Vadim Ghirda on photography as a universal language

Vadim Ghirda, a Bucharest, Romania-based Associated Press photographer, describes photography as a universal language that can break down the cultural barriers separating people. Ghirda, who has documented major news, conflict and humanitarian stories for more than 35 years, said he enjoys shooting events outside the mainstream hard-news agenda because they often offer a more intimate perspective on human nature.

“Photography and other forms of visual journalism are a universal language, accessible to all humans regardless of the things that mislead us into thinking we are different: race, gender, social status, access to education, sexual orientation, or religion,” Ghirda said. He added that in times of growing division, the mission of visual journalism is more important than ever.

Discussing his technique, Ghirda said he is not a fan of technicalities and that the way a photographer sees individuality is what makes the photograph. He credited a wide-aperture lens and its shallow depth of field for helping the subject of his image stand out, and said he was also very lucky.

He described the photograph as a simple image, with a little girl in an angel costume backlit and surrounded by dark areas, captured in midair among adults who seem unaware of her presence.

“I choose to see her as hope in a not very happy environment. After all, this is the role of angels,” Ghirda said.

Ghirda joined the AP in December 1989. His assignments have included the upheaval following communism in Eastern Europe, the Balkan wars, the Middle East, Crimea, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. His work has received a World Press Photo award, the Prix Bayeux-Calvados and a 2023 Pulitzer Prize as part of AP’s Breaking News Photography team covering Ukraine.