James Nachtwey

Czechoslovakia, 1990--Heavy metals contaminated the air of an aluminum factory. (from the "Industrial Pollution" gallery on his website)

James Nachtwey chooses to use his camera to bear witness and provide testimony to human rights abuses, environmental disasters, and the tragedies of war. In 2007, he received a TED prize in which he shared his wish: to share a vital story with the world.

All his images show great care for the subject depicted; one key element in many of his images is his choice to sculpt with light. Some detractors claim he aestheticizes atrocity. I feel he uses his craft to be a storyteller of a very layered and complex problem. The great care with which he composes his images only draws me in further, creating space to contemplate the issue.