Greg Doctor('s photographs): 2012

To say that Brent Stirton is an influence photographer would be a gross understatement. Stirton is more of an ideal photographer. He is a role model even for photographers who shoot on his level. No doubt, his photos are top notch: unique, balanced, interesting and aesthetically pleasing to say the least. What places Stirton in a league amongst few other camera-wielding bipeds on this earth is his ability to seamlessly blend conflict, travel, curiosity, danger, beauty, humanity and culture into 20-some million pixels for the world to see. I believe releasing the shutter is little more than an afterthought compared to the mental, physical and emotion work that Stirton pours into his projects.

Brent Stirton is, by trade, a photojournalist. A native of South Africa, Brent is probably best known for his striking images of sub-Saharan African conflicts. Beyond his work on his home continent, Brent has worked on a great diversity of projects from the Ukraine to Vietnam. He often utilizes rather unconventional methods in his work, such as assuming the role of a Canadian rhino horn distributor. By going undercover, Stirton is able to infiltrate secretive and often dangerous operations to photograph situations a transparent photojornalist would never be allowed to witness. During investigative projects, Stirton often collaborates with the Global Business Coalition against Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as the World Wide Fund for Nature. Despite his humanitarian work, Stirton does not describe himself as a “flagwaving causee”.

I find the work of Brent Stirton inspirational for a myriad of reasons. Beyond his gifted eye and humanitarian efforts, it is Stirton’s knack for adventure and unparalleled dedication that I find incredible. He has found a way to appease even the hungriest appetite for adventure whilst making a living and bringing global issues into the public eye. Perhaps his level of commitment enables this feat; Stirton works away from home 9-10 months out of the year, almost entirely in 3^rd world countries. Photographically, I find Stirton’s work both visually impression and emotionally rattling. I like how Stirton rarely shoots at eye level – almost always overhead or from the ground. Additionally, I feel he excels at capturing perfectly lit scenes. When possible, he has been known to use portraiture lighting equipment and techniques even when working in the field. Although his photos are generally well balanced compositionally, the unique and often intense subject matter makes up for any less balanced pieces of work he may turn out. As a photographer, Brent Striton does not so much change the way I look at the world around me, but rather the way I look at the world as a whole. I feel that I naturally shoot in a style similar to his (albeit much more elementary), but it is the work behind his photos I find inspirational. Stirton is the type of photographer who would climb El Capitan, to photograph Half Dome, not walk up Half Dome for a photo of El Cap…that is the mantra I hope to take away from his work.

Works Cited

Stirton, Brent. "Brent Stirton » Photojournalist » Bio." Brent Stirton » Photojournalist. WOODPRESS, 2012. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://www.brentstirton.com/>.

Stirton, Brent. "Speaking With Brent Stirton." Interview. Vimeo. World Press Photo, June 2012. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://vimeo.com/43821252>.

Stirton, Brent. "Brent Stirton Interview." Interview. Youtube. Circle of Blue, 19 June 2007. Web. 10 Sept. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aRxsChSImc>.