Friday, 6 April 2012

Virtual Essay

Virtual Essay
Option 2


War photography in any conflict around the world gives us a view on what really happened during that time. It showed us the hardships, the ups and downs, the side of many stories and groups. It showed us what life was during that war. I guess war photography, the photos and films - evidence - makes you appreciate the effort and the lives the people sacrificed to get to where we are now.
War photography is used to boost the morale of the people for both the Allies and the Axis powers. It gives the people a glimpse of what is happening and how their troops are making a difference on the war zone. It is also used for propaganda for example "Our troops are doing great! Support them!" or "We've just captured the town of --- in ---. Our troops are now heading to ---." These simple messages keep the public in a positive state of mind and to comfort them and not to make them panic.
Both sides of the war also used this method to keep records. We have to bear in mind that the people behind the cameras were also soldiers, now historians in one way or another. Imagine seeing little or no film during the war. You'd keep on asking what really happened or what it was like out there, when first and second-hand accounts aren't enough. Photography and films had very important uses during and after the war.
Over decades there has been much different style of photography and photographers. As this assignment the photographer that I would be focusing on would be James Nachtwey. The reason that I choose James, was because I was really touched his work and photography style; he mainly photographs war and the aftermath of war and emotional and physical scars that ordinary people are left with when it is all over.
James Nachtwey is one of the best war photographers to date. Although he is a photojournalist but his work is fine art each picture he takes tells an emotional story it is true what is said about a photo it is worth a thousand words. Nachtwey specializes in documenting war-torn countries. He once stated, “I’m working on a story that the world needs to know about. I wish for you to help me break it in a way that provides spectacular proof of the power of news photography in the digital age.” He has jeopardized his life so many times to let the world “see” what is happening that his guardian angel has surely suffered many bruises and busted bones.

Bosnia, 1993 - Ethnic cleansing in Mostar. Croat militiaman fires on his Moslem neighbours.
This Photograph really shows what war is about. All the hate and the propaganda fills up in a person like poison and they actually pick up a gun in an effort to kill someone who happens to be different and at the same time their neighbours. 
 Rwanda, 1994 - Survivor of Hutu death camp.
When Prisoners in war-torn countries are confined they are treated very violently. they are assaulted tortured and worked to death this photograph show the painful scars of this young boy who is clearly suffering.

 Chechnya, 1996 - Chechen rebel fighting along the front line against the Russian army.
This Photograph shows how determined this solider is to fight for his country it shows the people on the country the patriotism and strength of its people. 
 Chechnya, 1996 - Ruins of central Grozny.
This photograph shows how war changes a neighbourhood childern like this are displaced forever they lose their friends relatives and family to conflict and war. You can see the blown up houses and bulidings where the people used to live before it got blown up.
 Nicaragua, 1984 - Contra mortally wounded in jungle warfare.
In war time no solider is left behind. This photograph is the perfect example of this.  In the army culture all of the soldiers treat each other as if they were brothers they have each others back and protect each other by putting their life on the line.
Photography Sources:

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Ethical Dilemma



http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/05/americas_hurricane_survivors_return/img/1.jpg

http://news.discovery.com/earth/2010/07/01/oiled-bird-825x550.jpg
Artistic


http://browse.deviantart.com/photography/people/?order=24&offset=48#/d4t5kz1



















http://browse.deviantart.com/photography/people/?order=24&offset=72#/d4t6ofc






1. The main differences and similarities between art and press photography;
Press photography is considered to be news photography. it captures the truth and tell us news stories without using a single word. It is similar with photojournalism. on the other hand, art photography, it is a form of commercial photography. From an artistic view, it can be developed many times using editing software tools like photoshop to reach artist's vision.

2. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs? Why? Why not?
In my view I think that it is acceptable to alter art photography since the idea behind art photography is based on the artist imagination and visualization this is how art photography come to life. It is common for the photographer to change the environment and surroundings to reflect the final result of the photograph. By changing and altering the art photograph artists can create a single piece of art that is only one of its kind.

3.Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why not?
in contrast, press photography contains photos that tell stories and are used to capture emotion of an event taking  place. According to journalistic code of ethics journalists must not altered their images. Because their responsibility is report to audience with the truth. In my opinion, I agree that press photographs should not be edited or altered under any condition because then it defeats the whole purpose of press photograph is to capture reality if the photograph is altered it can change the real emotion, mood and true meaning behind the original photograph.