I carry cameras today because Larry Burrows was a photographer. His photo story 'One ride with Yankee Papa 13' published in Life Magazine in 1965 put a face on the American war raging in Vietnam. While photographing the story, Burrows focused on Lance Corporal James C. Farley, a young US Marine helicopter crew chief during a dangerous rescue operation. One of the emotionally charged photographs depicts Farley reacting to the violent death of a fellow Marine. Six years after those photographs were published, Burrows was killed while on assignment. The helicopter he was flying in was shot down over Laos. He was forty-four years old.
Until his death, Burrows had remained an Englishmen while on assignment in the jungles of Vietnam. He always packed a pair of pajamas alongside his cameras. After a mission, he ritually cleaned and organized his camera equipment in preparation for the next story. When staying in hotels, Burrows would request a room with two beds. While he slept, his camera equipment would be neatly organized on the second bed. He was known to be a skilled teacher and mentor to young photographers. I consider myself a student of Burrows.
In February of 2008, I was on assignment with the US Army in Agur Kuf Nahia, Iraq. This area is located on the northern edge of Baghdad.
One night, I was awakened by the voice of Lieutenant Tiffany Bilderback, a public affairs officer. "Suad was just murdered," said Bilderback. "If you can be ready in ten minutes we will save you a seat." I grabbed my camera equipment from a nearby table and raced after Bilderback into the night.
I had photographed Suad a few days earlier during a tribal reconciliation meeting. She was the Headmaster of the Al Marooj Primary School in Agur Kuf Nahia.
Within the hour, I would find myself alone in the dark with body of the Headmaster. Masked gunmen had executed her in front of her two young daughters during dinner. Using the light from a small headlamp, I photographed Suad for the last time. A Southern California weekly newspaper published a photograph of her blood stained hands in a cover feature titled 'Five years and counting.'
While working, I often think about the photographs and work ethic of Burrows. In an unpopular war he remained focused on the people and lives affected by conflict. This morning, I thought of Larry Burrows and smiled as I repacked my camera equipment for my next flight from Bagram Air Base to eastern Afghanistan. A set of Pajamas was not included in my gear.
Until his death, Burrows had remained an Englishmen while on assignment in the jungles of Vietnam. He always packed a pair of pajamas alongside his cameras. After a mission, he ritually cleaned and organized his camera equipment in preparation for the next story. When staying in hotels, Burrows would request a room with two beds. While he slept, his camera equipment would be neatly organized on the second bed. He was known to be a skilled teacher and mentor to young photographers. I consider myself a student of Burrows.
In February of 2008, I was on assignment with the US Army in Agur Kuf Nahia, Iraq. This area is located on the northern edge of Baghdad.
One night, I was awakened by the voice of Lieutenant Tiffany Bilderback, a public affairs officer. "Suad was just murdered," said Bilderback. "If you can be ready in ten minutes we will save you a seat." I grabbed my camera equipment from a nearby table and raced after Bilderback into the night.
I had photographed Suad a few days earlier during a tribal reconciliation meeting. She was the Headmaster of the Al Marooj Primary School in Agur Kuf Nahia.
Within the hour, I would find myself alone in the dark with body of the Headmaster. Masked gunmen had executed her in front of her two young daughters during dinner. Using the light from a small headlamp, I photographed Suad for the last time. A Southern California weekly newspaper published a photograph of her blood stained hands in a cover feature titled 'Five years and counting.'
While working, I often think about the photographs and work ethic of Burrows. In an unpopular war he remained focused on the people and lives affected by conflict. This morning, I thought of Larry Burrows and smiled as I repacked my camera equipment for my next flight from Bagram Air Base to eastern Afghanistan. A set of Pajamas was not included in my gear.
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James, thank you for giving us an insight into the lives of the Afghan people. It shows somewhat of a progress in all the lines of efforts. I love the titles you have chosen for your pics. Life is still very primitive in Afghanistan; from the look of your Jirga pic -- the elders seem disengaged; but, there are still signs of progress. Please keep sharing your stories and photos with us. Stay safe and I am waiting for your next story.