Reporting from Damascus: Ghaith Alsayed, a seasoned journalist based in Damascus, Syria, has been diligently covering events across the country since joining The Associated Press in 2019.

Capturing the Essence of the Scene

Upon learning that debris from an Iranian missile had landed near Najha, a rural area outside Damascus, Ghaith Alsayed immediately went to the site. His goal was to document the real impact of this regional conflict on Syrian people.

Upon arrival at the agricultural field where the debris fell, it was not the missile itself that caught his eye. Instead, he was drawn to the farmers battling to extinguish fires that had ignited overnight due to the missile debris. These fires were repeatedly rekindled by the wind.

This situation highlighted the villagers’ struggle to protect their crops and livelihoods, illustrating how wars can affect people far removed from the battlefield.

The Thought Process Behind the Photo

At the site, Ghaith observed farmers spraying water on hay damaged by the fires. Meanwhile, the missile remained lodged some distance away.

Unlike other photographers who focused solely on the missile, Ghaith sought to capture the entire story. The human element was evolving rapidly, and he aimed to portray it alongside the missile debris.

To achieve this, he carefully selected an angle that included all critical elements: the farmers, the burnt fields, and the missile debris. He positioned his camera at a lower angle and waited for about 15 minutes. Eventually, the farmers moved closer to the missile while dealing with hay piles still burning.

This strategic approach allowed him to capture a compelling image that combined both the cause and consequences of the event.

Why the Photo Resonates

Growing up as a photojournalist, Ghaith learned the importance of visualizing the scene before taking a photo. He prefers to focus on the human impact rather than the event itself.

Upon arrival, his attention was drawn to the farmers, their actions, and the effects of the event on their lives. The image works because it transcends the incident of the missile landing. It showcases the intersection of everyday civilian life with broader political and military events.

There is a stark visual contrast between farmers working to save their crops and the remnants of a missile from a larger conflict. This contrast imbues the photo with strength, reminding viewers that wars do not only impact soldiers on the frontline but also affect fields, homes, and lives of ordinary people.