Photographer Kieran Doherty discusses his experiences capturing images in Belfast, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Liberia, and The Sudan. He reflects on the challenge of producing standout images and the responsibility to not exploit tragic situations. The podcast also touches on the horrors of war, surviving the tsunami in Sri Lanka, the chaotic situation in Liberia, and the impact of discussing sensitive topics. Doherty shares the contrast between photographing a slum in South Sudan and the Wimbledon tennis tournament in England. The podcast concludes with discussions on capturing final farewells, the risks photographers and journalists take, and ways to support the podcast.
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Quick takeaways
Photographers have a responsibility to capture both the light and darkness of the world.
Photographers play a crucial role in bringing light to dark situations and sharing untold stories.
The devastating effects of war in Liberia, including acts of cannibalism, highlight the resilience and determination of the Liberian people.
Visiting UN camps in South Sudan reveals the fear and challenges faced by people living in conflict zones.
Documenting the repatriation process of fallen soldiers requires sensitivity and a comprehensive narrative approach.
Deep dives
The contrast between beauty and horror in the world
The podcast episode explores the contrasting aspects of the world, highlighting both its beauty and its horrors. The speaker reflects on their experiences in the military and as a photographer, emphasizing the responsibility to capture both the light and the darkness of the world.
The journey of becoming a photographer
The podcast discusses the guest's journey into photography, starting with a passion for art and painting. The guest shares how they transitioned into photography, following in their father's footsteps and pursuing a career in capturing moments and expressing themselves through the camera.
Experiences in war zones and the impact on the photographer
The podcast episode delves into the experiences of the photographer in war zones, including their time in Iraq. The speaker emphasizes the intense and emotional moments they encountered, such as witnessing mass graves and the aftermath of bombings. The impact of these experiences is discussed, highlighting the personal and professional challenges faced by photographers in documenting tragedy.
The importance of capturing and sharing stories
The podcast episode underscores the significance of photographers in bringing light to dark situations and sharing stories that would otherwise go unnoticed. The guest's commitment to capturing and sharing powerful images is highlighted, emphasizing the role of the photographer as a witness and storyteller.
A Harrowing Experience in Sri Lanka
The speaker recounts receiving a call to go to Sri Lanka after the devastating tsunami hit on Boxing Day. Arriving in Sri Lanka, the speaker describes the immense destruction caused by the tsunami and the lack of preparedness due to the absence of warning systems. The speaker's experience in Sri Lanka highlights the severity of the disaster and the resilience and kindness of the Sri Lankan people.
Documenting the Aftermath of War in Liberia
The speaker discusses the devastating effects of war in Liberia, particularly during the reign of Charles Taylor. The speaker describes the horrific crimes committed, including acts of cannibalism, and the challenges faced by the people living in overcrowded and impoverished conditions. The speaker emphasizes the resilience and determination of the Liberian people amidst the darkness and calls for empathy and understanding.
Witnessing the Impact of Conflict in South Sudan
The speaker shares their experience visiting UN camps in South Sudan during the tribal conflict between the Dinka and Nuer tribes. The speaker highlights the fear and challenges faced by the people living in the camps, the conditions they endure, and the limitations on movement imposed to protect them from further violence. The speaker reflects on the resilience of the South Sudanese people and the need for continued support and efforts to find long-term solutions to the conflict.
A Different Perspective at Wimbledon
The speaker initially approaches shooting Wimbledon with a lack of interest and a desire to capture the charm of the event. However, their perspective changes, and they decide to focus on capturing the experiences of the spectators and the dynamics of the crowd. The speaker describes wandering around the grounds with a small camera and lens, capturing candid moments and looking for the humorous elements of being a spectator. The goal is to show Wimbledon from the perspective of an average person attending the event.
Photographing the Repatriation in Wootton Bassett
The podcast episode discusses the photographer's experience documenting the repatriation of British soldiers killed in action in Wootton Bassett, England. The photographer describes the emotional and logistical challenges of capturing these moments, including the dilemma of being intrusive with the camera sounds during such solemn events. He shares his approach of shooting the story from start to finish, using film cameras for their quiet operation, and focusing on capturing the broader narrative beyond just grieving family members. The photographer expresses pride in the final photo essay representing the dignity and respect shown during the repatriation process.
The Evolution of the Photographer's Approach
The podcast episode also delves into the photographer's journey of evolving his approach to storytelling. He discusses how he moved away from the wire photography style of capturing single impactful images and embraced a more comprehensive narrative using a series of photographs. He shares his decision to shoot the repatriation story in a linear fashion, starting with empty streets and concluding with fallen roses, in order to document the complete story. The photographer also reflects on the growth he experienced as a photographer during this project and the satisfaction he felt in exhibiting the images on the streets of Wootton Bassett for the community to appreciate.
