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:
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