John Vink “I have always wondered if photographing without empathy is even possible? Maybe it is when photographing, say, a plate of ossobuco for a lifestyle magazine. Ossobuco is not a person, although it w
(...) as once a calf, a living being, before it turned into delicious food.
Living in a Buddhist environment for the last 16 years has taught me to respect the life of all living beings; but the empathy I might have for the calves will not stop me from eating ossobuco. On the other hand, I do have a press card, and I am rather respectful of the journalistic ethics that involves. Facts, record only the facts. Perhaps. But it seems to me facts with a touch of empathy are better than dry facts. After all, photography is about sharing. Sharing facts, as well as empathy. I am quite sure I will not forsake empathy for the facts. Life is complicated, and we all compromise to some (reasonable) extent.”
– John Vink © John Vink | Magnum Photos
