There are a number of photographers whose work makes me want to go back to being a photo editor, just so I can assign them stories.

Andres Gonzalez is at the top of that list.

UPDATE:

OK, we’re going to look at more than two. Josh challenged me in the comments to talk about what in particular about this work appeals to me, which is totally fair; I had a little of the lazy yesterday, after the previous day’s events.

I’d send Andres on assignment because he’s able to cover an event in an elegiac way. Much like someone like Martin Parr (I discussed this here), he can do news and fine art at once. Which is rare. A good example is the piece that Gonzalez shot for Monocle Magazine, about the Tajik-Afghan border, and the bridge being built there.

About the work:

“The Tajik-Afghan border is one of the most dangerous in the world because of its central role in the heroin trade. EU- and US-backed agencies have been stepping in to help control the borders and initiate projects to stimulate legitimate trade, one of which was a $37 million bridge across the Pyanj River funded by the United States. The potential economic gains of such a bridge are great, but some believe that the bridge will also make smuggling easier, as thousands of trucks are expected to cross each week. These photographs look at life along the Tajik-Afghan border on the inauguration of this controversial bridge.”

The images tell the basic story, but then they also tell so much more. And the portraits are amazing. A selection:

See the full project here. Is that more helpful, Josh?