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 NachtweyRead
I became a photographer in order to be a war photographer, and a photographer involved in what I thought were critical social issues. From the very beginning this was my goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
James Nachtwey expresses his commitment to using photography as a means to address critical social issues, particularly in the context of war.
In this quote, James Nachtwey emphasizes his purpose as a photographer, stating that he chose to pursue this career specifically to highlight the realities of war and important social issues. His dedication to using his skills to capture and convey the harsh truths of the world reflects a deep commitment to activism through art, showcasing how photography can serve as a powerful tool for social change.
Themes
PhotographyWarSocial IssuesActivismArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the power of visual storytelling, I could say, 'As James Nachtwey once noted, I became a photographer in order to be a war photographer.'
More from James Nachtwey
All quotes βI don't think tragic situations are necessarily devoid of beauty.
James NachtweyRead
I try to use whatever I know about photography to be of service to the people I'm photographing.
James NachtweyRead
If you want to connect with people who are in distress and great grief and scared, you need to do it in a certain way. I move kind of slow. I talk kind of slow. I let them know that I respect them.
James NachtweyRead
[Photography] puts a human face on issues which, from afar, can appear abstract or ideological or monumental in their global impact.
James NachtweyRead
If Im feeling outraged, grief, disbelief, frustration, sympathy, that gets channeled through me and into my pictures and hopefully transmitted to the viewer.
James NachtweyRead
Similar quotes
I have never heard a dancer asking for advice about how to stay focused on her footwork, or a painter complaining about the dull day-to-day task of painting. What task worth doing isn't worth daily effort? Do you think Michelangelo was having fun the whole time he was on his back painting the Sistine Chapel's ceiling?
Ursula K. Le GuinRead
The kind of writing that matters most to me is something you don't learn about. It's constantly coming out of what I don't know rather than what I do know.
W. S. MerwinRead
Design and color are not distinct and separate. As one paints, one draws. The more the colors harmonize, the more the design takes form. When color is at it's richest, form is at its fullest.
Paul CezanneRead
In the course of our daily lives, we're bombarded with a barrage of visual messages, some blatantly aggressive, some subtle. The trick is to find a way to break through without adding to the clutter and the ugliness. We have to be responsible about that.
Saul BassRead
The man who never in his mind and thoughts travel'd to heaven is no artist.
William BlakeRead
Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself- and to do so takes AN INSATIABLE CURIOSITY ABOUT THE HUMAN CONDITION
Uta HagenRead