Peter van Agtmael
Documentary and war photographer whose book Look at the U.S.A.: A Diary of War and Home chronicles his work in Iraq, Afghanistan and the United States and explores the limits and ethics of bearing witness.
Best podcasts with Peter van Agtmael
Ranked by the Snipd community
Oct 7, 2025 • 56min
Death, Sex & Money | A War Photographer on the Limits of Bearing Witness
Peter van Agtmael, a renowned photojournalist and author of "Look at the U.S.A.: A Diary of War and Home," explores the complexities of war photography. He reflects on his disillusionment with iconic images and their real impact. Peter shares intimate stories about embedding with soldiers and the emotional toll of covering conflicts. He also discusses his shift towards documenting veterans and the ethical dilemmas of capturing deeply personal moments, including unexpected uses of his work in unexpected contexts.
Oct 7, 2025 • 56min
A War Photographer on the Limits of Bearing Witness
Peter van Agtmael, a documentary and war photographer, discusses the emotional toll and ethical complexities of his work, particularly in war zones. He shares how childhood stories inspired him to photograph conflict and reflects on the misconceptions he had about the power of images to enact change. Peter also reveals the impact of losing colleagues on his perspective and speaks candidly about the challenges of documenting both veterans and controversial groups like the KKK. He sheds light on how becoming a parent has reshaped his approach to risk and storytelling.
