James Nachtwey

James Nachtwey is an iconic figure in the world of photojournalism and war photography, renowned for his commitment to documenting human suffering and social injustice across the globe. His studies in Art History and Political Science at Dartmouth College exposed him to images from the Vietnam War and the American Civil Rights movement, which left a profound impact on him and inspired his path toward photography.

Before establishing himself in the field, James gained a variety of experiences, including working aboard ships in the Merchant Marine and as a truck driver. His career as a professional photographer began in 1976 at the Albuquerque Journal in New Mexico. In 1980, he moved to New York City to pursue freelance magazine photography, quickly making a name for himself. His first international assignment came in 1981, covering the civil strife in Northern Ireland during the IRA hunger strikes. Since then, James has dedicated his life to documenting wars, conflicts, and critical social issues, travelling to countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, South Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Rwanda, among many others. His powerful and often haunting images have brought global attention to the horrors of war and the struggles of vulnerable populations. His works have appeared in major publications worldwide, and he has been a contract photographer for Time magazine since 1984.

Throughout his career, James has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal (five times) and the World Press Photo Award (twice). Despite being injured during his assignments in Iraq and Thailand, he has continued to photograph some of the most dangerous and impactful events, including the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the Southeast Asian tsunami of 2004. His work was also the focus of the Academy Award-nominated documentary War Photographer.

Today, James is not only a celebrated photographer but also a sought-after speaker. His firsthand experiences in war zones offer unique insights into the human condition, courage, and resilience amidst conflict. Through speaking engagements, he shares the stories behind his images, raising awareness about social injustices and encouraging audiences to reflect on the human cost of war.