James Nachtwey Response

Both the Speech and the images by Mr. Nachtwey were very powerful. While the content of many of his photos was very disturbing, I couldn't help but think at just how beautiful they still were. One of them that struck me the most was the one in which I believe was taken in Afghanistan, and was of several women in full covering black clothing; but what stuck out was a single bare hand visible amongst the black fabric, and the vivid blue sky. I was very drawn to the reality of his images, it is a reality that most would choose to ignore or to run from, but Mr. Nachtwey chooses to run towards this reality in order to bring it to those who would otherwise disregard it. His photographs had a way of communicating with the viewer; when I see these photos of people in pain or in extraordinary situations, I am forced to create a connection with the subject, they are no longer some person in a distant place, I can relate to them as a person. I can't even imagine what Mr. Nachtwey must have felt as he was viewing these events in person if I can have such a strong reaction to seeing the photographs. It seems to me that not many people would be able to see that kind of turmoil in person, and even fewer would choose to see it over and over again for their entire lives.