human nature. During his career he has won the Robert Capa Gold Medal five times. He was a student in the 60s and was strongly influenced by the events surrounding the Vietnam War as well as the American Human Rights Movement. He decided to become a war photographer after being exposed to the images from Vietnam taken by photographers like Don McCullin - he was impacted by the power that these pictures had to encourage resistance against war. Nachtwey has also dedicated his career to photographing social issues, like homelessness, drug addiction, poverty, and other issues.
1-on-1 MENTORING: graemewilliams...
ABOUT ME: The conversations focus on topics related to different aspects of photography including: art, documentary and photojournalism. The discussions explore the personal experiences of photographers and artists and how their work reflects both their internal and external landscape. During the past 30 years I have photographed in over 50 countries for magazines including National Geographic, Time, New York Times and Newsweek. I have held solo exhibitions in New York, London and Paris and my work is showcased in private and institutional art collections around the world.
COPYRIGHT: The copyright for all images belongs to the photographer/s being discussed.
WEBSITE: www.graemewill...
FACEBOOK: / graemewilliamsphotogra...
INSTAGRAM: williamsgraeme
MUSIC: RUclips audio - Hopeless - Jimena Contreras
VIDEOS CLIPS: War.Photographer.2001, Why Photograph War Wright and Nachtwey Ponder the Question, Anderson Cooper interviews one of his journalism role models, James Nachtwey, Photojournalist Who Captures the Resilience and Faith of Humanity - Heinz Awardee

[@jimphilpott902]

Your own experience has sensitized you to the deep impact of war images on the photographer and on the viewer. You, like Nachtwey, know something most of us don't: war is usually fruitless and dismal. The cost of human suffering is immense. Thank you for continuing to confront us with this reality.

[@LloydSpencer]

Excellent video, Graeme. And your personal testimony adds an important dimension.
You’ve put together a thought-provoking, and timely, presentation, thank you.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Lloyd

[@iainmc9859]

I'd seen quite a few of the shots but didn't know the face behind the camera. Incredible photo's. Maybe we just need more men with cameras and less men with assault rifles and missiles. Unfortunately most people don't have that level of self-awareness.

[@PhotoConversations]

Yup, but probably if cameras outnumbered guns then war would no longer become an option.

[@kaytotheeye2331]

Beyond moving. My gratitude to those who are willing to bear the weight of humanity’s pain as they work to enlighten and lighten humanity’s burdens.

[@PhotoConversations]

Lovely words, thanks.

[@ianwickens4376]

Very moving Graeme and it was not just the excellent photography but the brave and compassionate man with the camera. Loved the Rolex watch analogy and it made me think how much I detest conspicuous consumption, but that's another story! Well put together by your good self and very emotive. Brilliantly done.

[@keithspangler4814]

outstanding piece, I grew up in photography and met James......so fortunate

[@diannevandermerwe436]

One of the most moving pieces amongst your fine collection Graeme.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Di

[@johnkelly-pd3vq]

Another superb video, thank you

[@PhotoConversations]

Cheers John

[@teacherdude]

while listening to your description of Nachtwey's approach in South Africa, I was reminded of Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, Alexandros Avramidis who does exactly the same thing when entering a conflict situation. I have seen him cover several riots and he is like a hyper-aware ghost and has the ability to some how become part of a violent scene while having total awareness of what is happening around him.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi yes, I think everyone who is buzzing on adrenalin has heightened awareness, but some channel their reactions better.

[@teacherdude]

That adrenalin rush can really mess with your head,@@PhotoConversations

[@keithspangler4814]

An amazing piece Graeme! I had the pleasure to attend James Nachtwey when I was growing up as a military photojournalist. He was a base for my love for photojournalism. Thanks

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Keith It's always heartning when good guys make it to the top.

[@oferbar-nesnissensohn6382]

Insightful as usual. When I see the number of views your videos get, compared to some other self proclaimed photography experts, with their uninspiring drivel, my heart sinks a little at the shallowness of this world.
Your comment about the lack of context and the, dare I say, aesthetic appeal of war photos in a book format was truly enlightening. I do myself find a troubling contrast between the photographic aesthetic a good photographer brings to his documentary, and the brutal reality a war photographer documents. Without the necessary text and context, it's just suffering showing as entertainment, and I find myself at odds with myself when viewing such images.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@robertgordon6362]

Outstanding.

[@grahamrichards8531]

I agree, Graeme, thank you again for another perceptive and enlightening review.

[@PhotoConversations]

I appreciate it Robert

[@WhocaresWhy44]

Nachtwey is included in David Friends book. I scored an Autographed Copy at San Jose State.

[@geirfinnlysne712]

Thank you very much for your excellent work Mr Williams.

[@PhotoConversations]

My pleasure.

[@RapideKreskas]

Thanks a lot for such a piece of meaning dear Graeme!

[@PhotoConversations]

I appreciate it dear Rapide.

[@almostgreen9498]

Your huge heart comes through Thank you!

[@PhotoConversations]

I appreciate your feedback AG!

[@HaroldEscalona]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Harold

[@thomaseriksson6256]

I like the story telling that he create in his pictures.

[@PhotoConversations]

Yes he isn't one-dimensional

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@PhotoConversations Is this a product of using the wide angle lens? I read somewhere that if you like to tell stories you have to use a wide angle

[@nocommentnoname1111]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks for 'commenting'

[@kevfaure]

Thanks Graeme. Good one.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hey Kevin, thanks