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 NachtweyRead
I became a photographer in order to be a war photographer, and a photographer involved in what I thought were critical social issues. From the very beginning this was my goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
James Nachtwey expresses his commitment to using photography as a means to address critical social issues, particularly in the context of war.
In this quote, James Nachtwey emphasizes his purpose as a photographer, stating that he chose to pursue this career specifically to highlight the realities of war and important social issues. His dedication to using his skills to capture and convey the harsh truths of the world reflects a deep commitment to activism through art, showcasing how photography can serve as a powerful tool for social change.
Themes
PhotographyWarSocial IssuesActivismArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the power of visual storytelling, I could say, 'As James Nachtwey once noted, I became a photographer in order to be a war photographer.'
More from James Nachtwey
All quotes →I don't think tragic situations are necessarily devoid of beauty.
James NachtweyRead
I try to use whatever I know about photography to be of service to the people I'm photographing.
James NachtweyRead
If you want to connect with people who are in distress and great grief and scared, you need to do it in a certain way. I move kind of slow. I talk kind of slow. I let them know that I respect them.
James NachtweyRead
[Photography] puts a human face on issues which, from afar, can appear abstract or ideological or monumental in their global impact.
James NachtweyRead
If Im feeling outraged, grief, disbelief, frustration, sympathy, that gets channeled through me and into my pictures and hopefully transmitted to the viewer.
James NachtweyRead
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