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Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer
Tim Hetherington (1970-2011) was one of the world’s most distinguished and dedicated photojournalists, whose career was tragically cut short when he died in a mortar blast while covering the Libyan Civil War. Tim won many awards for his war reporting, and was nominated for an Academy Award for the critically acclaimed documentary, Restrepo . Hetherington’s dedication to his career led him time after time into war zones, and unlike some other journalists, he did not pack up after the story had broken.
In Here I Am , journalist and freelance writer Alan Huffman tells Hetherington’s life story, and through it analyzes what it means to be a war reporter in the twenty-first century. Huffman recounts Hetherington’s life from his first interests in photography, through his critical role in reporting the Liberian Civil War, to his tragic death in Libya. Huffman also traces Hetherington’s photographic milestones, from his iconic and prize-winning photographs of Liberian children, to the celebrated portraits of sleeping U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Here I Am explores the risks, challenges, and thrills of war reporting, and is a testament to the unique work of people like Hetherington, who risk their lives to give a voice to people ravaged by war.
In Here I Am , journalist and freelance writer Alan Huffman tells Hetherington’s life story, and through it analyzes what it means to be a war reporter in the twenty-first century. Huffman recounts Hetherington’s life from his first interests in photography, through his critical role in reporting the Liberian Civil War, to his tragic death in Libya. Huffman also traces Hetherington’s photographic milestones, from his iconic and prize-winning photographs of Liberian children, to the celebrated portraits of sleeping U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Here I Am explores the risks, challenges, and thrills of war reporting, and is a testament to the unique work of people like Hetherington, who risk their lives to give a voice to people ravaged by war.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 14, 2020
There has to be a better way to make a living. I guess that if these photographers and journalists didn't put themselves at risk we wouldn't have any gory war footage to drool over, but really - is it worth the money?
Hetherington was a photographer who exposed himself to harrowing conditions in hotspots around the world, including Liberia and Afghanistan. His luck finally ran out in Libya where he was taken out by a mortar while he was trying to get some photos during a skirmish.
Huffman has done a creditable job of research into Hetherington's work, interviewing many people Hetherington had encountered on his assignments. Upon finishing the book, I felt that I had a pretty good grasp on the extent of Tim's work, but that I had less knowledge of what his personal life was like. Still, a nice tribute to a brave chap who left behind a wealth of photography and documentary film (one of which was recommended for an Academy Award), all obtained at great peril.
Hetherington was a photographer who exposed himself to harrowing conditions in hotspots around the world, including Liberia and Afghanistan. His luck finally ran out in Libya where he was taken out by a mortar while he was trying to get some photos during a skirmish.
Huffman has done a creditable job of research into Hetherington's work, interviewing many people Hetherington had encountered on his assignments. Upon finishing the book, I felt that I had a pretty good grasp on the extent of Tim's work, but that I had less knowledge of what his personal life was like. Still, a nice tribute to a brave chap who left behind a wealth of photography and documentary film (one of which was recommended for an Academy Award), all obtained at great peril.
January 12, 2022
I have been fascinated by Tim Hetherington since seeing Restrepo, and this book only reinforced the idea that the world lost a great human when he was killed. In a way, the book made me want to understand him more, as though he were a fictional hero - but it is limited because he was a real man who died relatively young. It was a fascinating look into the art of wartime photography and journalism, and the reality that its greatest practitioners can be killed at any moment. It also offered a glimpse into the duality of combat as addictively irresistible and terrible at the same time, even for those who wield cameras instead of guns. I'd absolutely recommend it even though it was a shade dissatisfying, in that it left me wanting more. But perhaps that feeling is really in response to Hetherington's legacy and what could have been, were he still alive.
October 15, 2014
I really wanted to like it, out of respect for Tim and his work, but the writing is disorganized and difficult to follow at times. A great story that has so many complex issues to explore, it would have been a much better book in the hands of a better writer.
November 20, 2015
Expertly researched and written
Mostly, Alan Huffman stays on task of illustrating the man and his environment, but occasionally goes further afield. I am a frequent reader of books on the topic of conflict documentation and believe this to be one of the best out there.
Mostly, Alan Huffman stays on task of illustrating the man and his environment, but occasionally goes further afield. I am a frequent reader of books on the topic of conflict documentation and believe this to be one of the best out there.
July 9, 2017
Tim' story is a spectacular one and Alan Huffman makes a great effort to depict it as detailed as possible. The book is rich in detail and serves as a log of Tim Hetherington's life rather than a biography.
One can understand from the whole book and the author's note that Alan Huffman tried to include everything that happened in the most important moments of Tim's life as well as every person there, but in the process he got lost. In my opinion he should have given more attention to the relationships that Tim built during his days as a war photographer and exclude the-some times excruciating-detail about every scene which often made me put off finishing this book.
What saves this book from being bad is the character of Tim and the last two chapters, where Huffman seems to get a grip of Tim's inner nature.
To sum up, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an intro to Tim's days as a war journalist, but I would also advise patience as the script-like writing of Huffman can be rather tiring at times.
One can understand from the whole book and the author's note that Alan Huffman tried to include everything that happened in the most important moments of Tim's life as well as every person there, but in the process he got lost. In my opinion he should have given more attention to the relationships that Tim built during his days as a war photographer and exclude the-some times excruciating-detail about every scene which often made me put off finishing this book.
What saves this book from being bad is the character of Tim and the last two chapters, where Huffman seems to get a grip of Tim's inner nature.
To sum up, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an intro to Tim's days as a war journalist, but I would also advise patience as the script-like writing of Huffman can be rather tiring at times.
July 1, 2018
This was a very intriguing and well-written book. Very often during the reading of this book, you will feel the adrenaline rush from being in the frontline, but it doesn't necessarily make you feel like you get to know the person Tim Hetherington better. Since, for oblivious reasons, the writer couldn't directly interview his main subject - the book seems to end up being about everyone and everything that surrounded Tim Hetherington, but never really gets close to him as a person or to his personal relationship to photography.
If instead of reading this book as the story of Tim Hetherington, you read it as an insight into the lives of war photographers in general, then I think it is one of the best, I have read on the subject yet. You get to understand the ups and downs of their lives, like the fatigue, the boring moments waiting for the next battle to begin, the adrenaline rushes of being shot at, the loss of people close to you, and why it can be so hard for the war photographers to return to normal everyday life afterwards.
If instead of reading this book as the story of Tim Hetherington, you read it as an insight into the lives of war photographers in general, then I think it is one of the best, I have read on the subject yet. You get to understand the ups and downs of their lives, like the fatigue, the boring moments waiting for the next battle to begin, the adrenaline rushes of being shot at, the loss of people close to you, and why it can be so hard for the war photographers to return to normal everyday life afterwards.
January 16, 2024
Great writing, great story, all in service of an exceptional man. In our era of hating journalists, a lot can be revealed by such an honest retelling of Hetherington’s life. This man risked life and limb, saw things that 99% of this country cannot, and ultimately lost his life. This was done not for personal fame, for wealth, or for status. It was done for truth. To bring faces and intimate portraits into the lives of everyday westerners, who are so often stupid, lazy and comfortable enough to think that journalists are the problem. Tim, like many others, was willing to reveal the uncomfortable truth to a society in deep, dark, ugly denial.
August 5, 2018
Before his untimely death in a mortar blast in 2011 while covering the Libyan Civil War, Tim Hetherington's photojournalism career earned him awards, critical acclaim, and an Oscar nomination. Following his career from its beginnings through frontline reporting from places like Liberia, Afghanistan and, finally, Libya, Huffman presents a fascinating portrait of a driven, daring, and highly talented artist.
September 10, 2023
Great insight into a pretty unique person who seems to have been loved by all that met him. I'm a big fan but the one thing I'd say was odd is something I have seen other people mention is the author's odd repetition on how attractive he was. He was one of the deeper photojournalists out there in focusing on people now explosions and guns yet seems odd to bring up how striking and attractive he was a fair few times throughout the book. Other than that slight annoyance, it's a good read.
December 17, 2019
Tim Hetherington was an amazing, outstanding war photographer. I liked the book, but I missed the story on Tim, the human being, the friend, the lover, the son. Wish Alan Huffman would have researched these more personal aspects of the person behind the persona more. Besides that, the book is great.
February 19, 2018
A factual account of life behind the camera lens in war ravaged countries. Drawn like moths to a flame of alternating adrenaline, misery, danger and death, war photographers around the globe seek to expose the true tragedy of conflict to the world. A remarkable book about a remarkable man.
June 19, 2018
Tim is a fascinating person to read about but the writing felt too disorganised. I also wish there were more details about his life before Libya, his relation to photography, etc. Just more details in general, and less repetitive conflict descriptions.
January 9, 2019
Very interesting story but I didnt particularly like how it was written. There were long descriptions of film scenes and I would have much preferred to actually see the scene than read a description of it. It was good to read about him but it would be better to watch his films/films about him.
March 24, 2017
4.5
A work of love by those who knew him best.
A work of love by those who knew him best.
November 25, 2017
I really wanted to learn more about Tim Hetherington after reading other stories about his work in Afghanistan. This book is informative but seems to veer off the main subject (Tim and his story).
June 18, 2020
I think 3 stars might be a BIT generous. It was a really interesting book, but the writing was confusing and disorganized at times which made it hard to stay engaged with the story.
August 4, 2021
A haunting reminder that there is consequential stuff going on around the planet everyday about which the average person has no idea.
March 14, 2017
Awesome, eye awakening book. Any "average" American should read. It's shit we don't hear about. New respect for war photographers.
December 30, 2013
Man, I wish this didn't suck.
I was a very avid fan of Tim Hetherington; even before he achieved slightly more mainstream fame through his partnership with Sebastien Junger, he was a frequent contributor to the NYT's Lens Blog. Given his general focus on conflict and the fallout from conflict, his work was frequently touched on for perspectives on the Iraq and Afghanistan fronts.
Tim was a master, not only in that he had that exceptional eye that elevates a person taking a photo to an artist, but because he was so fundamentally his vocation that throwing himself into the middle of a situation was never something he could stop himself from doing; and his work reflects that.
Huffman, for some reason, chooses to account for Tim's early life and then goes into some kind of rageful treatise on what Tim left behind, as if, I don't know, either castigating the world for not valuing him enough or spilling his grief on the page for all to see. This is made worse by the voice Huffman attempts to use: that of impartial biographer, which falls apart like a cheap tent.
Though they are not related except in genre, I felt very similarly about All In: The Education of General David Petraeus, where the subject of the book is painted in some kind of golden light out of reverence rather than examination. Those cut down before their time are tragic, but to respect Tim and Tim's work, there was a more fruitful (and less rushed) story that could have been told.
I only hope that Sebastian or another of Tim's colleagues might consider writing a stronger profile than this.
I was a very avid fan of Tim Hetherington; even before he achieved slightly more mainstream fame through his partnership with Sebastien Junger, he was a frequent contributor to the NYT's Lens Blog. Given his general focus on conflict and the fallout from conflict, his work was frequently touched on for perspectives on the Iraq and Afghanistan fronts.
Tim was a master, not only in that he had that exceptional eye that elevates a person taking a photo to an artist, but because he was so fundamentally his vocation that throwing himself into the middle of a situation was never something he could stop himself from doing; and his work reflects that.
Huffman, for some reason, chooses to account for Tim's early life and then goes into some kind of rageful treatise on what Tim left behind, as if, I don't know, either castigating the world for not valuing him enough or spilling his grief on the page for all to see. This is made worse by the voice Huffman attempts to use: that of impartial biographer, which falls apart like a cheap tent.
Though they are not related except in genre, I felt very similarly about All In: The Education of General David Petraeus, where the subject of the book is painted in some kind of golden light out of reverence rather than examination. Those cut down before their time are tragic, but to respect Tim and Tim's work, there was a more fruitful (and less rushed) story that could have been told.
I only hope that Sebastian or another of Tim's colleagues might consider writing a stronger profile than this.
December 5, 2013
Tim Hetherington was a free lance war correspondent living his dream in the chaotic war torn areas of Africa and the Middle East, mainly.
The book explains the complex relationship between soldier and reporter as well as the many "rules" for reporters that exist during war. The unusual thing about Hetherington is that he did not observe many, if any, of these unwritten rules. For instance, Hetherington had, on more than one occasion, saved the life of a soldier. He would interact with rebels in the Middle East and he was able to strike a friendly yet professional relationship with soldiers while still respecting their roles as warriors.
The book goes into great detail explaining the conflicts Hetherington reported on and the complicated process of being objective despite being drawn to some of these people. In fact, the book seemed to spend too much time focusing on the reasons for the turmoil in these countries and not enough time on Hetherington. I really wish the author, Alan Huffman, spent more time writing about Tim Hetherington. It is in this area I think the book disappoints. While it is interesting to learn about the history of the Middle East and some of the intricacies of the politics in the region, I think the reader gets distracted and, frankly, a bit bored. It also seemed to draw away from the subject of the book, Tim Hetherington. While it is a well written book and a quick read at 240 pages, it could have been better.
The book explains the complex relationship between soldier and reporter as well as the many "rules" for reporters that exist during war. The unusual thing about Hetherington is that he did not observe many, if any, of these unwritten rules. For instance, Hetherington had, on more than one occasion, saved the life of a soldier. He would interact with rebels in the Middle East and he was able to strike a friendly yet professional relationship with soldiers while still respecting their roles as warriors.
The book goes into great detail explaining the conflicts Hetherington reported on and the complicated process of being objective despite being drawn to some of these people. In fact, the book seemed to spend too much time focusing on the reasons for the turmoil in these countries and not enough time on Hetherington. I really wish the author, Alan Huffman, spent more time writing about Tim Hetherington. It is in this area I think the book disappoints. While it is interesting to learn about the history of the Middle East and some of the intricacies of the politics in the region, I think the reader gets distracted and, frankly, a bit bored. It also seemed to draw away from the subject of the book, Tim Hetherington. While it is a well written book and a quick read at 240 pages, it could have been better.
April 13, 2023
I wouldn't exactly call this a deep dive kind of biography, but it's a solid piece of work and a wonderful tribute. It's not so much a personal biography as a professional one, but when it comes to work like this, the two are often closer than you'd expect. It's also a very good tribute to Hetherington's morals and motivation, which I'm sure a man like him would appreciate having immortalised. It's incredibly touching, and the author's appreciation of his subject comes across in a style of writing that is passionate but not obtrusive -- also fitting, considering.
July 8, 2015
As I have read several war journalist/photographer books this was just the next one. Though the book isn't long some sections are definitely too long. In that they tend to be all over the board. I know the point for Huffman was to cover Tim's life and work, but to many parts dragged on. What I did like is the references to the different documentaries and projects that Tim was involved with. Some of those I will definitely have a look at such as the movie Restrepo that was codirected with Sebastian Junger.
The book seems to more clearly show how easy it can be to not use your best judgment in such dangerous conditions when you have your adrenaline pumping. It also points out the many facets that a journalist/photographer might chose to cover during a war. Which side will they more want to represent. In this case the rebels/locals, the Gaddafi troops, the civilians so much to consider. Of course depending on which side you chose could mean you now become a target for the opposing side.
It also shows what a lonely job it can be sometimes especially when things go wrong. Tim's final moments are heartbreaking. I go only imagine on hard that information was for his family to digest.
The book seems to more clearly show how easy it can be to not use your best judgment in such dangerous conditions when you have your adrenaline pumping. It also points out the many facets that a journalist/photographer might chose to cover during a war. Which side will they more want to represent. In this case the rebels/locals, the Gaddafi troops, the civilians so much to consider. Of course depending on which side you chose could mean you now become a target for the opposing side.
It also shows what a lonely job it can be sometimes especially when things go wrong. Tim's final moments are heartbreaking. I go only imagine on hard that information was for his family to digest.
April 17, 2013
Huffman has to use a rather limited scope for a biography - this is not a definitive or comprehensive life story, and relies heavily on just a few sources - but operating within those confines, it's a very gripping story. I suppose it's truth in advertising, as the book is concerned with Hetherington the war photographer... and not so much Hetherington the schoolboy or boyfriend or night owl or awful dancer, etc. As a result, though, the reader comes away feeling much more intimately acquainted with Hetherington's days in Misrata than would have been likely with a bio that crammed Libya into two or three chapters. I also enjoyed reading about the impact of technology on modern frontlines. Other photographers will rise to carry the torch, but Hetherington's work (like Chris Hondros' work) was sorely needed and is sorely missed.
September 1, 2016
An interesting look at the photo journalist - the line between reporting and being a humanitarian, amongst other things. This story dives a little deeper into what's going on out in the front, for the people fighting these battles (wars) in Libya, Afghanistan, etc., and those reporting on what's happening whether for a network or publication, or to the world on their own via film, book, photos, video, etc. b/c the world should be caring more! Understanding what all sides go through - soldier, government, rebel, photographer, journalist... I think it's important to know what's happening outside the bubble in which we live, and the very REAL players. The book is a small piece, but a poignant one.
May 2, 2013
I'm not sure if I would call Tim Hetherington inspiring, in that I will never understand what motivates people to take such personal risks, but people like Tim make it their life's purpose that the world know and account for the suffering of others. The person he was adds to the tragedy we feel at his death: a selfless, charismatic, and dashing man. This book, Tim's work, along with Sebastian Junger's 'War' and their documentary 'Restrepo', fascinate, horrify, and attempt to explain the human connections formed through war that can seemingly never be replicated in civilian life. For the soldiers, and for the journalists, the experiences transform and haunt them forever, and too often take their lives.
September 7, 2013
I had watched the acclaimed documentary, Restrepo, and was excited to learn a book about Tim Hetherington was going to be published. The book provides a portrait of a man and his profession. The first edition has less than 300 pages, and the author, Huffman, provides some details on war photography and combat reporting. Huffman begins the story with Hetherington's death in Misrata, Libya, and then provides Hetherington's history and his previous works.
Huffman made efforts to document events in Liberia, Afghanistan and Libya, with interviews in those places. The book is a nice read, although it does not give outstanding revelations about war photography or the motivations of Hetherington and some of his colleagues.
Huffman made efforts to document events in Liberia, Afghanistan and Libya, with interviews in those places. The book is a nice read, although it does not give outstanding revelations about war photography or the motivations of Hetherington and some of his colleagues.
November 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I was familiar with Tim Heatherington from having seen Restrepo and Huffman provided a lot of depth and breath that allowed me to form a much more nuanced portrait of this unique individual. I thought it navigated the paths better love letter and expose nicely. To my reading, he wasn't a hero with a tragic flaw so much as a terrifically talented human being who got caught in a numbers game that he could have avoided but felt compelled to immerse himself in. The world's loss.
I was familiar with Tim Heatherington from having seen Restrepo and Huffman provided a lot of depth and breath that allowed me to form a much more nuanced portrait of this unique individual. I thought it navigated the paths better love letter and expose nicely. To my reading, he wasn't a hero with a tragic flaw so much as a terrifically talented human being who got caught in a numbers game that he could have avoided but felt compelled to immerse himself in. The world's loss.
December 20, 2013
A great book about an adventurous man in a daring profession. From Liberia and Afghanistan, to his final days in Libya, photographer Tim Hetherington captured images that attempted to encapsulate unique perspectives on historical moments. The world definitely lost an artistic and journalistic talent, and the author honors his life as well as countless others who have died in war. In the end, Alan Huffman accurately speculates that our voyeuristic appetite has the potential to lead to even more tragic deaths in the pursuit of staying up-to-date on the frontlines.
February 9, 2015
This book is a snapshot, a brief video clip of Tim Hetherington's all too brief life as the author takes us into Hetherington's journeys in Liberia, Afghanistan and ultimately Liberia where he died in a mortar attack. This was a man who found his voice, his heart in covering the deeper of effects of war, not just battles. The book was a little disjointed and could have benefited from better editing. There were a number of instances where phrases practically repeated themselves a paragraph apart.
January 18, 2017
This is an important, well-researched book. I found myself wanting more information about Hetherington's background and personal views outside of his work. However, I learned other things I had not anticipated, some of which have kept me thinking about potential research ideas. The writing was sometimes difficult to follow. I wish there had been reference pages with maps of important locations and people's names to help me visualize certain passages. A complete list of Hetherington's works would be a great addition if there is ever another edition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews