The camera can be considered the most impactful when it is used to capture life in its most primitive form. Every day, photographers take their cameras and go out to create a photo for a variety of reasons. It could be for a customer on a commercial film. It could be a wedding photographer. It could be a landscape photographer. All of these approaches have their own effects. However, when a camera is used to record events that help viewers understand our reality and history, it is arguably the camera that is at its most powerful. Photojournalism holds this.
Larry Burrows is a British photojournalist who has made a significant impact on photography through his haunting and evocative photographs of the world. Viet Nam’s war. His work not only captures the horrors and human toll of the conflict, but also reshapes the way photojournalists approach their profession. Burrows’ blends into frontline soldiers to give viewers an intimate and intimate story of the war. And his legacy still inspires photojournalists today.
In the video from The eye of photography, viewers are introduced to eight years covering Larry Burrows’ conflict and his impact on the world of photography. Additionally, the video showcases some of his iconic works. Here we see one of Burrows’ most impactful photographs, “Reaching Out”, taken in 1966, demonstrating his ability to capture the human element of war. The photograph depicts a wounded Marine, Sergeant Jeremiah Purdie, reaching out to his fellow soldiers for help during a fierce battle in Que Son Valley. We also provide an insight into his photo series titled “One Ride with Yankee Papa 13.” Here we see the journey of a squadron of US Marines helicopters in 1965 captured through numerous photographs that tell a vivid and passionate story. The series provides a comprehensive look at the experiences of the crew members and Vietnamese civilians they encountered along the way.
This video gives us a glimpse of Burrows’ steadfast commitment to the pursuit of a story. It was observed that he remained with the units for long periods of time, especially in the front line. This gives him the ability to build relationships with soldiers and immerse himself in the realities of war, capturing intimate moments that reveal the true nature of the conflict.
Tragically, Burrows’ life was cut short on February 10, 1971, when his helicopter was shot down in the sky. Laos. Beside him are fellow photojournalists Henri Huet, Kent Potter and Keisaburo Shimamoto, all of whom died that day. Burrows’ impact on photojournalism extends far beyond his personal photographs. He forged a new background by focusing on the emotional and human aspects of the conflict, creating a deeper understanding of the impact of war. Furthermore, Burrows’ photographs played an important role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions regarding the Vietnam War. His work, along with the dedicated work of many photojournalists, helped expose the nature of the conflict, contributing to growing anti-war sentiment both in the United States and around the world.
Larry Burrows’ Vietnam War photography remains testament to the enduring power of photojournalism. When other photographers covering the war were upset that they were not given the same access as Burrows, the military responded that his request was approved “not because he is a photographer.” family, but because he’s an artist.”
