The Tact of Photography

   After viewing the films “Life Through a Lens” and “War Photographer”, the two distinctly different photographers discuss their takes on the tact and technique of photography.  While Annie Leibovitz focused on both real and idealized life, James Natchwey launched his career in photography with a single purpose—to effect change.  Although their subject matters are vastly different, it is a testament to the wide range of photography and the depiction of our surroundings.  Despite their differences, they share a uniquely similar perspective concerning photography: photos have a large impact upon the public and the compositional aspects give the photo a voice.

"Richard Nixon leaving the White House, Washington, D.C." 1974.
From Annie Leibovitz: At Work (Random House, 2008)

   Leibovitz grew up under the scrutiny of the lens, so her natural inclination was to gravitate towards photography.  Throughout the film, she explains her habit of constantly taking photos and how in doing so, it has helped her to develop her individual sense of photo composition.  In order to find the right shot or the desired effect in one’s photography, he or she should be willing to explore both with the equipment and the subject matter.  Leibovitz achieved much of her fame by not only constantly exploring the elements of photography, but also by displaying a sense of daring when depicting the subject matter.  Photos are fragments of life and therefore as the photographer, one has the opportunity to both voice an opinion as well as provoke a response from the viewers.

Lance Armstrong, photo by Annie Leibovitz Dec. 1999 issue Vanity Fair

   Natchwey was strongly influenced by the images of the Vietnam War and became inspired to become a war photographer.  It was the war photos that had effected his perception and in an effort to make a statement, he launched into his career.  His career choice is proof in itself that images do have an effect on those who view them—this points towards the importance of depicting events accurately.  The gruesome and disturbing images that Natchwey produces, embody the awfulness of human conflict.

   In the film, there were many instances in which Natchwey seem to overstep his bounds as an observer to the grieving victims of war, but he states that in those situations the normal etiquette is temporarily ignored.  He explains that his desire to show the world the wrongs being committed against humans coincides with their desire to in turn gain a voice through their suffering.  Similar to Leibovitz, Natchwey also uses tact when dealing with the subjects of photos—one must approach slowly and show interest in the victims so as to gain their trust and in turn convey the mutual desire of the tragedies of war.  From these two photographers, it is clear that they do not simply shoot photos, instead both as humans behind the camera lens regard their human subjects with mutual care and understanding.  

Photo References:

1. http://www.jewishpress.com/printArticle.cfm?contentid=38054 

2. http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/armstrong200809 

3. http://dmz2008.wordpress.com/page/2/ 

4. http://woodenkimonos.com/therealmurphy/2009/12/friday-inspiration-james-nachtwey/

Japanese People (portrait)

For this blog post I chose to write about my Japanese language speaking partner Rie Sakai.  Having signed up for the speaking partner program prior to coming to Japan, I was curious to see how this relationship with a Japanese student would be.  In the month and a half’s time spent at Kansai Gaidai, I have met with Rie several times and have gotten to know her little by little.  It was surprising to discover that she and I shared similar interests—oddly enough, she is interested in board sports (surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, etc.).  So when I told her that I also enjoyed those activities, particularly skateboarding, she asked if I could teach her.  So this past Sunday, I went with Rie to buy a skateboard at a sports store in Shinsaibashi.  In Japan, because skateboarding is far more expensive than in America, by purchasing one, it is a testament to her actual interest in pursuing skateboarding as a hobby.  When I met with Rie today, I told her about the blog assignment and she agreed cordially and I took a photo few photos.  (I thought it was funny when I asked to take her picture she put the peace signs up.)  I described briefly to her the assignment and then I showed her my techdeck (mini fingerboard) and we started talking about skateboarding.  I usually go to Hirakatashi train station on the weekends and asked if she would want to go and she said she would.  Now I have the opportunity to not only practice my Japanese speaking with Rie, but also am able to share my hobby as well.

When speaking with Rie, our conversations are sometimes limited by the language barrier; however, to compensate we use various means of communication to help each other understand.  It has been a learning process, but when speaking with her, I am inspired to study hard and practice speaking Japanese.  Like most Kansai Gaidai students I have met, Rie studies English very studiously not only to become proficient, but also in preparation for future study abroad opportunities.  During one of our meetings, I noticed that she had a textbook that had the acronym TOEFLE on the cover, but when I asked what the initials stood for, Rie did not know.  Upon further research involving asking many students what the initials meant, I finally found that it stands for “Test of English as a Foreign Language”.  

Rie's very busy school schedule

I was interested to find when chatting with her that in the future, she wants to teach Japanese in America.  Because I also share a similar desire to teach English in Japan after graduation, her dedication to studies and ambition also inspire me to make the most of my time in Japan and make each moment a learning experience.