For a period of 14 weeks in September 2014, Getty Images photojournalist Daniel Berehulak documented how the Ebola epidemic was affecting communities in West Africa.
In his Pulitzer Prize-winning photo (above), medical staff carry 8-year-old James Dorbor into the JFK Ebola treatment centre in Liberia after he showed symptoms for four days. Dorbor was one of 10,000 cases in Liberia, and in the days shortly after this photo was taken, became among the 4,500 to die from the Ebola virus.
Berehulak shared with BuzzFeed News some of his thoughts about the work that led to the Pulitzer Prize recognition, as well as some of his other well-known photos.
1. On expectations versus reality:
"I expected [covering the Ebola epidemic] to be extremely difficult, and it was. But the emotional and physical toll was unexpected. I was shocked just by how widespread the epidemic had become and how it had crippled the city."
2. On photographing difficult situations:
"I have to force myself to remember that if I can’t do my job, people’s stories won’t get told and that helps me to focus on the task at hand."
3. On covering social issues:
"You are sharing stories and information about issues that affect everyone, and also hopefully bring the attention needed to improve a situation or even someone’s life."
4. On covering the Ebola epidemic:
"Heartwrenching."
5. On snapping that Pulitzer Prize-winning photo:
"When you’re in the field you just focus on the task at hand. ... We don’t do this kind of work for awards or to be recognised. We do this to share stories with the world."
