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Journalism of Courage
Forty two years ago John Isaac was working as a sales clerk in Air India,gathering enough money to pursue his dream of becoming a folk singer in New York. I never ended up becoming a singer,and somehow,became a photographer, says Isaac,who got instant recognition for his images from Rwanda during the genocide in 1994. He photographed the American hostages in Iran,and worked as a war correspondent in Sarajevo in 1992-1994.
When I had just reached New York I ran out of money and was playing for change on the street. My visa was about to expire in a months time. It was then I was spotted by a lady who worked for the UN who drafted me in the choir and later landed me a job as a messenger, smiles Isaac,clad in a photographers jacket and a brown hat. From the mail room,Isaac graduated to a darkroom,where he picked up the secrets of black and white printing through Ralph Pickwick,a darkroom technician.
Isaac has captured some of the worlds most poignant moments,from the birth of Michael Jacksons first born Prince,to a shoot for UNICEF with Audrey Hepburn in Ethiopia. When my editor asked me to touch up Hepburns face,she told me sharplydont touch my wrinkles,I have earned each of them, he recalls. Isaac has also co-authored a book with his journalist wife Jeannette,Coorg,Land of the Kodavas. Meanwhile,these days,he is gathering images of the tigers in Ranthambore National Park for a coffee-table book.
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