Gerda Taro, the first military photocorrespondent: become a legend for 11 months career
Pictures of Robert Capa were masterpieces. They were excited and shocked. But few people know that Robert started as he and she. And she was the first military photocorrespondent.
In 1933 to power in Germany, the Nazis came. In the same year arrested some Gerd Pohorille — for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets. The questions she answered quietly: torture by the Gestapo had not yet become a byword. Year of birth — tenth. Place of birth Stuttgart. Nationality — Polish Jew. That is just a Jew, of course; she's never been in Poland. Occupation — typist.
With her held a conversation long, thorough, and offered to draw conclusions. She did. Urgently went to France on forged documents and joined the local Communists in mainland Europe they have been organized by the main force opposing Nazism, so the Communist Gerda was still in Germany.
Living in Paris, of course, was the dream girl... But not when you're in it to be a refugee, a fugitive, am an outcast, left home. There, in Paris, the fate of Gerda turned to eternity — in all senses.
His name was Andre Friedman. He, too, was a Jewish refugee in his native Hungary grew judeophobia, took away the power of Nazism. Friedman was indeed a professional photographer. During the filming of every time hands Andre removed the camera from his face, his eyes turned to Gerda, a small, red-haired, smiling. Somehow it happened that they were talking with each other without stopping, at the time, as Ruth got one short request: to get there, turn your head like this...
This meeting Andre and Gerda were almost inseparable. They have common beliefs, shared ideas about beauty, shared dreams... a year later they already moved in together in a tiny apartment with a view of the Eiffel tower, and there they have a common passion: andré taught Gerda photography. As a student — just like a woman and companion Gerda again leads him in awe all catches on the fly.It is designed for photos and soon tries to sell your photos under the alias "Gerda Taro". The problem is that photographers in Paris enough. The competition was incredible. From the inability to make photos constantly and a normal amount Andre and laid the camera.
The pair came up with an amusing hoax, which was supposed to help: that is not Jewish refugees Friedman and Taro make shots, and American photographer Robert Capa. And Capa — your Agency. The idea is Gerda. She pretended to be a Secretary Capa. Robert Capa immediately began to remove all political events and meetings of Paris in four hands, everywhere was in time and did the "American quality" shots.
In the thirty-sixth Capa went to remove the Civil war in Spain: the bloody Franco (allies of Nazi Germany) against no less bloody, but pretty Tarot and Friedman Republicans. Pictures Capa, sent from Spain, caused instant excitement. Gerda quickly learned to wear trousers and a pistol, and Andre to protect your head, sometimes clicking exhibited at random from the shelter of the camera.
Spring thirty-seventh pair moved to different parts of Spain, and the first shots of the famous Gerda under her work name of Tarot. Friedman left himself "Kapu". What is it? TIFF love or recognition that Taro had too your individual style of different parts of the country will be more relevant photos?
In any case, the photos of Gerda's been waiting for half of Europe, and she knows it, she's in a hurry to capture people who are about to die, and a war that seems to never end. Always at the forefront, always focused, with camera in hand and a revolver in the holster (and where else could he be, if his hands are busy with the camera?)
In the town of Brunete, lowering the lens of the Tarot speaks to someone from friends: "When you think about how many good people we knew, even killed in one attack, it seems somehow unfair that you're still alive." Then remember it often, very often. She felt something? She jinxed?
Or it was a random phrase that has gained importance only because 25 July 1937, when the Republicans retreated from the Brunet, the tank is accidentally knocked over the car with the wounded. The car on the bandwagon which was more to settle down nowhere — with a camera negatives and Gerda Taro.When Gerda was hastily taken to a hospital, doctors first glance, it became clear that to do what they can not do anything. And although he opened his eyes, looked at those present and said, "Where's my camera?!" She died the next day, and in Madrid with her, came to say goodbye thousands of people.
With many she managed to meet in person. Many knew her only from photographs in the late editions. In her birthday, the day of dvadtsatisemiletny, which never came, she was buried in Paris. At the funeral there were already tens of thousands. For eleven months of his career as photocorrespondent Tarot has already become a legend.
Then, of course, began to collect the memories. What was she like? "Brave" was the first answer, but it is known to all who saw her photo. "Talent," and it was too obvious. "Cheerful", "thirst for justice", "Flirty... loved like clothes on a figure, facial makeup", "susceptible — they Friedman was in a relationship and so was the way their couple," "independent."
Any of these descriptions and they all will be useless until you see done Gerda photography. Courageous. Talented. Independent. In love of people and life.
Gerda Taro became the first woman in the military documentary photography, but not the only, and behind her was the new woman and the new names. For example, Galina Sanko, military correspondent, the shots where we grew up.
Keywords: The second World war | Legend | Photographer