War Photographer

"If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough"
-Robert Capa

A film portraying all that is beautiful and all that is hellish pertaining to that of documentary photography. First off, I must say it is ridiculous I have never seen this film in my life, as I feel “War Photographer” is pertinent and integral for all photographers. The mannerisms and photographs of James Nachtwey are that of elegance, class, and wonder; with them is an important timelessness taken with so much care.
Right off the bat, I found an instant connection with James and his words. “You have to be single minded.” My jaw dropped and a sense of relief overwhelmed me when this was said. I consider myself to be a lonely observer in this social world, as is James Nachtwey. Being so, one is able to not be responsible for that of others, allowing for a beaming focus opening one’s eyes and mind to the world around you. Doing so, one is able to transcend relative reality, making all matters yours. You become unemotional and distant as a human being, but regain these as a photographer through the lens. The documentary photographer must be invisible yet so involved. Having a single mind, one is able to do so. The reason I felt so relieved was that fact that I have been battling being a loner rather than embracing it. It finally clicked that this is not such a bad thing when there are others who accept this and use it to their advantage.
I love the fact that James is so reserved, holding so much respect for those around him, yet he still manages to become so involved in the events. His actions and photographs speak for him, again, allowing for his eyes to take in the environment; to do the work; to see what needs to be seen. This is very difficult to achieve as documentary photography can feel so invasive and voyeuristic. Lately, I have found myself lacking in the confidence to do so, stopping me from capturing what I observe, having almost too much respect for the world around me.
Why are people so interested in the loss of others? The celebrations of others? The emotions of others? What do we as documentarians get out of capturing what it means to be human? Well, the answer is just that. As being observers by nature, and documentarians specifically, we are in search of what it means to be human. It allows us to witness history from what happens to ordinary people, not the academic world, as said in the film. Personally, it helps answer my question of purpose. When you observe others in situations, you can picture yourself having these experiences. But then ask the question, why them and not me? Through photography, I am able to appease that questioning by not only sharing these experiences with myself but those who see the photograph.
As far as picking a favorite photo of James’, it is impossible. Because of how astounding of a photographer he is, his photos are all that of amazing, breathtaking and real. I cannot relate to any of the situations he photographs because I am a middleclass White American who is not brave enough to go around the world experiencing these events for myself. That is my situation. I have not experienced famine, war, epidemic, etc. I can only imagine and sympathize through his depictions of these situations. It is also hard to choose a favorite due to the subject matter, in that, even though the photograph may be well done, the subject matter is so devastating making it almost disrespectful to say that is my favorite. I do not think James would want us to choose a favorite; he wants us to react with human emotion and action.