The webinar 'Images That Speak: Iconic WWII Photography and the Art of Visual Storytelling', led by photographer and cinematographer Jan Prosiński, offered a deep dive into the most powerful images of World War II, examining their historical impact, narrative function, and the ethical dilemmas of war photography.

Prosiński’s presentation transcended a mere compilation of historical photos, as he drew attention to their placement within the broader context of visual arts and human communication. He highlighted the power of narrative by quoting Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk, who stated that

the world is made of words; something that is not told ceases to exist and dies.

This sentiment was directly applied to visual storytelling, underscoring the universal human impulse to document significant moments through images – an impulse Prosiński traced all the way back to the cave paintings of Lascaux.

The Evolution of War Photography

The presentation highlighted how photography, following earlier depictions of war in paintings by masters like Goya and Picasso, quickly became a critical tool for documentation. The introduction of portable cameras like the Leica and Contax revolutionized the field, allowing photographers to capture spontaneous moments, unlike the staged scenes often required by earlier, bulky equipment.

A key focus was placed on the subjectivity and narrative construction inherent in all images. Prosiński repeatedly posed the question to the audience: Do these photos leave us with questions or answers?

Iconic Photos: Propaganda, Humanity, and Paradox

Prosiński analyzed several iconic images, categorizing them by the story they tell:

  • Propaganda and Staging: The initial image of German troops breaking the border barrier into Poland in September 1939 was revealed to be a staged propaganda photo. This immediately introduced the critical theme of manipulation in historical imagery.
  • The Breaking of Spirit: Photos of bombardments, such as the Prudential building in Warsaw or the attack on Pearl Harbor, were presented as images that aimed to demoralize the enemy population.
  • Humanity Amidst Tragedy: Images that resonated with deep emotion included Julian Bryan’s photograph of a crying girl after the bombing of Warsaw in 1939 and poignant scenes from the Warsaw Uprising showing residents evacuating with pets.
  • The Magnificent Eleven: The famous D-Day photographs by Robert Capa were discussed. Capa’s surviving 11 images, despite their blurriness and grain, vividly convey the chaos of the landing – a testament to the photographer being “close enough.”
  • The Cruel Paradox: Prosiński discussed the unsettling nature of photographs documenting crimes, particularly those from the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto. These images, ironically preserved due to the meticulous record-keeping of the perpetrators, serve as undeniable evidence of mass atrocities.
  • Symbols of Victory: Even celebratory photos, like the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima and the Soviet soldier atop the Reichstag, were shown to have narrative complexities, involving second attempts or post-production censorship (removing a second wristwatch from the Soviet soldier to conceal looting).

A photo of Eugeniusz Lokajski with a cat, taken in front of the townhouse at 12 Moniuszki Street in early September 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising. This was one of the photos discussed during the webinar.

Source: Wikimedia Commons / Andrzej Jucewicz; Włodzimierz Stępiński (1968) Chwała Olimpijczykom 1939-1945, Warsaw: Wydawnictwo “Sport i Turystyka”, pp. 108.

Ethics and the Art of Storytelling

The webinar concluded with an emphasis on the ethics of photography and the principles of effective visual storytelling. Prosiński provided practical advice for students and educators:

  1. Awareness of the Subject: Know the story you are telling.
  2. Do No Harm: Avoid being a “vulture,” respecting the dignity of the subjects.
  3. The Need for Choice: Take fewer pictures, but make each one count; focus on editing and sequencing to build a narrative.
  4. Emotions and Mystery: Drawing on Polish photography masters, Prosiński argued that truly impactful photography must evoke emotion, and it can benefit from leaving a certain mystery to compel the viewer to delve deeper into the subject.

The webinar successfully merged historical analysis with a critical look at media literacy, urging viewers to approach every image, regardless of its age or subject, with a critical and ethical perspective..

Watch the recordings: