Meditative Story The perfect photograph I never took, by John Moore
Sep 17, 2024
John Moore, a legendary photojournalist known for capturing powerful human experiences, shares his pursuit of the perfect photograph in the Congo Rainforest. He recounts emotional moments amidst conflict and beauty, revealing the challenge of photographing endangered mountain gorillas in a war-torn landscape. The discussion delves into the significance of memories over visual documentation, and the importance of letting go of control. Listeners are invited to embrace chaos and engage with their thoughts, all while exploring mindfulness amidst life's unpredictability.
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From Refugee Camps To Gorilla Dreams
- John Moore traveled to eastern Congo in 1994 to photograph Hutu refugees and processed film in a makeshift darkroom at his hotel.
- The harsh environment and volcanic glow sparked his desire to photograph mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
The Long Climb Into The Jungle
- John crossed into Rwanda and climbed for hours with a veteran guide and changing weather to reach gorilla habitat.
- He imagined the perfect wide-shot of gorillas framed by misty mountain rows before the trek even began.
Scrambling For The Perfect Shot
- John spots a family of gorillas on a ridge and attempts a risky climb to get his envisioned shot.
- He struggles up a steep, muddy slope, crawling on vines and roots while his camera gear grows heavier.