Photos of Swedish photographer Paul Hansen are well known in his country. He won the nomination “Photographer of the Year” in Sweden seven times, and twice (in 2010 and 2013) his photographs won the most prestigious competition POYi (Pictures of the Year International). The reason for this interview with the photographer of the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter (Daily News) was his victory in yet another competition – World Press Photo.
What did you feel when you found out that you won World Press Photo Award?
“I felt honored, happy, and very sad. The photograph is of a very tragic event.”
In what circumstances did you make that shot?
“I covered the funeral procession of the Hijazi family members Suhaib, Muhammad, and their father Fouad.”
Is it safe to make such reportages near such tragedies?
“It was a safe enough day. The odds that the Israeli air force would bomb a funeral were of course very low.”
How did these people perceive you and your work?
“They were grateful that there were media covering the funerals in Gaza. There were several funerals that day and other days.”
Do you have any rules which you use when you work in such areas as Middle East? Can you name them?
“No other than I always have. Be a present human being first, then a professional journalist.”
What is the most important for journalists when they work in a zone of conflict?
“Knowledge, journalistic professionalism, and respect.”
You were in different countries of Middle East and Africa which are in war crisis. Have you seen any common features of them? What are the reasons of these struggles?
“Yes, that the innocent civilians bear the brunt of the misery and death.”
When did you start photographing? What did you want to photo and how did you start to work as photographer in a conflict zones?
“When I was 11 years old, and as a professional photographer when I was in my early twenties. I was sent by my newspaper Expressen to the war in Bosnia in 1992. It is a part of my job, even if 80 percent of what I shoot is not war or conflict.”
What in your opinion is “stronger” for readers – the text or illustrations?
“Depends on the quality. A combination of good text and a strong visual storytelling is always best.”
What is the most precious feature of the photos made in places where people get hurt?
“That people see what political failure leads to. That nobody afterwards can say that they didn’t know.”
Nowadays cameras become very cheap and common for everyone. Now every cell phone is also equipped by camera and the phenomenon of civil journalism is developing. In your opinion, can it take the place of a professional photojournalism in the future?
“No, but it is of course a valuable democratic tool. Now a light can be shone into every dark corner of the earth. However just because you own a camera it doesn’t make you a photographer, it makes you a camera owner. A picture editor once said ‘Isn’t it great? Nowadays the pens are so uncomplicated that anybody can write a text.’”
Then what tendencies can you name in photojournalism today?
“Multimedia, and that photographers are more and more photojournalists.”
Due to the changes in information space, what changes have taken place in the assignment of professional photo and requirements for journalist job?
“Yes, I think so. Nowadays you have to be more multi-talented and create text, sound, film, and still photography.”
What mission do you see for yourself as a photographer?
“I see my purpose in trying to tear down the walls of ‘us’ and ‘them.’ To make an effort to complicate things for the players who find their energy and power in adversity and fear between people.”
