Tragedy and Empathy | Emberger Media -by Paul Emberger

Pivotal Images Series

Pivotal Images are those that have markedly changed the way I see or shoot. Or had an effect on my view of a certain topic. In the beginning I will be showcasing my own Pivotal images.  Going into the future I will share images from others that have affected me.

Learning when empathy trumps image creation

Motionless, a man lay on his back, his shirt open. A paramedic compressing his chest, pumping air into his lungs, and with skilled hands, trying to save his life. Time stood still for me as I watched onlookers pacing, their mouths covered in obvious concern.

Photograph of the actual print that I entered into the Scholastics competition. I have blurred the face for the families privacy.

I was presented with this scene one afternoon. I was 17, a senior in art school, going home for lunch. At that age, I’d never witnessed this kind of instant, personal tragedy. With no frame of emotional reference I grasped for the only kind I had: Visual. I had poured over photo books and magazines in the past, and consumed images of all sorts of tragedy. In that instant I did what I knew. I began to take pictures.

Growing up, my parents taught me about respect, compassion and empathy. I used these skills to the best of my ability that day. Staying out of the way of the paramedics, I tried  not to circle like a vulture. With my heart racing, and hands fueled with adrenaline, I was taking in the scene and only focusing on compositional elements. After about 8 frames I moved on.

I knew I had captured something.  What, at that moment, I wasn’t sure. I felt different somehow. I’d documented a real event of human magnitude. One that would forever change me, both in my use of empathy and photography.

That day I bore witness to a part of the human condition; the tragic loss of one man’s life, leaving behind his grieving family. I tried to be respectful as I shot, but I didn’t have the life experience to stop and realize how this seemingly simple act could affect others; except, I was certain it would move viewers emotionally.

Later on that year I entered this image, along with seven other unrelated photos, into the national Scholastic Arts Competition. The image ultimately won an award, and taught me a powerful lesson. While the competition entries hung in my city for first round judging, the family of this gentleman happened upon my portfolio. I don’t recall exactly how, but word got back to me they were upset about their loved one’s fate hanging, lifelessly, among other static images. Taken and used for personal advancement, by a faceless photo student who knew nothing of their pain.

I learned a lot about myself that year. I discovered my passion for documentary work. And the lessons my parents taught me about empathy and respect had new meaning. In the future, I would continue to apply those lessons, while documenting life.

Original proof sheet showing the 8 images I captured.