please post your questions for James Nachtwey here…i should be able to "go live" with Jim at about 2:30 this afternoon New York time….
Jim will probably not answer all questions, so the most provocative and brief and intelligent will rise to the top…
i know Sunday afternoon is a tough time for many, but this is the best i can do…you now have a couple of hours to either think or ask away….
You consider the photography as a tool. In what is it today a better tool than television, the writing or the cinema?
THIS IS HERVE’S QUESTION.
To elicit the best response, maybe the kind of help that will save one life, do you think that nowadays, photos should reach the right persons rather than the right media, ie. a wider public?
How do you proceed so the photo reaches the very people that can make a difference, and save a life? Different subect, different channel? Thanks
DAVID,
I have 2/3 questions for JIM. I have been wondering when you are a war photographer like him, whether the horrors that he sees in every conflict have got to him to the point that this may impact his own way of living and enjoying life. I have listed to Jim in a few videos and he seems always so serious and so involved into the drama that he has witnessed that it makes you wonder whether he is able to leave things behind….
Other question….I did read on his site the sentence : “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.”
How does Jim feel about his influence if any to avoid that such events are repeated…The man seems to follow a noble purpose but there seems to be no end in sight with one unbearable event replacing anotehr in the news every other week/ month… Where does he find to force to carry on despite all this and does he see an end point for him on when he might stop being a war photographer?
Final question, more light-hearted, what photographey or photographers does he like? Does he have any particular interest outside of war photography?
Eric
JAMES,
When you are covering a conflict do you feel the need to cover both sides of the conflict equally? Is this possible?
James, can you reveal anything more about your TED project at this point? ETA?
tom
James, what constitutes “hope” for you?
tom
DAVID,
Actually one last question: for all the aspiring photographers in this blog community, is being a war photogarpger compatible with having a rich private life and family or does one have to sacrifice raising a family?
Eric
When I met Jim and the first LA VII Seminar I offered to assist in any way possible to coordinate his coming to Santa Fe for a series of events…
A museum show
A public talk
and whatever else we can come up with…
charity fundraiser, etc…
This would involve the participation of a number of local organizations, could take a few years to put together..
He gave me his email address and I wrote but did not hear back from him.
Is there anyone who James would suggest I speak to on his end to get the ball rolling? Should I contact him again???
DAVID: U R THE BEST! :)))
ok, i am running to spend the day with Dima…here is my question
hugs
bob
—————————————————
HI JIM! :))
It is a pleasure to speak to you (although, actually I am at the moment somewhere in Toronto walking with my son Dima, so I am actually not speaking with you: O, modern world and the web! :)) ). I am really happy that David and you have given us this opportunity, so I will make it brief.
In May of 2004, my wife and I had the great opportunity to watch the film War Photographer (about you) as part of Toronto’s CONTACT Photography festival. It was the first time that I had seen you or heard your voice, though both of us were familiar with your work. One of the most profound and compelling parts of the documentary was the discussion of the events that took place during a riot where a young man was chased and slaughtered by machete by a young group of men. The photo was from Jakarta I believe. It is an extraordinary photograph and mind-haunting and it haunted me (as well as the sequence) for months…You were at the center of this event, having photographed the riots and then later in front of the attack and photographed the young man being killed. It left both my wife and me stunned and we spent the next week discussing this. It was a powerful moment and one that is very difficult to fathom. I do not envy that circumstances or the difficult and brave choice you made. David once told an wonderful anecdote of sitting in a cafe in Washington when a bus caught on fire and he aided the people in the bus, forgetting his camera, only to “miss the shot” but to save the lives of the people. I in no way compare these two events but I think it is an interesting and important discussion. The way you answered the questions about that even with the machete gang in Asia, was eloquent and impassioned. That incident and your answer has had a formative effect on my own thinking. So my question is this: given circumstances like this one, or other circumstances where you did the opposite (for example put your camera down to save/aide a life or throw your body over a friend/colleague to protect them from gunfire), how are you able to continue spiritually after such profound and difficult decisions. When do you think your involvement as a photographer, a witness, trumps intervention? (for example, had you intervened in the attack to which i refer, you easily could have been killed and no one would have known what had happened). When do y ou think your opportunity to help another, rather than shoot, trumps your responsibility as a photographer/reporter/witness. I know there are no black and white answers and each of us have to resolve this ourselves, and it works usually on the level of reaction instead of though. But how have you resolved this for yourself.
And second question: who is a better dancer: You or Harvey?
thanks so much. I’ll read your reply when i return tonight.
All the best Jim,
bob black
Jim,
have you ever thought about/ or will be having a workshop in a war torn / humanitarian / social injustice area?
Cheers and best of luck with your TED project; Share a vital story with the world. btw…is there a possibility of being part of this project?
Peace,
jarle
JIM,
One very final question….I promise….Maybe more provocative…
Clearly, you have reached a certain fame beyond the photography world with the unbelievable movie “War Photographer” that Bob is refering to. Although this may not be at exactly the same time, you did leave MAGNUM before or soon after to fund VII agency. Did rthe fame and change of photo agency affect you or your photography in any way? As I am a huge fan of yours, I will share that I may not have liked your most recent work as much as some of the very powerful work that you did that led to the INFERNO book…On this forum here, some did even criticize a bit your Dalai Lama coverage in Times magazine…So, back to my question, do you find it more difficult today to continue to renew yourself and do the same impcatful work? Did your audience got so used to see the horrors from your inferno book that anything less than this is “disappointing” or less impactful? Just curious to see how you see yourself evolving if at all during those years?
Eric
OK, Mr Nachtwey…I asked this of Bill Allard, so it is only fair to lay it on you as well!
Glenfiddich or Glenlivet?
THIS IS MY QUESTION.
Can you think of a situation where you didn’t put down your camera (to help), but still wish you had?
Hello David,
Thanks for the opportunity! and thanks to James for his time.
My question:
James, what personal experience has been one of the most important ones in deciding to become a photographer?
“And second question: who is a better dancer: You or Harvey?” – Bob
Good question since we all know who is better dressed ;-)
James and David, thank you for giving us this opportunity to ask questions.
James: Your work, and the attention it receives is well known around the globe. In politically charged locations do you ever find that your subjects “play up” to your camera, to make a statement, and if so how do you deal with that?
Thanks again,
Asher
ok…
SINCE EVERYONE IS WAITING FOR THE “BIG JIM”…
let me interrupt… for a second…
America is in trouble at this moment…
FORECLOSURES FORECLOSURES FORECLOSURES…
$5 GAS… COSTRUCTION AT HALT..
THE BUBBLE LEAKS.. IT WILL BURST… IT WILL GET WORSE…
please… take a sec.. RELEASE YOUR TENSION AND forget about “Big Jim” for a sec…
visit my blog… 10 photos…WITH NO MUCH PEOPLE….included..
MODEL TOWNS , DEAD TOWNS… RECESSION…
click below, smell the reality… for a sec… and then back to “BIG JIM”!!!!
THANK YOU ALL
http://blog.panosfotografia.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
hi Jim,
(i’m going to try a “clean” english)
what do you feel when you are showing your story’s/photos and the “watchers” in the end only make questions about photography but not about the story’s you show?
cheers,
nelson
1. You occupy a place in photographic history, and art history. How important were your predecessors when you were starting out and how important are they to you today?
2. Simon Norfolk has mentioned using deliberate aesthetics in his work to to extend, slightly, the attention of the viewer. Do you agree that the viewer must be seduced in some way, and if so why?
3. The suffering, or the aftermath of suffering depicted in some of your photographs is beyond my ability to comprehend. Sometimes I think that we humans, as a species, are beyond hope. Are we?
4. I mean this one seriously. If we lived in a time beyond war, what would you do?
photojournalism requires endless determination and passion and relationships and stability can be sacrificed and compromised along the way. mr. nachtwey, given your amazing success and enduring career, have you found a way to lead a balanced life or have you made sacrifices that you regret when you chose image making over x?
this is something my husband and i have wondered about for several years as we have attempted to find our own balance.
thanks, david, for organizing this!
-becca young williams
ohhhh… sorry ,
i forgot my “QUESTION” to JIM…!
Mr. JIM N. can you PLEASE help me finish editing my
VENICE beach photos….?
Here is a Link with “DAH’s Rough Edit plus Leftovers”!!!
http://web.mac.com/innerspacecowpanos/%22MOVIES%22/DAVID_EDIT_plus_LEFTOVERS….html
oh, i also added couple more (“Boxing- NAVY Recruiting) photos here:
http://web.mac.com/innerspacecowpanos/%22MOVIES%22/Boxing_Venice.html….
laughing…
NOW QUESTION TO JAMES FOR REAL…!
ISN’T IT TRUE THAT ( “DEATH”… “TORTURE-PAIN”… & “SEX” ) ARE THE MAIN INGREDIENTS IN TRADITIONAL
PHOTOJOURNALISM, MR. JAMES…?..
THE MAIN RECIPE ????
THE EASY SAFE , SECURE WAY…TO GO ?
IS IT WAR THE EASY WAY TO GO… FOR QUICK SUCCESS…???
IS LIFE EASIER FOR PAOLO P. OR JAMES (WAR)…
OR FOR ( PEACE) PHOTOGS… DAH, PARR, PARKE…
BUT AGAIN…
Isnt there a WAR in every activity, decision … even in the most peaceful of our activities…?
Then.. if YOU CAN’T SAVE THE WORLD with the picture… what else except from SUCCESS are you seeking in the
“WARZONE”…! what is the “PLEASURE” you are taking …
Because there must be some kinda “pleasure”….
WHAT IS YOUR “PLEASURE” MR. JIM N… WHEN YOU SHOOT… IN ALL THOSE CONTROVERSIAL WAR ZONES…?
Is “James Bond”, ever been your hero?
Because it was my hero for a while….
Hello,
James, how live you having seen so much horror?
You photographed so many wars, conflicts, famines… how can we live after all it?
Thank you,
Kind regards,
Audrey
James,
We quickly met without talking in the toilets during a VII conference. How did you feel about such wonderful meeting.
(sorry, couldn’t resist such a stupid joke)
Jim & David– Thanks for this Sunday chat…
Jim: Of your Sept 11 experience, you described an instance of quantum physics — where time seemed to have slowed down and almost stood still, so that you could get yourself to a safe haven… an elevator shaft — as Tower 2 fell. In DAH’s “random” blog there are a few recollections shared by several of similar instances of highly charged moments that seemed to circumvent “real time.” Have you had any other experiences where “time shifted” in your highly charged work life? And has the “time standing still” Sept 11 experience influenced your life perspective or your photography?
Question 2: While your work is humanitarian and anti-war bringing needed awareness to important social issues for all to see and hopefully do something positive about, is there any one picture or reportage you have made that has left you personally satisfied that you as the photographer indeed made a difference?
One more:
By bearing witness and offering testimony what is the best case you hope for (awareness, political change, justice for victims, etc.?) and what is the best case you’ve seen? What are the limits of photography?
JAMES,
Could you please describe your editing process….
What are you looking for in your selected images?
I am sure it has to be difficult…there must be so many great images to choose from each time you shoot.
james:
i recently left the law to become a photographer, a career switch i wouldn’t wish upon my worse enemy. since i am so green, i tend to think about my photo career in realistic stages: first i’ll get some local work, then maybe a regional newspaper, then perhaps some magazine assignments, and so on.
but part of me thinks that this approach is a waste of time. if i have a great story idea shouldn’t i just go take the pictures and worry about making something of them afterwards? if they are good and the story is important shouldnt everything just take care of itself later? but how can funding and access issues take care of themselves afterwards?
to put my question in context, i have a story idea about the “arctic bridge” between murmansk, russia and churchill, canada that i really want to make work. unfortunately, i havent been unable to get funding or access for this project, probably because i am freelance and so new to photography.
btw, i look through your chechnya work at least once a day :)
best,
dave root
http://www.davidlroot.com
http://www.thestorminmyhead.com
david:
i almost forgot to thank you for setting this up.
you rock.
best,
dave root
http://www.davidlroot.com
http://www.thestorminmyhead.com
Thanks so much David and Jim for this rare opportunity…my question is…
In the context of your personal statement…”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.”…what do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment(s) thus far?
David, James, thanks for the opportunity.
James, after all you have seen, do you have hope for Mankind?
Do you find that publications want to publish your work or do they pick and choose according to their own agenda (i.e. is it easier to publish photos of Israeli suffering or Palestinian suffering)?
Do you feel that publications print photographs to illustrate the words i.e. do they take photography seriously enough to print a photographic essay?
Do publications “censor” what is shown the public i.e. photographs of dead or wounded U.S. troops or the more gruesome results of Man’s inhumanity to Man – particularly when the subject is close to home?
Thanks, take care and please come back here again.
Good light,
Mike.
MR. NACHTWEY
If you were again to turn your camera inwards on America itself, where would you point?
Thank you for your time.
James,
If you had it to do all over again would you?
Anything you would have done differently?
Jim, in person you seem to be a very serious person. How do you keep up your sense of humor?
“… The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated.”…
JAMES N.
“… Unfortunately those “events” will be forgotten and will be
repeated”…
panos
PARADOX1
…. one of the reasons is that eventually the ones that view those great photos, are the ones that originally wouldn’t commit any serious crime… Now, the ones that commit those crimes , they do not usually look at this kind of pictures….
…but, i’m not blaming James here for not being able to change or better this crazy world with his photos… no, not at all..
All i’m tryind to do is to find his personal, internal MAI MOTIVE TO COVER SUCH EVENTS…
What makes him sleep peacefully at nights after covering those horrors…
JAMES,
Will we ever see different work than your doing now? maybe fashion, commercial, art or other kinds of photography? David mentioned you being interested in Crewdson’s work for example.
Cheers
Hello,
recently I found very interesting story almost 10 minutes to walk from my home.
It was really shock to me…I felt no legs..and took only couple of photos..
Here is my question..
How photographer can stay calm, how to control adrenaline rush when you find yourself in situation when you want to help someone but you can`t?
Cheers!
P.S.
Now, I`m standing like I was standing in front of comrade Tito portrait. :D
Hi David and Jim, first of all thank you for the most grueling week of my life! had lots of ups and downs, grew tremendously, lost 5 kilos, no lunch, no dinner and there never was a breakfast! but David sure did enjoy the smoke breaks! found my direction, met truly wonderful people (hey all you out there, where are your questions!!! K, S, L, J, E, T, L etc etc) so Jim…. what I want to know is…would you do it again? I can’t stop myself from asking if you are bored and what kind of photography are you interested in right now???
jim
once my daughter didn’t want to eat her spaghetti so i showed her
your website with starving children photos.
do you think i’m a bad parent?
yes GUIDO, you are…indeed
laughing…
Panos, You’re assuming he sleeps peacefully at night. I wonder, Mr. Nachtwey, how do you sleep? Have you developed methods to aid your rest and recuperation?
I wish I had an intelligent question to pose here, but at the moment the only question I’d like answered is why are there so many people wearing strange hats in this building right now? Since no one here can help me with this, I will forego asking it.
Jean Sebastien…
Photography happens to be the tool that I use. Whatever medium you have chosen, and in which you have expertise, is the one that will be the most powerful for you.
I don’t think there is necessarily any one medium more powerful than another. It depends on how you use it.
Herve…
The mass media cast a wide net. I work for publications that have integrity and credibility. They have a broad readership, including both citizens and decision makers.
If you are working for a publication with a narrower focus, but one that is targeted for concerned readers, you work can have just as much impact.
Linda O
Twice that day my perceptions transcended what are commonly thought of as “normal”. When the first tower fell the boiling cloud of dust, glass, and metal, that was rushing towards me seemed to float in slow motion. I thought I had all the time in the world to make the frame. At the last moment, reality clicked back into normal time and I realized I was about to be taken out. I ran to the lee side of a building and the debris passed over me.
This is not the first time that has happened. During the overthrow of the military dictatorship in South Korea in the late 80′s, I was covering a riot and a large rock was heading directly for my head. It too went into slow motion. I could watch it spin and see every detail and contour of that rock. I had plenty of time to duck as the rock sped past. It was like the movie Matrix, but about ten years before the film was made.
Neither incident changed the meaning of reality for me, but they both showed me there are different dimensions within reality, these moments triggered by basic survival instinct.
On a lighter note, Mr. Nachtwey, do you have an opinion on the scarf issue? Is it to protect the neck from strap burn, sun burn, dust? And why do so many photographers insist on wearing one in New York City on a warm spring day? Looks entirely daft to me.
JIM, are there moments where you would say “I enjoy my work”? What are these moments?
Cheers, Guido