American Photo: Heroes of Photography

American Photography has just published its Heroes of Photography feature on its website (link below). I was never a fan of this magazine, since it tries to imitate the French photography magazines (probably because it's owned by Hachette Filpacchi) in its features and layout, however on this occasion it attracted my attention.

This feature (which includes a mini-gallery of each photographer's work) is what American Photo subtitled " a tribute to ten photographers who inspire us", and I agree with that. Among the ten photographers are the incomparable Phil Borges, Fazal Sheikh (who inspired me with his work on Indian widows to work on my own project: White Shadows), Chris Hondros, and others. Surprisingly, James Nachtwey, John Stanmeyer and Gary Knight for example are not included in this list...and by the way, the list is mostly made up of American photographers.

Here's an excerpt of the accompanying article which explains why the American Photo staff chose them to be 'heroes':

Some photographers are heroes simply because they show us how to overcome obstacles that would seem to be insurmountable. Fine-art photographer John Dugdale has continued to work at the highest level despite progressively losing his eyesight due to an HIV-related illness. Joseph Rodriguez, who rebuilt his life after getting into drugs and being arrested at a young age, is documenting the lives shattered by Hurricane Katrina. Phil Borges has been unshakable in his conviction that his fine-art portraiture can be a vital force for good in the world.

These ten photographers have and are still creating outstanding work, and certainly are among many leaders in the field of photography, but I wouldn't describe them as 'heroes'. Perhaps semantics but to me, heroism is more than being a trailblazer in the photography industry, or even for overcoming an adversity. Yes, these ten photographers are leaders, perhaps even role models to some, and to me (in the case of Phil Borges and Fazal Sheikh) inspirations...but I just wouldn't call them heroes.

Notwithstanding semantics and my strong antipathy for 'lists', the American Photo magazine's Heroes of Photography is a worthwhile feature.