74 DECEMBER 2015^ http://www.asianphotographyindia.com

FEATURE

Photo: Vivaah

Photojournalism is one of the toughest genres of photography and not many dare to take it up as

a profession. The brave few, who do, face immense and tiring hours looking for stories, researching,

making travel plans and finally shooting them. It is a path filled with thorns, and the ones who follow

that path are the bravest of the photographers. From visiting conflict zones to earthquake-hit areas

they see it all. Some can keep it professional but some break down after a few years. Their photos of

the coverage are what help us see the conflict from inside. They risk their lives daily just as the soldiers

in the war do and are often unappreciated. They never ask for attention and almost never come to

limelight, being the silent observer that they are. In this article, we talk about the five best conflict and

war photographers around the world.

W

henever we talk about conflict

photography, James Nachtwey’s

name resonates in our minds. It

has become one with the very concept of

conflict photography. Nachtwey, an American

photojournalist, has covered armed conflicts,

as well as social issues, in various parts of the

world such as South Africa, Latin America, the

Middle East, Russia, Eastern Europe, and the

former Soviet Union. He has won various

awards for his work such as the World Press

Photo, Robert Capa Gold Medal from the

Top

Photographers

Five conflict

James Nachtwey

Overseas Press Club, Honorary Fellowship

of The Royal Photographic Society, Dan

David Prize from the Dan David Foundation

and Tel Aviv University and many more. A

documentary film based on his work has been

made by Christian Frei, and was nominated

for the Academy Awards. He has had

various exhibitions around the world and has

always advocated that the sole purpose of his

photographs is to bring the truth to the world.

“If there is something occurring that is

so bad that it could be considered a crime

against humanity, it has to be transmitted

with anguish, with pain, and create an impact

on people — upset them, shake them up,

wake them out of their everyday routine.

People should be aware that something

highly unacceptable is taking place, and think

about it and talk about it with each other.” –

James Nachtwey

©

James Nachtwey

Photo by Victor Morozov