Essay on Leibovitz and Natchwey

Annie Leibovitz and James Natchwey both communicate through the medium of a camera. As professional photographers, it is their job to take pictures. The purpose of their photography is to capture the essence of the accompanying written article. In this aspect, the photographs are consumer products for an intended audience. Yet in the films Annie Leibovitz: Life through a Lens and War Photographer, the art of photography is described as much more than just a picture in a magazine.

Picture of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Al Gore taken by Leibovitz. (Vanity Fair)

Leibovitz mainly takes pictures of famous people or events. Working for large companies such as Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, the main purpose of the articles and photographs is news and gossip. As described in the movie, Leibovitz is constantly aware of props, scenery, body position, lighting, and make-up. She has the luxury of changing the composition of the photograph during the shoot in whatever way she deems fit.

Picture of El Salvador, 1984 taken by Natchwey. (JamesNatchwey.com)

James Natchwey, on the other hand, does not have the convenience of changing the picture. War photography must be taken quickly during the action or else the image will be lost. In the movie, his style of photography was portrayed as voyeuristic. He even explained that in order to be a successful war photographer, you have to “be a loner.” This is very different to Leibovitz’s amiable connection with her subjects. That’s not to say that Natchwey is completely detached from his subjects. He made it a point to ask his subjects for permission as well as interview them about their circumstances.

Both photographers explained that it is important to actively participate in what you photograph. This can be done by living together with the subjects, such as when Leibovitz went on tour with the Rolling Stones, or by expressing the subjects’ feelings to the normally ignorant public, such as when Natchwey captured his subjects’ grief during war.

Japanese People

The person who I photographed is my host mother. The reason why I chose her was so that I could learn more about her. Since she barely speaks any English, I sometimes have trouble communicating with her. Using photography in this manner, I was able to nonverbally converse what I normally was unable to express. When I explained the purpose of this exercise, I told her that I wanted to take candid pictures of her doing normal activities. In order for the pictures to appear natural, I tried not to move around or use the flash, so as not to disrupt her concentration.

My host mother practicing calligraphy.

My host mother is unemployed, takes care of all the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and manages most of the business that occurs within the house. She fits into the category of the stereotypical “Japanese housewife.” Without any children to take care of, she devotes her spare time to a calligraphy class, a computer class, a gospel choir, and a bible reading class in order to learn English. Whenever we go out to the public bath, she is very vocal when speaking with neighbors and friends.

Commenting on how I want to dye my hair a similar color as the flowers.

This past Sunday, my host parents took me to the Kyoto Prefecture Botanical Garden. With my host father acting as a translator, my host mother explained how the plum blossoms are currently in bloom and will soon grown fruit.