Multimodal Presentation
- Andrew Bryceland
- Apr 7, 2024
- 2 min read
A synopsis of your multimodal presentation that is 200 words or less.
My multimodal presentation was on the work of James Nachtwey. Nachtwey has worked as a contract photojournalist for Time Magazine since 1984, covering areas of conflict around the world. He has covered conflicts ranging from civil unrest in Ireland to genocide in Rwanda. In most of his photographs Nachtwey focuses on the people affected by these conflicts whether they are actively involved or merely victims of circumstance. Nachtwey often uses different lighting techniques to highlight the details of his subjects he is trying to draw the viewer to. He also uses colors or filters to convey the emotions his subjects could be experiencing in their situation. In the photographs I chose to examine he captured the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Rwandan genocide, Taliban siege of Kabul, and war in Yugoslavia.
How did reviewing this photographer’s work change your perception of photography?
One of the things that stands out most about James Nachtwey’s work as a photojournalist is his ability to put a viewer in a place and time with a single photograph. Not only was Nachtwey great at being in the right place at the right time to find a story, he was also great at using the photographic principles we have learned in this class to convey his vision. Lighting was a critical part of each of the photos I viewed while completing this assignment. Each piece had a purposeful lighting decision to showcase the focus of its subject.
Comment on another student's post (post found here)
“Hi Kayla,
Your multimodal presentation on Jim Richardson’s work was fantastic. I really enjoyed how you wrapped up the video and talked about the common theme of his work. The background information you provided for the cowboy in front of the wild fire was very interesting and showcased Richardson’s creativity. My favorite photo that you showed was the photo of the Scottish croft with its bright green grass and jagged mountains.”
This was a great presentation. I appreciate the way you covered Nachtwey's career and significant events during his career to show the dangerous situations he would be in while covering conflicts as they unraveled. Your presentation effectively provides support for why each of Natchwey's photos fall under the Ethically Evaluative category, alongside strong descriptions of important composition and lighting choices that strengthen the message his photos are conveying. His photographs allow me to see the consequences that conflict has in the large scale, with the photo of the aftermath of the World Trade Center, and at the individual level, with he photos of the scarred man and the mourning woman.