The other side of war

War is the most terrible experience that man can live. Causes in every person a before and after. So much so that, when we try to convey the meaning of a war and we illustrate it with pictures, the first thing you see are those that explicitly plotted in pain, the weapons, the destruction of towns, lives, customs and cultures.
What is most striking in photographs of war are the eyes of its protagonists. Looks like reflection inside the man, which allow that which is not tangible: the essence of being, desolation and fear.
Following this line, photographer, filmmaker and British journalist Lalage Snow, invites us to think from their project "We Are not Dead" (We are not dead), what happens to those designated to head combat. Those choose kill or die for defending a "model" country.

Presented in the form of brochures, pictures exhibit the faces of a group of soldiers that look to the naked eye injury. Although, also perceived in their eyes, an emotional charge differently.
The images are part of the "We Are not Dead" are characterized by simple and stunning portraits, taken in close-up, reflecting the change undergone by each of the British soldiers who fulfilled roles during eight months of combat in Afghanistan.
The photos of each of the young soldiers start with
 an image taken at the time of being sent to war. Then, we appreciate one second portrait taken at seven months of combat and end with an image dating a month later completed his mission.
Impacts see the physical change. But what more shudders is the emotional change, reflected in the eyes and mindset. Under each portrait we see a phrase, often chilling and controversial. "It's the fear that keeps you alive here .... But I think if you're going to die, it will happen and there is nothing you can do about it .... "or" If the big man up there, I could do something, there would be dead soldiers. All of them would be alive ", are some of the thoughts of the protagonists.
It added that some speak of fear, wounds, death, missing home, back home, life on the battlefront and pride to fight for their country. Perhaps, all part of a common or what many connotes the word: war.
Undoubtedly, a documentary photographic presented from an original perspective that seeks, according to its author, that those who fight on behalf of a country and living every minute with death, be heard.
"We are not dead" is a project without waste. Invites to be followed on the page of the author (http://lalagesnow.com/), where you can also see other works or photographic documents which reveal the back of the war. That only those who are or live in the conflict zone in-depth knowledge but do not know or can transmit.

By. Journalist. Maria Florencia Ferreyro