Horst Faas - Part 4

In the fourth installment of this special FotoTV series, historic journalist and photographer Horst Faas discuses his career and the technical aspects that enabled him to document some of the most astounding and informative photos while on international assignment for the renowned AP photo agency.  

Faas explains that logistics and mechanics were an integral, if not the most important part of photography for him while documenting many wars and conflicts around the world. He spent more time repairing equipment and setting up darkroom equipment than actually photographing. He goes on to say that in comparison to the digital age of today, back then he would depend on simple tools such as screwdriver to ensure the efficiency of his equipment and machines. Everything he carried with him could be taken apart and inspected if needed.  

In high humidity regions such as Vietnam it was important to have waterproof containers to carry his equipment in. Transporting metal cases across rivers and wading in knee-deep water was a regular occurrence for Faas, and his metal boxes not only protected his film and equipment against the elements, they were also so durable they could dropped out of helicopters without damaging any of his sensitive gear and materials. The material used to make these boxes were also used by NASA to make their rockets, a fact that was not known to many because NASA considered this information to be classified.

Another important aspect Faas discusses is the logistics of his assignments and his experience with customs when traveling. Unlike the digital age of today, radio transmitters, receivers and satellite telephones took the place of the laptops and cell phones photographers use now to send their pictures and keep in touch with newspapers and magazines. It could take up to an hour to send a single photo, which incidentally had to be sent from a wire service post office, a far cry and huge effort from sending a photo at the click of mouse.