James Nachtwey is an American photojournalist renowned for his harrowing and compelling images of conflict and humanitarian crises around the world. Born in Syracuse, New York, Nachtwey developed an interest in photography during his studies in art history and political science at Dartmouth College. His profound empathy and commitment to documenting the human condition have defined his career.
Nachtwey’s career began in earnest in 1981 when he covered the civil strife in Northern Ireland. His powerful images quickly gained international attention, establishing him as a leading voice in conflict photography. He has since covered numerous wars and humanitarian disasters in places such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Lebanon, the West Bank, Gaza, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Bosnia, Chechnya, and Kosovo.
A founding member of VII Photo Agency and a longtime member of Magnum Photos, Nachtwey’s work has been published in prominent magazines such as Time, National Geographic, and Life. His photographs are known for their stark and poignant portrayal of suffering and resilience, capturing the essence of human tragedy and the spirit of survival.
Nachtwey has received numerous awards for his work, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the World Press Photo award, and the TED Prize. His dedication to his craft and his ability to convey powerful narratives through his images have made him one of the most influential photographers of his generation.
Magnum Photos (1990-2000)
VII Photo Agency (2001-Present)
