Photojournalist David Burnett shares insights on capturing history through iconic images like Olympic moments and Juan Perón's funeral. He discusses the balance of storytelling and visual impact in photography, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of his 5-decade career.
David Burnett showcases the evolution of a career in photography through storytelling and adaptability.
Combining visual aesthetics with narrative storytelling is pivotal for impactful photojournalism.
Experimenting with unconventional equipment and techniques, like Holga and speed graphic cameras, can yield unique photographic outcomes.
Deep dives
Photojournalism Career Evolution
It's not just about longevity in photography, but also about having a career that evolves and allows photographers to be their best. The story of photojournalist David Burnett exemplifies this journey. From covering conflicts to major events like elections and sports, Burnett's focus on storytelling sets him apart. By pursuing unique angles and moments, like capturing Mary Decker's emotional moment at the 1984 Olympics, he showcases the significance of being in the right place at the right time.
Exploring Visual Storytelling
An essential aspect of photojournalism is the ability to create visually engaging images while telling a compelling story. David Burnett's capability to blend storytelling with aesthetics is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of intuition and spontaneity in photography. By balancing capturing the moment with creating visually striking compositions, Burnett showcases how photographers can go beyond merely documenting events to crafting impactful visual narratives.
Creative Photography Approaches
David Burnett's innovative approaches to photography, such as using unconventional equipment like the Holga and speed graphic cameras, demonstrate the value of experimenting with different tools and techniques. By embracing film photography and unique lenses, Burnett adds a distinct aesthetic to his work, standing out in a field saturated with traditional digital photography. His willingness to challenge norms and embrace creative risks underscores the importance of pushing boundaries to achieve unique and compelling photographic outcomes.
Capturing Moments in History
The podcast episode delves into the experiences of a photographer during historical events. It recounts moments when the photographer found themselves capturing critical moments, like Mary's fall during a race and the aftermath of a napalm attack in Vietnam. The photographer emphasized the challenges of capturing clear shots in high-pressure situations without the luxury of autofocus. These vivid accounts highlight the photographer's determination and quick thinking in documenting impactful events.
Value of Ownership and Photography Ethics
The discussion shifts towards the concept of ownership in photography and ethics within the industry. The photographer emphasizes the importance of photographers retaining ownership of their work and avoiding contracts that relinquish rights. Concerns about photo editors judging contests while demanding extensive rights are raised, questioning the fairness of such practices. The conversation underscores the significance of preserving personal photographic memories alongside professional work, emphasizing the enduring value of personal archives.
David Burnett is a photojournalist with more than 5 decades of work covering the news, the people, and visual tempo of our age. He is co-founder of Contact Press Images, the New York based photojournalism agency. In an issue of American Photo magazine, Burnett was named one of the "100 Most Important People in Photography." (That made his mom very happy.) In the spring of 2018, David was awarded the Sprague Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Press Photographers Assn., though he claims he is trying to figure out what his subsequent 'lifetime' work will be. In his career, he has created photographs of history unfolding: war, sport, politics, the famous, the infamous, and the Unfamous. In a world gone mad over digital photography, his kit includes a 70-year-old Speed Graphic press camera, and a plastic $30 HOLGA. Each has a place alongside his digital cameras, each camera a tool to find the right look for the right moment. Resources: Download the free Candid Frame app for your favorite smart device. Click here to download for . Click here to download Support the work we do at The Candid Frame with contributing to our Patreon effort. You can do this by visiting or visiting the website and clicking on the Patreon button. You can also provide a one-time donation via . You can follow Ibarionex on and .
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