one of the greatest human beings alive today

i just saw James Nachtwey lecture about his work, in conversation with a Times mag editor (who was clearly in love with him -but that's a whole other story). over 150 of his images were projected onto a huge theater screen above him. his composition is so excellent but what hit the hardest was his profound devotion to humanity. he really did not have an ego, and in his descriptions of eluding death after bombings and shootings, he said he almost felt like this concentration and instinct are so strong that it seems like he has an invisible shield around him, but then he quickly adds that "you can't think too much about it."

i almost did not even go b/c originally, i thought i'd be too depressed after seeing such documented tragedies, but his effect was the opposite... grounded and hopeful.

he got two standing ovations from the packed, sold out theater.