Publisher's Synopsis
Famous International press photographers are used to communicating with their cameras rather than with words. It is therefore a rare privilege to read about their art, their motivation and their aims and aspirations. They - who have travelled the world witnessing the great events in our recent history and presenting them to us as unforgettable imagery - make up our photographic memory. John Le Carre, when reviewing the work of Don McCullin, said that he would rather watch any amount of TV footage than be forced to leaf through McCullin's albums of human suffering. Yet it is not only the role of the press photographer to portray violence and grief, nor yet to record great happenings. The photojournalist shapes public opinion, he is linked with propaganda, he conserves vanishing cultures - and these and many other topics are covered in this book. Assisted by numerous examples of the highpoints in international press photography, the twelve authors provide us with a formidable insight into their craft. A craft which is summed up by Philip Paul Griffiths, 'We cannot focus with tears in our eyes. We cannot help feeling involved. But we steel ourselves. Our job is to record it all for history.'
