Tim Hetherington’s Diary

Posted 21/04/2011 by Jaimes

I didn’t know Tim Hetherington well, but over the years I’ve spoken to him enough times that the news yesterday of his death threw me. I’ve rarely met a clearer, fiercer, more honest intellect, dedicated to understanding some of the most difficult aspects of the human condition through direct experience without looking away from the ambiguities.

He was also one of the nicest guys it’s been my privilege to meet and I know what a huge empty space his death has left for our shared friends in the Panos and foto8 family. I can’t imagine what that gap feels like for his immediate family but I’m so sorry for them, and for the family of Chris Hondros who was killed with him. My thoughts are with the other photographers who were injured alongside them and the people of Misrata who continue to be injured alongside them.

The video above was made by Tim recently as a reflection on his 10 years of covering conflict around the world and the nature of passing through those worlds and the ones most of us are used to. A deeply personal document, it seems the most fitting, and most troubling, way to come to terms with what is undoubtedly a huge loss.