Mortal danger has been part and parcel of his trade for the past 30 years, having dodged machetes, snipers' bullets, tank wheels, and even napalm bombs in some of the most gruesome conflict zones on earth. But as he greets those attending his Struggle For Life exhibition in the heart of Berlin, it is surprising how shy and humble James Nachtwey appears. Although officially the star of tonight's show, the award-winning war photographer chooses to give only a short speech, quietly apologising for being "a man of pictures, not words" as he emphasises the humanitarian aspects of his work: "Unlike paparazzi, the people I photo are inherently noncommercial. They often do not have, or are being denied, a voice. My biggest problem as a photographer of war is that I could profit from the suffering of others. This thought haunts me". He goes on to explain that "I also take photos from a perspective of compassion. With this project, I hope that my work will contribute to a collective conscience and awareness of tuberculosis today."
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