James Nachtway, war photographer
While looking through a few photography blogs, I found this photo. It was taken by war photographer James Nachtway and posted on Michael Grubb’s blog. Nachtway is a veteran war photographer that has been situated in many bloody confrontations. The photo was taken during an especially violent battle. I found this photo really interesting because it shows how a normal action like taking a photo can be infused with the horrors of war. The photographer represents normal, everyday life, while the soldier represents the violence and evil of war. I thought the use of black and white further highlighted this contrast between normal life and war. The black and white also sets a somber tone that is fitting in war photography. Another interesting aspect of the photo is how the photographer in the photo is positioned. He is in between the man and the people he is shooting at. This shows the desire of the photographer to capture the perfect photo. He is risking his life to get his shot, something that is truly inspiring. War photographers, are constantly inserting themselves in dangerous situations that could result in their deaths. I think that this photo is a great piece of art and that war photography as a whole is incredibly interesting and dynamic. I plan on continuing to look at more of James Nachtway’s photography.
War photography is relevant now more than ever with the death of Osama Bin Laden. There has been a great deal of controversy whether or not to release the photos of Osama Bin Laden’s death. Photography captures important moments in history in ways that words cannot. Photography plays a major role in world events.
http://michaelgrubb.blogspot.com/2010/08/james-nachtweywar-photographer.html
xmajor1032 