An Instagram account was created in order to contribute to a visual representation of these 10 key aspects that were researched about James Nachtwey. The Instagram handle is: @fakenachtwey
Post 1: Career Path:
Born on March 14, 1948, in Syracuse, N.Y. and raised in Massachusetts, James Nachtwey pursued a degree in art history and political science at Dartmouth University. His inspiration came from images from the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement which held an immense impact on what influenced Nachtwey to become a photographer. To begin his career in 1976, he began work as a photographer for a newspaper in New Mexico. Until 1980, when he moved back to New York to begin working as a freelance magazine photographer. His first assignment was held outside of the U.S. on foreign grounds in Northern Ireland to cover civil strife during the IRA hunger strike in 1981. From there, his work has been featured in many exhibits: the International Center of Photography in New York, Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris, Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome, Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, El Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, FOAM in Amsterdam, Carolinum in Prague, and Hasselblad Center in Sweden, etc. Nachtwey was provided a contract through TIME magazine in 1984 and has been associated with a few other agencies over the years. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors from his well-known work illustrating the violence of war.
Resources: https://news.dartmouth.edu/news/2016/09/archive-photographer-james-nachtwey-70-acquired-hood-museum
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/contributors/n/photographer-james-nachtwey/
Post 2: Photography Era
According to Jacob Hales in his article entitled “Photojournalism of the ’80s and ‘90’s”, these two eras of which James Nachtwey begun his career, can be defined as “the clashing of traditionalism and modernism, foreign affairs, teen culture, protest, and the transition between analog and digital technology.” The technology among these eras was experiencing immense change. The utilization of computers and cell phones was increasing and the world was able to unite through communication more efficiently. Upon the increasing utilization of computers- many jobs began to work it into their daily functions. Which entail lead to the creation of the World Wide Web in 1989. During which, media also was in the midst of a transition from focusing on specialty magazines that fit the societal trends set forth by both males and females at the beginning of the era to focus on realism and documentary photography. Which fits the style of which Nachtwey’s War photography depicts. His images illustrate very dramatic and deep subject matters.
Resources:
https://heritageherald.com/2018/06/08/photojournalism-of-the-80s-and-90s/
Encarta Reference Library 2004: searched 1980’s photography
Post 3: Motivation
Born on March 14, 1948, in Syracuse, N.Y. and raised in Massachusetts, James Nachtwey pursued a degree in art history and political science at Dartmouth University. His inspiration came from images from the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement which held an immense impact on what influenced Nachtwey to become a photographer. To begin his career in 1976, he began work as a photographer for a newspaper in New Mexico. Until 1980, when he moved back to New York to begin working as a freelance magazine photographer. His first assignment was held outside of the U.S. on foreign grounds in Northern Ireland to cover civil strife during the IRA hunger strike in 1981. From there, his work has been featured in many exhibits: the International Center of Photography in New York, Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris, Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome, Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, El Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, FOAM in Amsterdam, Carolinum in Prague, and Hasselblad Center in Sweden, etc. Nachtwey was provided a contract through TIME magazine in 1984 and has been associated with a few other agencies over the years. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors from his well-known work illustrating the violence of war.
Resources: https://news.dartmouth.edu/news/2016/09/archive-photographer-james-nachtwey-70-acquired-hood-museum
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/contributors/n/photographer-james-nachtwey/
Post 2: Photography Era
According to Jacob Hales in his article entitled “Photojournalism of the ’80s and ‘90’s”, these two eras of which James Nachtwey begun his career, can be defined as “the clashing of traditionalism and modernism, foreign affairs, teen culture, protest, and the transition between analog and digital technology.” The technology among these eras was experiencing immense change. The utilization of computers and cell phones was increasing and the world was able to unite through communication more efficiently. Upon the increasing utilization of computers- many jobs began to work it into their daily functions. Which entail lead to the creation of the World Wide Web in 1989. During which, media also was in the midst of a transition from focusing on specialty magazines that fit the societal trends set forth by both males and females at the beginning of the era to focus on realism and documentary photography. Which fits the style of which Nachtwey’s War photography depicts. His images illustrate very dramatic and deep subject matters.
Resources:
https://heritageherald.com/2018/06/08/photojournalism-of-the-80s-and-90s/
Encarta Reference Library 2004: searched 1980’s photography
Post 3: Motivation
War Photographer, James Nachtwey, discusses in his interview with Katherine Hart, his motivation for documenting contemporary history is to “try to photograph honestly but with a sense of compassion so that a mass audience can make a human connection with the people in the pictures. If that happens, then change becomes possible.” His motive for documenting events and societal and/global issues such as pollution, homelessness, substance abuse, tuberculosis, warzones, etc. is to influence change. By bringing attention to the suffering of these individuals, Nachtwey amplifies the victim’s voice. He states, “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.” His photography often depicts individuals in such vulnerable states but it creates concern on a global level in order to spark a discussion to elicit change.
Resources:
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
https://news.dartmouth.edu/news/2016/09/photojournalist-james-nachtwey-70-talks-about-his-work
Post 4: Technology
Nachtwey’s career began in the late 1970s and has continued throughout the 2000’s. Around this time, the digital era was flourishing. Transitioning from the mechanical and analog technology such as 35mm cameras, devices began to take upon a digital approach. Advancements in technology were pretty dramatic throughout the 80’s- these included the utilization of magnetic disks instead of conventional, the introduction of high-speed burst rates, and the single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras were overwhelming the market. Allowing cameras to be easily held and transported and the advancements assisted photojournalists to take multiple quick shots. This was especially beneficial to get multiple quality images to Nachtwey who constantly put himself in harms way to get the best photograph. As it is said in the documentary “War Photographer”- about James Nachtwey, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Nachtwey currently shoots with a Canon EOS-1V SLR film Camera (invented in the year 2000) and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital Camera (invented in 2004). Most often, capturing his images in a black and white format, which contributes to the dramatic nature of the serious pictures he takes. Color technology was first created in the early 1900s and could have been utilized it is often left out the Nachtwey’s photography.
Resources:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23371/digital-revolution
https://www.all-about-photo.com/photo-articles/photo-article/79/photographers-and-their-cameras-part-3
Post 5: Ethics
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23371/digital-revolution
https://www.all-about-photo.com/photo-articles/photo-article/79/photographers-and-their-cameras-part-3
Post 5: Ethics
James Nachtwey’s style of War Photography provokes some ethical dilemmas within. Photographer Piotr Andrews points out that as a war photographer one must follow “very strict moral principles”.The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) implements codes of ethics that are put into place to “promote the highest quality in all forms of visual journalism and to strengthen public confidence in the profession. It is also meant to serve as an educational tool both for those who practice and for those who appreciate photojournalism.” Nachtwey often take images that can be foreseen as too vulgar or exposing to the inhumane practices/mistreatment of people on a global level. It has been discussed that graphic images that are taken are distasteful and put the victims in the spotlight in the most vulnerable state. In rebuttal to the criticism of taking “too vulgar”, Susie Linfield writes in The Cruel Radiance: Photography and Political Violence “I never look at Nachtwey’s photographs when I am sad; in fact, I find his pictures harrowing in the best of times. Nachtwey’s subjects are, more often than not, severely deformed through various forms of violence, and they seem disconnected from history and politics. I do not think their spirits are intact. In showing us the many ways that the human body can be destroyed, Nachtwey’s pictures can inspire revulsion more easily than empathy.”
Resources:
http://www.faspe-ethics.org/journalism2014/?p=399
https://nppa.org/code-ethics
Post 6: Bias
It could be interpreted that James Nachtwey’s bias’ often stems from those that are at a disadvantage and those that are above and can make the executive decisions of change. He is compelled to cover the stories that the rest of the world is unaware of and those in higher power ignore. He states in his interview with TIME magazine, “we question the powerful. We hold decision-makers accountable. The chain we help forge links the people we encounter in the fields to millions of other individual minds and sensibilities. And once mass consciousness evolves into a shared sense of conscience, change becomes not only possible; it becomes inevitable.” He imposes the need for the conversation to be had so that the societal issues cannot be ignored by the government. By doing so, his bias to cover these stories cause people to instill hope and govern change.
Resources:
https://time.com/3693061/jamesnachtwey-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/
Post 7: Photographic Style
Image 1:
Title: Famine in Somalia
Image By: James Nachtwey
Year Taken: 1992
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbqSroSOzrPFw9MFcsJl_aW6pTpGQJJw4ixuXIz7-O8fpb1uvZUHtCm824RSViFF4G_mzBet0p_StM3C3AgTlNekmQ2b-ZL0Kuz40Eyhfn0CJMj8JhSfvvYP79oiRXnUOqnFYjuDsaJ4/s1600/famine+in+solmania.jpg
Using the photographic assessment principles it is clear that there many different compositional factors that make this image so effective at displaying a message. One of the key features that are often seen within the photojournalistic images of James Nachtwey is that he often uses black and white. Even though the technology is readily available to him, the black and white appearance of his image alludes to the seriousness of them. It helps portray the emotions and exaggerates the expressions of the people's faces by not allowing the audience to be distracted by color. In this image, although it may not have been done purposely, the use of line in the young individual's body helps relay the overall message of the reality of famine. Lastly, Nachtwey kept this image rather simple to direct the attention to the starving individual, did not have the individuals pose or be tampered with. But instead, he utilized his positioning to capture the starved individual from the backside to illustrate how bad he or she is suffering.
Image 2:
Title: Opioid Crisis
Photo By: James Nachtwey
Year Taken: 2018
https://streetbounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/James-Nachtwey.jpg
Using the assessment principles it is clear that Nachtwey uses multiple key artistic ways to heighten the message of this image. In this image, the background of the police officer and the overdosed individual in the driver's seat of the car helps depict the dangers of opioid drug use. Especially because that individual could have endangered the lives of others by getting behind the wheel of the car while impaired. Nachtwey uses contrast very well in the image as well. Although not purposely done, the individual under the influence is wearing a light-colored shirt as opposed to the police officer in a dark-colored uniform. This helps guide the viewer's eyes through the image. Lastly, the main subject (the overdosed individual) is also at least 2/3 of the image- allowing the viewer to closely see the individual and bring the main focus in on him.
Image 3:
Title: Durian Daze
Photo By: James Nachtwey
Year Taken: Unknown
https://66.media.tumblr.com/845c9e1c7937a7c869e5509a8e02e35c/e4e90041799fe39a-08/s500x750/28b419cf791bb014d4ea4cf4dfa4d371dda33ef9.jpg
Nachtwey utilizes a few key pieces that can be seen as part of the assessment tools when looking at photojournalistic images. In this image, Nachtwey uses texture very effectively. It is clear that the two people in the image are laying on rocks, boxes, and very uncomfortable objects- which illustrates the difficulties of being homeless. He also uses a long depth of field and rule of thirds to assist the viewer to understand that what can be shown as trash (that goes on for as far as you can see in the image) can be somebody's treasure. In this case, these unfortunate individuals are utilizing each other for comfort and having to sleep on train tracks (which ultimately can be dangerous) and do not have the luxury of pillows, blankets, or a bed.
Image 4:
Title: Struggle to Live: The Fight Against TB
Photo By: James Nachtwey
Year Taken: 2010
http://files.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/James-Nachtwey-TB-photos1.jpg
When using the assessment principles in photojournalism, it is clear that a few things stand out within the image. The first thing that stands out in the image is the individual's facial expression, it looks as though he is being forced to undergo treatment and he is extremely frightened of the needle that he is being shown. Nachtwey's focus on this individual is extremely clear and helps the viewer to see this in the individual's face. This imposes a sense of sadness/empathy within the viewer because of the obvious hardship that the young man is going through.
Post 8: Impact
James Nachtwey has been recognized and honored throughout his career- to name a few, he has received several Photographer of the Year honors and Robert Capa Gold Medals, the TED Prize, the Dresden Prize and a number of honorary doctorate degrees, and also his documentary entitled “War Photography” was nominated for an Academy Award. James Gilbert points out, “For nearly a decade, James Nachtwey has stalked the terrifying existence of war and civil strife with his camera. Since 1981, readers of such magazines as TIME, National Geographic, and Live, have been aware of the restlessness and brilliant visual presence in their pages.” These images that he captures help people all around grasp ideas that may not impact their lives on a daily basis but do impact others. It paves the way for more in-depth conversation and enlightens the public on the corruptive ways of the world.
Resources:
http://iphf.org/inductees/james-nachtwey/
http://www.faheykleingallery.com/photographers/nachtwey/press/photographs/nachtwey_pr_ph_frames.htm
Post 9: Incorporation of Nursing in His Style
I am currently completing my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at AIC. I can associate many similarities that are seen in James Nachtwey’s work and the work of a nurse. It is especially seen in his moral compass and charismatic ways to the individuals that he is photographing. His biggest motivation to document the suffering of others is the need to help them. He illustrates compassion and the drive to make situations better to those who need it- all of which would demonstrate good characteristics of a nurse. He states in the video interview shown in TIME magazine, “our work is aimed at our readers’ best instincts - generosity, compassion, a sense of right-and-wrong, a sense of identification with others - on a human level, across cultures, beyond the borders of nationality - and perhaps most importantly, the refusal to accept the unacceptable.” Another characteristic that can be related to James Nachtwey’s work and the work of a competent nurse is advocacy. In the same way that a nurse is mandated to advocate for their patient’s needs, James Nachtwey does this through his photography. His photographs incorporate a message to the viewers that the suffering are in need of change. James Nachtwey has also in fact covered issues directly related to the medical field; such as the Tuberculosis epidemic, the AIDS epidemic, and the medical response to war.
Resources:
https://time.com/3693061/jamesnachtwey-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/
Post 10: Viewpoints
Many view James Nachtwey in an influential manner and with great respect. Personally, I was just briefly introduced to him in relation to this course but after reviewing his work and doing extensive research into his past and present- I am so appreciative of the efforts he has made to document history as it adapts and assisting people in the time of need. His professionalism and bravery to risk his life to keep the world more connected on a global level have contributed to his great reputation within photojournalism. In the article James Nachtwey calls for peace with Memoria at Fotografiska Stockholm he is referred to as, “one of the world's most respected photojournalists, and considered the defining visual war reporter of his time”.
Resources:
https://news.cision.com/fotografiska/r/james-nachtwey-calls-for-peace-with-memoria-at-fotografiska-stockholm,c2840643
https://time.com/3693061/jamesnachtwey-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/
Post 10: Viewpoints
Many view James Nachtwey in an influential manner and with great respect. Personally, I was just briefly introduced to him in relation to this course but after reviewing his work and doing extensive research into his past and present- I am so appreciative of the efforts he has made to document history as it adapts and assisting people in the time of need. His professionalism and bravery to risk his life to keep the world more connected on a global level have contributed to his great reputation within photojournalism. In the article James Nachtwey calls for peace with Memoria at Fotografiska Stockholm he is referred to as, “one of the world's most respected photojournalists, and considered the defining visual war reporter of his time”.
Resources:
https://news.cision.com/fotografiska/r/james-nachtwey-calls-for-peace-with-memoria-at-fotografiska-stockholm,c2840643
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