Photographer continues to shoot AFTER his legs were blown off

[MicWayWal]

See the images here and read the story of photographer Joao Silva, who was on assignment in Afghanistan for the New York Times. Taking pictures while on patrol on Oct 23, with a squad of 10 or 15 American soldiers, a unit of Afghan soldiers, and police officers, he stepped on a land mine which blew off his legs.

HE CONTINUED TO SHOOT AFTER BEING BLOWN UP of those coming to his aid.

I have heard of photographers who don't look up from their camera but continue to shoot no matter what is happening around them but this guy is a REAL photographer. The images at the link were those that was on his card before AND after the explosion.

[BG Photo]

That is sad to see. Most people don't think of the photographers in the armed forces as well that do this type of work every day without recognition. I'm a former combat camera guy and still know a few photographers and video guys who have deployed several times to Afghanistan and Iraq. I found out one guy lost an eye photographing a mission when an IED went off. He came back stateside for a month or two, then requested to go back. To my knowledge, nothing was ever written or reported about him. I honestly don't know if I could do that, but many do and I have the utmost respect for them.

[Nikonfan]

Wow. That's amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[contributor_M]

War reporters and especially photographers are the unsung heroes in those zones. Tragic to hear and see what has happened, yet inspiring how dedicated this man was to his craft.

[Tom]

Silva was a true legend in photojournalism long before this incident.

Read about the Bang Bang Club in Africa in the early 90s. Some of the best photographers ever. Their work is remarkable. Their stories are heartbreaking.


Truly sad that Silva lost his legs. But I have no doubt he will continue to make incredible images.

[TheRandomPhotographer]

i think thats awesome that he still captured some images and its great that he is recovering.....

but it seems like he might have been in shock unaware of what just happened to him(something like he thought was just knocked down) and he continued shooting to capture reactions....if it was for the purpose to show what had happened to him then the shots may have had more than a "snapshot" feel to them. IMO The title is well...it should have been titled Combat Photog. Falls Victim to AP Mine....or something to that effect

please understand what im trying to say here. im mearly making an observation

picture this:a grenade goes off next to you and you lose function of both your legs, bleeding profusely and slowly losing consciousness you continue shooting the people trying to aid you until you pass out.

^^^if that had happened then i would say HOLY SHUTTER RELEASE BATMAN! but it didnt