Edward Burtynsky

The explanation of how he transformed from taking "calendar" type pictures of rebirth and nature, to the photographs of corporation and industrialism was fascinating.  The dramatic shift to such an incredible cause makes his photography more emotional to those who see it.  I particularly liked the photograph of what looked like a red river in a land of black, because it brought out emotions of concern within me.  How much do corporations and industry damage our earth?  In viewing his pictures and listening to his stories for each, I can see the massive destruction that results from this modern lifestyle.  Recycling is on a much larger scale then we typically think in our everyday lives.  The fumes and toxins that result from melting metals within recycled computers is tragic and yet people in other countries are forced to do work like this to survive.  Burtynsky's photography was a bit overwhelming but an incredible eye-opener.  The growth of cities and the building of skyscrapers makes me question if this is the world we want to live in.  Putting people out of their homes into city buildings that are exhausting of our earth's natural materials is difficult to think about.  As Burtynsky mentioned, each room in a skyscraper has it's own air conditioning unit.  The amount of energy that is needed for a large city to supply air conditioning to its individuals is incredible.  I agree with the notion that there must be a better way to do this.  The images brought on concern for where our world is heading and I question where we will be even a few more years from now, with the intense level of growth that is occurring.

Thoughts on the James Nachtwey Clip

The clip of James Nachtwey's art brought up a lot of emotion when as I watched the pictures progressively get more intense.  It is difficult to look at, but inspired me to use photographs as a way to create change in the world (even if it is on a different level then war!)  I was motivated when he spoke of the family that lived on a river bank with the father who lost an arm and a leg in a train accident.  The way a picture was able to bring forth generosity in  the public that eventually paid for a house in the country for a family that has suffered so much, was uplifting.  Photography as an art can bring about change, as well as opening the eyes of people on subjects that are hard to truly understand.  Utilizing photographs driven by a purpose, make the art style interesting and inspiring.  James Nachtwey's description of each photograph helped identify the goal each picture had to offer, as well as offering perspective.  His ability to capture images on such a deep level and produce deep emotions is an incredible gift.  I liked the way he showed the pictures that are associated with our country until the end because it allowed the audience to get a world wide view of what goes on in the world, rather then the bubble we are used to in America.  The angles, colors, positioning of people are all elements that make his pictures so incredible.  The goal of the pictures was not to make a profit, but to promote positive change in the world.  The photographer's point of view offers that added element to make the photography meaningful and thought-provoking.