War photographer shares experiences

Bringing tears to the eyes of some and deep thought to others, photographer James Nachtwey left much of his audience speechless Thursday night.\nNachtwey, one of the world's most renowned war photographers, presented photographs from his career and an insight into the mind of a legend at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.\nThe IU School of Journalism sponsored the event.\n"I'm a witness and I want my story to be powerful," Nachtwey said.\nHis black-and-white images portrayed the deep emotion and absolute horror that surrounds less fortunate countries.\nNachtwey said photography is not only as a recorder of history, but a creator of history. \n"This might sound strange," he said, "but I became a photographer so that I could be a war photographer."\nNachtwey said he attempts to establish a direct relationship between the viewers of his work and the people who are photographed.\nHis presentation featured images from the famished children on the streets of Indonesia, the effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam and terrorism in the Middle East.\n"Journalism is absolutely essential, but by itself it is not enough to make a difference," Nachtwey said. "There has to be political willpower to make things possible."\nFor photojournalists looking for advice, he stressed the importance of respect -- respect in terms of movement, tone of voice and eye contact.\n"Nachtwey is the premiere war photojournalist," said Herald-Times photo editor David Snodgress.. "It is really cool that students can talk to him and hear his feelings. It's a great learning experience."\nNachtwey said that when he takes photographs, he makes sure to shoot from the subject's point of view. \n"I want to give a voice to people who would not otherwise have a voice," Nachtwey said.