Conversations on Conflict Photography

In today's image-saturated culture, the visual documentation of suffering around the world is more prevalent than ever. Yet instead of always deepening the knowledge or compassion of viewers, conflict photography can result in fatigue or even inspire apathy. Given this tension between the genre's ostensible goals and its effects, what is the purpose behind taking and showing images of war and crisis? Conversations on Conflict Photography invites readers to think through these issues via conversations with award-winning photographers, as well as leading photo editors and key representatives of the major human rights and humanitarian organizations. Framed by critical-historical essays, these dialogues explore the complexities and ethical dilemmas of this line of work. The practitioners relate the struggles of their craft, from brushes with death on the frontlines to the battles for space, resources, and attention in our media-driven culture. Despite these obstacles, they remain true to a purpose, one that is palpable as they celebrate remarkable success stories: from changing the life of a single individual to raising broad awareness about human rights issues. Opening with an insightful foreword by the renowned Sebastian Junger and richly illustrated with challenging, painful, and sometimes beautiful images, Conversations offers a uniquely rounded examination of the value of conflict photography in today's world.

Lauren Walsh teaches at The New School and New York University, where she is the Director of the Gallatin School's Photojournalism Lab. She is also the Director of Lost Rolls America, a national public archive of photography and memory.

Foreword by Sebastian JungerIntroductionA Note on the InterviewsA Note on the Nachtwey Photo INTERVIEWSSection 1: Behind the Lens1. Introductory essay: "The World of Conflict Photographers" The Photographers:2. Andrea Bruce3. Marcus Bleasdale4. Susan Meiselas5. Shahidul Alam6. Ron Haviv7. Spencer Platt8. Eman Helal9. Benjamin Lowy10. Nina Berman11. Alexander Joe 12. Laurent Van der Stockt 13. Newsha Tavakolian Section 2: In the Newsroom and Beyond14. Introductory essay: "Industry Practices, Conflict Photography, and Critical Debates" The Photo Editors and Directors of Photography:15. Santiago Lyon, former Vice President and Director of Photography, The Associated Press16. MaryAnne Golon, Assistant Managing Editor and Director of Photography, The Washington Post 17. Aidan Sullivan, Founder and CEO of Verbatim Agency and former Vice President of Photo Assignments, Getty Images 18. Marion Mertens, Senior Digital Editor, Paris Match Section 3: Advocacy and Aid19. Introductory essay: "Photographs of Crisis: Human Rights and Humanitarian Organizations" The Human Rights and Humanitarian Agency Representatives:20. Michael Goldfarb, Director of Communications, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-USA21. Peter Bouckaert, former Emergencies Director, Human Rights Watch22. Ellen Tolmie, former Senior Photography Editor, UNICEF Conclusion"Conflict Photography: Looking Ahead"Acknowledgements