Larry Towell Shares His Reflections on the Past and Present of Photography

At the “From Poetry to Photography: Larry Towell” event hosted by Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts, renowned photographer Larry Towell shared insights into his career and perspectives on photography. Moderated by journalist Defne Akman, Towell reflected on over 40 years of experience, highlighting the influence of key figures on his work. He specifically discussed the roles of U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump in shaping wars.

Towell also explored the historical evolution of photojournalism, citing the 19th-century work of William Howard Russell as an example. Emphasizing photography’s vital role in truthful storytelling, he noted that the craft held greater significance in the past. While photography has become more accessible today, Towell remarked that the practice of submitting photos to magazines has lost its former weight.

Sharing experiences from diverse corners of the world and discussing over 40,000 photographs he has taken, Towell recounted emotional memories from war zones. The event concluded with a special segment where he showcased his musical talents, performing selections from his songs.