Yajaida, 5

James Nachtwey

TED Talks

Time

 The artist began his career working at a newspaper and later a as a freelance photographer after completing his education in art history and political science. He is a documentary photographer, and early on knew he wanted to be a war photographer in order to "give a voice to those who otherwise would not have a voice."

There is nothing that I can say that isn't more artfully expressed by the artist himself, so above, I've included a link to his TED Talks. The 20 minute video encompasses his entire career up through 2007. For those with less time, there's also a 5 minute video at the end of the article on his Time lifetime achievement award where others reflect on his body of work.

While I had not been familiar with the name James Nachtway, watching the video I realized that I had been familiar with his work, in particular what he had captured during the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York. His images are compelling and have warranted the international recognition.

His work is incredible. What is most remarkable to me is not just his subject matter and daring to put himself in very dangerous positions to create images with the goal of democratizing information and message. That he can make all these images through emotional turmoil and physical peril and still compose them so beautifully is unbelievable. He has an incredible eye for framing, expression, and timing. I marvel at his ability to maintain the artistic in the face of so much technical adversity. His technique gives a captivating truth to moments of humanity that otherwise would go unwitnessed.