For The Denver Post photojournalist and 2012 Pulitzer Prize Winner Craig F. Walker, passion, hard work, and determination for his craft have paid off… again. For the second time in three years, the talented photographer has earned the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography. In 2010, Walker won for his photojournalist project series entitled Ian Fisher: American Soldier, which documented a young man’s transformation from a high school student into an American soldier fighting in Iraq.
After his win in 2010, Walker set out to exclusively locate a veteran who actively suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder that would allow him to openly document some intimate moments pertaining to the perils of his or her disorder. Not fully understanding the emotional turmoil that the disorder bestows upon an individual, Walker knew that he wanted to understand it better.
While out on a hike for veterans returning from war, Walker met Brian Scott Ostrom, a veteran and reconnaissance man who suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder. The photojournalist asked the veteran whether or not he would allow him to photograph him. Although ambivalent and hesitant at first, Ostrom agreed. That accord led to ten months of Walker actively documenting various aspects of how the disorder has plagued the veteran’s life.
In the video above, The Denver Post shares its footage from the mere moment that Walker, his family, Ostrom, and his peers find out that he was, again, awarded with the honorable prize. Walker and Ostrom also share some words concerning the success of the project as it relates to the awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The winning photo, which was featured in yesterday’s post, depicts a distraught Ostrom amidst a pile of documents. A deeper look into Walkers photo essay, entitled Welcome Home: The Story of Scott Ostrom, can be viewed in the below or in its entirety HERE.
Warning: this video contains graphic images and strong language – viewer discretion is advised
Via: The Denver Post
