Ashley Gilbertson

The last time Andres was in town, we went to go see a famous photographer give a talk at a bar. It was ok. Most people in the room were career photographers. While he was showing images of bombings, people crying, and other horrific and dramatic images, I couldn't help but think how academically he was talking. The photographers in the room were speaking of logistics but the bigger picture that these images portrayed seemed pushed to the side.

I talked with Andres about it the next day and he absolutely agreed. Too technical and not enough heart. The irony of seeing pictures of human suffering while at a pub with a beer and a plate of fries in front of you was not lost on us. This is the part that annoyed him most about the world of professional photography.

Ashley Gilbertson is different and I think more in line with Andres. I could tell he spoke from a place of compassion. He was honest with his viewpoints and no false bravado. He recently wrote a book called "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," a collection of photos and essays of his experience coming-of-age in Iraq. I need to go check it out. He was there photographing in Northern Iraq at the age of 23. The war started and he's 29 now.