15

By the late summer, Croatia had calmed down and international interest in the Balkans was cooling off. Now, the International Tribunal on War Crimes became the focus as massacre scenes were uncovered. And the [mostly] untold stories of war continue - always refugees and sometimes huge area's of landmines. For me, on a very cold basis, the ongoing UNHCR effort and the landmine de-commissioning were stories but not an ongoing story - newspapers and magazines tend to do a feature piece on one or the other, then move on. It wasn't something that would sustain me living there.
The war here made me grow up. The 'glamour' and 'romance' of war are myth's. It's a dirty, nasty business. Old scores are settled, criminals become local power barons. Black marketeers get rich. Sex, alcohol and tobacco become the currency of choice. Politicians show how inept they are. The nimby's don't care, because it's not in their back yard.
These are just snapshots of life as a photographer working in a war one. Most days were routine and boring. Check with UNPROFOR, check with the UNHCR, check with contacts, check the BBC World Service, check check check. Then, blinding terror or [more likely] me pushing the boundaries of my sanity made it more of an interesting day. I'm not a brave person. Bravery, to me, is often born of someone who is simply pushed in a direction they won't go in.
Some people will sit back and say 'Ah, but the money! You must've made plenty.' Television crews, reporters and photographers make the same salary in a war zone that they make covering a tiddlywinks tournament 'back home.' There's nothing extra.
John Simpson says he hates anyone who calls themselves a 'war correspondent' but for me, it was a bridge that needed to be crossed. I don't know why... 'I can't tell you why.'

I'm pleased you found time to look at this. Any comments or questions can be sent to-

jimgarnettphotography@gmail.com

Thanks to...

The UN

The UNHCR

UNPROFOR Pleso - Lt. Commander Agnew, Canadian Media Officer

UNPROFOR Zagreb - A Canadian Major who's name remains secret
UNPROFOR Zagreb -  Robert Keeley, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
UNPROFOR Zagreb - Major James Simonds RE Mines and Explosives Officer
UNPROFOR Zagreb - S/Sgt Mikkel Sabroe Mines and Explosives Officer
The Toronto Sun - newspaper
Volvo - two electrical faults in thousands of hard miles [note to self - take a diesel next time]

Nikon - simply the best

Fuji Film
Nancy Stewart - for coming up with some great trip-tunes

Alan Herring - Motorway Belts, Hemel Hempstead for the help preparing the Volvo

RBR Armour - flak jacket and kevlar helmet

Contact Press - London photo agency