Incredible feature on the World Press Photo site where you can watch a video of the photographer describing the story behind their award winning shot (here).
The beauty of it all, in my mind, is the design. The video of the photographer occupies a small space in the lower left corner allowing the image to dominate the screen. There’s even a little magnifying glass feature on the right that allows you to closely inspect the image like you were holding a loupe, not that comparing the sharpness of Platon’s portrait of Putin to Tim Hetheringtons beautifully blurry photo of the year, will give you any added insight. It’s just cool
I haven’t explored all the photographer interviews but listening to Platon describe the chain of events that led to his award winning portrait of Vladimir Putin (possibly the only formal portrait he’s ever agreed to) reinforces my belief that great photographers will always deliver under any circumstance. I’ve not seen a picture of Putin where you can actually sit and contemplate his expression and facial features and while that may seem very trite sitting in your home or office in front of the computer under the circumstances presented I think it’s quite remarkable.
Regardless, hearing the stories behind the photos is an incredible addition to the World Press Photo event and certainly a huge step toward increasing the popularity in the future.
Via, Paul Melcher.
Comments 10
Platon’s story about the Putin photo is amazing! Best 10 minute story I’ve heard for a long time.
Thanks for posting this, Rob.
Posted 20 May 2008 at 12:47 pm ¶There are some very compelling stories there. Thanks for sharing, Rob.
Posted 20 May 2008 at 1:58 pm ¶Platon had me feeling like I was in the Dacha with them. Thoroughly absorbing.
The story was stuck in my head for a few days, and then I saw this over at Conscientious…
http://www.jmcolberg.com/weblog/2008/05/earthquake_in_china.html
Posted 20 May 2008 at 2:26 pm ¶I am struck by the seriousness of some of the photographers – it is beautiful – and the stories certainly are something in themselves – in their own right.
Posted 20 May 2008 at 5:34 pm ¶Platon’s story of Putin was so engaging; he is SUCH a good story teller. I felt like as if I was there with him!
Posted 20 May 2008 at 7:09 pm ¶Doh… my internet connection became slower… I can’t see the video smooth…
Posted 22 May 2008 at 4:14 am ¶Very nice sites, thanks for sharing
Posted 22 May 2008 at 9:16 am ¶I have to agree with all the responses here about Platon’s story. It’s probably the most interesting story I’ve heard recently, and very inspirational.
Posted 22 May 2008 at 10:04 pm ¶Hardly a surprise that his favorite song would be Yesterday, since that is where he seems to living.
Posted 24 May 2008 at 8:41 pm ¶Trackbacks & Pingbacks 1
[...] award website (click on 2008 and then the thumbnail of VVP) - the tale has been noted by at least a couple of photography-focused blogs as worth a listen, and I second that impression. I haven’t seen a [...]
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