Who is David Burnett and what is his primary field of work?

David Burnett, born in 1946, is an American magazine photojournalist. He is based in Washington, D.C., and is recognized for his extensive career documenting significant global events and human stories through photography for major publications.

How did David Burnett's work related to the 1979 Iranian revolution gain prominence?

David Burnett's photographic work from the 1979 Iranian revolution was published extensively in *Time* magazine. This coverage included a notable portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini, which was featured as part of the magazine's "Man of the Year" designation.

What significant award did David Burnett receive in 1980, and what was the subject of the winning photograph?

In 1980, David Burnett was honored with the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year award. The winning photograph captured a poignant scene of a Cambodian woman holding her child while waiting for food distribution at a refugee camp. This award is one of the highest honors in photojournalism, recognizing impactful images that document significant global events and human experiences.

What are some of the prestigious awards David Burnett has received for his photojournalism?

David Burnett has received numerous top awards recognizing his significant contributions to photojournalism. These include the Robert Capa Gold Medal in 1973, awarded for outstanding photojournalism, the Magazine Photographer of the Year title from the National Press Photographers Association in 1980, and the highly coveted World Press Photo of the Year, also in 1980.

What significant photo agencies has David Burnett been associated with during his career?

David Burnett has been associated with prominent photo agencies that have shaped the landscape of photojournalism. He was a member of the Gamma photo agency, known for its coverage of major world events, and later co-founded the influential Contact Press Images agency in New York City. Co-founding an agency signifies a major role in shaping the business and creative direction of photojournalism.

When and where was David Burnett born?

David Burnett was born in 1946 in Holladay, Utah.

What experience led David Burnett to develop an interest in photography?

Burnett developed an interest in photography during a summer job at an optical store in Salt Lake City, where he became fascinated with lenses. This early exposure to optics and visual elements likely influenced his career path.

Where were David Burnett's first published photographs featured?

David Burnett's first published photographs appeared in his high school yearbook. This marked an early step in his journey as a visual storyteller.

How did David Burnett begin his professional photography career after high school?

After his high school yearbook experience, Burnett became a stringer for a local weekly newspaper. He also occasionally sold photographs of local events, such as Friday night basketball games, to *The Salt Lake Tribune*.

When did David Burnett commence his freelance work for major magazines like *Time* and *Life*?

David Burnett began working as a freelance photographer for *Time* and *Life* magazines in 1968, shortly after graduating from Colorado College. These assignments marked the beginning of his professional career in magazine photojournalism.

Where did David Burnett focus his freelance photography efforts after leaving the United States?

After initially working in the United States, Burnett expanded his freelance assignments to Vietnam. This period likely exposed him to conflict photography and international reporting, significantly shaping his career.

What significant event involving a napalm attack did David Burnett witness and photograph in Vietnam on June 8, 1972?

On June 8, 1972, David Burnett was present in Trảng Bàng, Tâyninh Province, Vietnam, when an accidental friendly fire incident occurred. Two South Vietnamese Skyraider aircraft dropped napalm bombs near journalists, resulting in the deaths of two children and severe burns for others, including Phan Thị Kim Phúc. Burnett photographed the aftermath of this tragic event, capturing the scene following the attack.

What was David Burnett's professional path after spending two years covering events in Vietnam?

Following his two years covering events in Vietnam, David Burnett joined the French photo agency Gamma. He spent another two years traveling the world for Gamma's news department, broadening his international experience and portfolio.

What significant photo agency did David Burnett help establish in 1975?

In 1975, David Burnett was a co-founder of a new and significant photo agency named Contact Press Images, based in New York City. Establishing such an agency is a major undertaking, often aimed at providing a platform for independent photojournalists to showcase and distribute their work globally.

How has David Burnett utilized historical or unconventional cameras in his more recent work?

In recent years, Burnett has experimented with historical cameras. For instance, in 2004, he used a vintage Speed Graphic camera equipped with an Aero-Ektar lens, originally from an aerial camera, to cover John Kerry's presidential campaign. He also received positive reviews for his work covering the 2004 Olympics using an array of antiquated cameras and films.

What is the subject matter of David Burnett's 2009 book published by National Geographic?

In 2009, National Geographic published David Burnett's book titled *44 Days: Iran and the Remaking of the World*. This book features his photography documenting the period in Iran during the 1979 overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, offering a visual record of this pivotal historical moment.

Besides his work on the Iranian revolution, what other significant book did David Burnett publish in 2009?

In 2009, David Burnett also published *Soul Rebel*, a book showcasing intimate and previously unpublished photographs he took of the influential reggae singer Bob Marley. This collection offers a personal look at the musician.

What book did David Burnett release in 2019, commemorating a major historical event?

In 2019, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, David Burnett published the book *We Choose to Go to the Moon*. This book contains photographs he captured around the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, documenting the historic space launch.

What role did David Burnett play in relation to the 1983 film *The Outsiders*, and what was published in 2022 concerning his work from that time?

David Burnett served as the on-set photographer for the 1983 film *The Outsiders*. In October 2022, The Outsiders House Museum, in collaboration with its executive director Danny Boy O'Connor, published the book *The Outsiders ‘Rare and Unseen’*. This publication features 148 photographs taken by Burnett during the filming of the movie, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its production.

What was Danny Boy O'Connor's perspective on the "rougher" photos included in "The Outsiders ‘Rare and Unseen’" book?

Danny Boy O'Connor described the "rougher" photos by Burnett from *The Outsiders* as being where "the rubber meets the road" because they are unpolished and the subjects' guards are down, indicating they were not posing for the camera. This suggests these images offer a more candid and authentic portrayal.

What books has David Burnett authored or contributed significantly to, according to the provided bibliography?

According to the partial bibliography, David Burnett's published works include: *44 Days: Iran and the Remaking of the World* (2009), *Soul Rebel* (2009), *We Choose to Go to the Moon* (2019), and *The Outsiders ‘Rare and Unseen’* (2022), the latter co-published with Danny Boy O'Connor. These titles reflect his diverse photographic subjects, from political revolutions to cultural icons and film.

With whom did David Burnett share the 1973 Robert Capa Gold Medal?

David Burnett shared the 1973 Robert Capa Gold Medal with fellow photojournalists Raymond Depardon and Chas Gerretsen. This award recognizes outstanding photojournalism, often in challenging or dangerous circumstances.

In what context is David Burnett listed alongside other prominent figures in the provided text?

David Burnett is listed among other notable photojournalists within a navigation box (navbox) detailing correspondents of the Vietnam War. This contextualizes his work within the broader historical reporting of that conflict.

What historical event is depicted in one of David Burnett's notable photographs?

One of David Burnett's historical photographs captures the return of Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran. This image is significant as it documents a pivotal moment in the Iranian Revolution.

What event is depicted in the image showing David Burnett?

The image shows David Burnett participating in a book signing event for his publication titled "Soul Rebel." This indicates a public engagement related to his photographic work and publications.

What specific camera equipment did David Burnett use to cover the 2004 Presidential campaign of John Kerry?

To cover the 2004 Presidential campaign of John Kerry, David Burnett utilized a Speed Graphic camera fitted with a 178mm f/2.5 Aero-Ektar lens. This lens was originally removed from a K-24 aerial camera, indicating a deliberate choice to use specialized or vintage equipment for his political coverage.

How was David Burnett's photographic work covering the 2004 Olympics received?

David Burnett's approach to photographing the 2004 Olympics, using an array of antiquated cameras and films, garnered positive attention. His work received favorable reviews in the photography press and was also noted in *The New York Times*.

What is the significance of David Burnett co-founding Contact Press Images?

Co-founding Contact Press Images in 1975 was a significant move for David Burnett, establishing a new agency dedicated to photojournalism. Such agencies often serve as crucial platforms for photographers to distribute their work, maintain creative control, and cover major global events.

What does the source text indicate about the reception of David Burnett's work covering the 2004 Olympics?

The source text indicates that David Burnett's work covering the 2004 Olympics, particularly his use of antiquated cameras and films, received positive reviews. These reviews appeared in the photography press and were also highlighted in *The New York Times*, suggesting critical acclaim for his distinctive approach.

David Burnett Photojournalist Wiki: Chronicles in Focus: The Photojournalism of David Burnett

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About David Burnett

The Photojournalist

David Burnett, born in 1946, is a distinguished American magazine photojournalist based in Washington, D.C. His career spans decades, capturing significant global events and intimate portraits with a keen eye for historical context and human emotion.

Global Perspective

Burnett's work has provided invaluable visual documentation of critical moments in modern history. From the Iranian revolution to conflict zones and cultural phenomena, his photographs offer profound insights into the human condition across diverse landscapes.

Acclaimed Recognition

Throughout his career, Burnett has garnered numerous prestigious awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost photojournalists of his generation. His contributions have been recognized by leading journalistic organizations worldwide.

Early Life and Formative Years

Seeds of a Photographer

Born in Holladay, Utah, in 1946, David Burnett's initial fascination with lenses emerged during a summer job at an optical store in Salt Lake City. This early exposure to optical precision foreshadowed his future career.

First Steps in Visual Storytelling

His earliest published photographs appeared in his high school yearbook. This experience ignited a passion for photography, leading him to become a stringer for a local weekly newspaper and occasionally selling basketball photos to The Salt Lake Tribune, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

Academic Foundation

Burnett pursued higher education at Colorado College, graduating in 1968. This academic grounding provided a broader intellectual framework that would inform his later photographic work.

Career Trajectory

Early Assignments

Following his graduation, Burnett began his freelance career, contributing to prominent publications like Time and Life magazines. His early assignments took him across the United States and later to the front lines in Vietnam, where he honed his skills in documenting conflict.

International Experience

After his tenure in Vietnam, Burnett joined the esteemed French photo agency Gamma. For two years, he traveled extensively, covering global news events for their international news department, broadening his scope and experience.

Founding Contact Press Images

In 1975, Burnett co-founded Contact Press Images in New York City. This initiative marked a significant step in his career, establishing a platform for independent photojournalism and allowing him greater control over his projects and narrative focus.

Iconic Moments Captured

The Iranian Revolution

Burnett's powerful photographs from the 1979 Iranian revolution gained widespread international recognition. His work, including the iconic portrait of Ayatollah Khomeini for Time magazine's "Man of the Year," provided crucial visual context to this pivotal historical event.

Documenting Conflict

His presence at Trảng Bàng in 1972, during the Vietnam War, led him to photograph the aftermath of a napalm attack. While Nick Ut captured the most famous image of the event, Burnett's documentation contributed to the broader visual record of the war's devastating impact.

Soul Rebel: Bob Marley

In 2009, Burnett published "Soul Rebel," a collection of intimate, previously unseen photographs of reggae icon Bob Marley. These images offer a unique glimpse into the artist's life during a significant period.

Tools of the Trade

Vintage and Modern

Burnett is known for his versatile approach to equipment. In 2004, he utilized a classic Speed Graphic camera paired with a rare Aero-Ektar lens, originally from an aerial camera, to cover the U.S. Presidential campaign of John Kerry. This blend of historical and contemporary techniques showcases his dedication to exploring different photographic aesthetics.

Olympic Vision

His work covering the 2004 Olympic Games was particularly noted for his use of an array of antiquated cameras and films. This experimental approach, documented and reviewed positively in publications like The New York Times, highlighted his commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual representation.

Accolades and Honors

Significant Achievements

David Burnett's contributions to photojournalism have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

1973: Robert Capa Gold Medal (shared with Raymond Depardon and Chas Gerretsen) for work in Chile.
1980: Magazine Photographer of the Year from the National Press Photographers Association.
1980: World Press Photo of the Year for his compelling image of a Cambodian woman awaiting food distribution in a refugee camp.

Selected Bibliography

Published Works

Burnett has authored several significant books that showcase his extensive body of work:

2009: 44 Days: Iran and the Remaking of the World - Featuring photographs from the 1979 Iranian revolution.
2009: Soul Rebel - An intimate collection of photographs of Bob Marley.
2019: We Choose to Go to the Moon - Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with photos from Cape Canaveral.
2022: The Outsiders ‘Rare and Unseen’ - Co-authored with Danny Boy O'Connor, featuring his on-set photography from the film The Outsiders.

Enduring Legacy

Visual Historian

David Burnett's career exemplifies the power of photojournalism to document history and shape public understanding. His ability to capture both grand historical narratives and deeply personal moments has cemented his place as a significant visual chronicler of our times.

Influence and Reach

Through his work with major publications and his co-founding of Contact Press Images, Burnett has not only contributed a vast archive of significant imagery but has also influenced the landscape of documentary photography, inspiring future generations of visual storytellers.

Technical Information

External Resources

Further information and examples of David Burnett's work can be found through the following external links:

Official Website
The New York Times - Slide show and talk

Authority Control

Identifiers for cataloging and referencing David Burnett's work and biographical information:

International
ISNI	VIAF
GND	FAST
National
United States	France
BnF data	Italy
Netherlands	Israel
Artists
RKD Artists	Photographers' Identities
Other
IdRef	Yale LUX

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the David Burnett (photojournalist) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding photography, history, or journalism. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Chronicles in Focus

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About David Burnett ℹ️

📸 The Photojournalist

🌍 Global Perspective

🏆 Acclaimed Recognition

Early Life and Formative Years 🌱

💡 Seeds of a Photographer

✍️ First Steps in Visual Storytelling

🎓 Academic Foundation

Career Trajectory 🚀

📰 Early Assignments

🇫🇷 International Experience

🤝 Founding Contact Press Images

Iconic Moments Captured 🌟

🇮🇷 The Iranian Revolution

🔥 Documenting Conflict

🎶 Soul Rebel: Bob Marley

Tools of the Trade 🛠️

📷 Vintage and Modern

🏅 Olympic Vision

Accolades and Honors 🏅

🎖️ Significant Achievements

Selected Bibliography 📚

📖 Published Works

Enduring Legacy 🏛️

🖼️ Visual Historian

🌐 Influence and Reach

Technical Information ⚙️

🔗 External Resources

🗂️ Authority Control

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About David Burnett

The Photojournalist

Global Perspective

Acclaimed Recognition

Early Life and Formative Years

Seeds of a Photographer

First Steps in Visual Storytelling

Academic Foundation

Career Trajectory

Early Assignments

International Experience

Founding Contact Press Images

Iconic Moments Captured

The Iranian Revolution

Documenting Conflict

Soul Rebel: Bob Marley

Tools of the Trade

Vintage and Modern

Olympic Vision

Accolades and Honors

Significant Achievements

Selected Bibliography

Published Works

Enduring Legacy

Visual Historian

Influence and Reach

Technical Information

External Resources

Authority Control

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice