Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Inspired by Other/TED - James Nachtwey

Due to the crazy schedule I am merging Tuesday and Wednesday together. But I am also doing this because there is a photographer who appeared at TED that truly inspired me.

James Nachtway is famous for his photojournalism of third world countries. He has risked his life by documenting war, disease, poverty...life and death. His path in life is far different from mine, and yet I can't help but feel a connection as there are some things that I would like imitate. I admire him for his skill and respect him for his actions of capturing critical social issues.

"I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated." - James Nachtwey

Warning the link takes you to quick presentation by James, followed by a video of his still photography as he documented the XDR-TB, a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis that's touching off a global medical crisis. Some photos may be graphic.

Link: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/james_nachtwey_fights_xdrtb.html
Length: 5:52

5 comments:

superrawgirl said...

His pictures are so haunting, yet they move you ways unexpected. Very Touching.

WatchingStars said...

I am excited that you did something on the subject of photojournalism! However, saddening the reality is of this horrible disease. I was unaware of it, until now. After looking at such images, it totally brings me down to a humbled state.

I was pretty sick last week with a fever of 102 as the highest, and it took me like 4-5 days to recover. I was miserable and complained and whined a lot. Now after seeing these images, I feel like I am spoiled. *sighs*

One of the reasons I love photojournalism, is because it brings out the truth in humanity and what is really going on around the world. Photographers who are able to produce such images and show the public, ought to be fully praised, with all the sacrifices they make, to be sure the world sees the truth!

I am glad he got the TED award. :-)

Kris said...

He is such an amazing photojournalist. His images capture so much emotion, and the images stick in your mind, too. Wow. He definitely deserved that award! I look forward to your "Inspired by Others" posts because I always get to see the work of other wonderful photographers!

On a side note, I watched your photo/music montage again, and realized that the song you used is in the movie "Into the Wild". My mom actually went to high school with one of the guys that was in that movie (he was also in "The Hangover").

Daliwolf said...

We have the technology, we know the difference between right and wrong, and yet we still turn a blind eye towards humanity because profit is a higher priority. Why?

jetson said...

We do need to see what is happening in the world. That is the job of the photojournalist. He is amazing.
Now if only people would focus on the problems we have in our own country and the horrible poverty and starvation that our children face every day. No money for education, and no money to feed the children propper meals at school.
OUR country is starving.
Think globally - act locally.