I Pushed James Nachtwey

[Belle]

It happened some twenty years ago. I watched a documentary titled War Photographer featuring James Nachtwey. I told my wife that I saw him at a riot in Seoul, Korea. I told her that I prevented him from getting seriously injured. Well, I found proof today of that day in some old contact sheets that I found. Unfortunately, I can’t find the Tri-X negatives.

Nachtwey was attending a rally in Myung Dong in Seoul. He was fiddling with his camera when I notice a sudden ambush by student demonstrators charging down the Myung Dong Cathedral hill with Molotov cocktail bombs. Nachtwey’s back was facing the charging students. I leaped in and shoved Nachtwey out of the way. Seconds later, a long stretch of fire zoomed right by where he was standing. Nachtwey was very composed and calm. He turned his head towards me and nodded in thanks.

Attached are some scans from that day. The student riot followed after the citizen’s demonstration. I wonder if Nachtwey remembers that kid who pushed him that day.

 

[Belle]

Here's a color shot from that day.

And here are some related photos: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75881

 

[Trius]

That's a wonderful story, and I'm betting Natchwey remembers, even if he would need a reminder.

It's too bad you can't find the TX negatives -- I hope you do.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Very interesting story, you should pop him an email with a link to this thread at VII and see if he remembers.

 

[Belle]

Here's a shot of me when I was 19 at one of the demonstrations. This was in front of Yonsei University in Seoul. The green bag was loaded with film and a U.S. military gas mask that I purchased from the South Gate black market for $15. I still have the gas mask and recycle it every now and then on Halloween.

 

[benmacphoto]

Great story, and photographs. I'm really drawn to the color shot you posted. Hope you find the negatives.

 

[maddoc]

Great story ! Hopefully you can find the negs !

 

[johannielscom]

Respect. Always thought Mr. Nachtwey is bulletproof and does not need any help.

Trouble is on the way when photographers start thinking this themselves.

I like the third shot of the B&W contacts, Nachtwey is up close in their faces shooting the scene, like he does on the cover of the Christian Frei movie about him.

Both his war and poverty photography are of the utmost importance, depicting mankind, stripped to the essence. Respect!

 

[Al Kaplan]

I miss the 1970's when you could find "Army-Navy" store full of surplus clothing, canteens, mess kits, knives, and best of all a huge assortment of olive drab colored gas mask bags and other shoulder bags priced in the $3 to $5 range. Just about everybody I knew, male or female, was using one for a camera bag, or a purse, or a ????

 

[johannielscom]

I miss the 1970's when you could find "Army-Navy" store full of surplus clothing, canteens, mess kits, knives, and best of all a huge assortment of olive drab colored gas mask bags and other shoulder bags priced in the $3 to $5 range. Just about everybody I knew, male or female, was using one for a camera bag, or a purse, or a ????

True!

I went sifting through thrift stores, none to be found. Had to get one through the internet, would you believe it. Paid good money for it, too. First one, my daughter lost at school, had to do the whole exercise over again. This one's mine, and nobodies touching it 🙂

 

[totifoto]

Great story. James is one of my favourits.

To you I just wanna say big THANX!

If you have not pushed him he might not be here today 🙁

 

[Prosaic]

Here's a shot of me when I was 19 at one of the demonstrations. This was in front of Yonsei University in Seoul. The green bag was loaded with film and a U.S. military gas mask that I purchased from the South Gate black market for $15. I still have the gas mask and recycle it every now and then on Halloween.

Cool shoes.

 

[bmattock]

I Pushed James Nachtwey

How many stops?

 

[Belle]

If you look at the third photo in my first set of photographs, I was standing near the pole on the left. JN was standing somewhere in the middle area.

Here are some photos that I captured that day.

 

[Florian1234]

What happened in the meantime? Did you contact Nachtwey?

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

this is a good time to wish for a "Like" button.... 🙂

excellent....