Conversations on Conflict Photography

"Framed by contextualizing essays on the history of photography and the current state of the journalistic landscape, this book of interviews explores the complexities and ethical dilemmas of conflict photography today across a breadth of visual imagery, including coverage of wars as well as social, political, and economic conflicts. Walsh delivers a penetrating look at the struggles of the craft and the men and women who keep it alive, from brushes with death on the frontlines to the battles for space, resources, and attention in the media. Conversations on Conflict Photography offers unique, extended insight into 'behind the lens' practices, because this imagery, which informs public reactions to current events and ultimately shapes the course of history, must be better understood." - Yahoo! News

"This book offers an extraordinary window into the world of conflict photographers. Traditionally, conflict photographers have been hailed for their bravery on the frontlines. Over and over, I've seen that their role is far broader and far more important. They are groundbreaking journalists whose images document war crimes, violence, and human rights abuses and help bring perpetrators to justice." --David Rohde, Pulitzer Prize winner, The New Yorker

"Photographers have the most dangerous job in journalism because they have to go where the action is. Their images have deepened understanding and changed perceptions. But the cost has been high. Many have died; others been traumatized; and still others have left the profession, unable to comprehend the world's indifference. Conversations on Conflict Photography allows the photojournalists who bore witness to step out from behind the lens and tell their own stories. We owe it to them to stop and listen." --Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists

"Conversations on Conflict Photography will no doubt be a go-to book for anyone studying visual journalism. It humanizes what it means to negotiate the business of photographing and reporting on crisis issues by providing a diverse array of viewpoints by many seasoned professionals." --Karen Marshall, Chair of the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism Program, International Center of Photography

"Conversations should be read by anyone interested in war and its consequences. It covers the process and danger of being a conflict photographer, the ethics of photographing combatants and victims, and the layered decisions made before distributing such photographs. Lauren Walsh's essays and interviews are vital additions to the literature. In an age of instant gratification, Walsh insists that readers question their immediate responses to photographs of conflict." --Anne Wilkes Tucker, WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath and Curator Emerita, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

"In this important and timely book, Walsh guides the reader into the lives and thoughts of key photographers and industry professionals who do so much to shape our understanding of international affairs. Her concise summary of the key questions and challenges of conflict reporting is expanded on by her extensive series of interviews that capture the authoritative and authentic voices of those who act as the conduit through which we experience the lives of others caught up in conflict." --Paul Lowe, Professor of Documentary Photography, University of the Arts London