The Digital War Journalist

"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 Nachtwey-

For the past 30 years, James Nachtwery has helped people all over the world see war images that they would probably not have been able to see. This man has surrendered the option of living a fairly normal life and a family in order to use whatever he knows regarding photography to help the people he is photographing.

By looking at the pictures that he has taken, I feel like he has given me an idea about the lowest and the most unfortunate situations that people in despair and misery are in. I am fascinated how he is able to use his gift in technology to give me a better understanding and knowledge on what is going on in war zones.

West Bank, 2000 - Palestinians fighting the Israeli army.

New York, 2001 - Collapse of south tower of World Trade Center.

Northern Ireland, 1981 - Truck hijacked by Catholic demonstrators during the hunger

El Salvador, 1984 - Army evacuated wounded soldiers from village football field.

  

Romania, 1990 - An orphanage for " incurables".

When Technology Evolves into Art

Thinking back a few years to the 2008 opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, some astounding images were captured. Projection sphere and LED suits were used to display the most beautiful lighting technology that I have seen in a long time.

How did digital photography change the world?

Remember when we only used film cameras, and had a maximum of 36 shots on one film. When we used to have to be wise with our shots because we didn't want to waste them. When we used to have to pay for the film. When the important thing used to be what film we're using instead of what camera.

Now that there's digital cameras, notice how almost everyone has one. Notice how some of the shots you take, you only take them because they are there. Like taking a picture of a boring statue, you'll probably never even look at the picture again, but you took it purely because you could.

Can you imagine how things like Facebook or MySpace would work with film cameras? Take pictures, get them printed, scan them and then upload them. Most people buy cameras just so they could upload photos on the net.

I wouldn't say digital photography has changed the world, but it sure has made us look silly faster.