Gerda Taro (August 1st, 1910 - July 26th, 1937) born Gerta Pohorylle a was German Jewish war photographer during the Spanish Civil War. She holds the title as being the first female photojournalist to die in the frontline. Although Taro’s career was incredibly brief, she definitely made a huge impact on the world of photojournalism and an even bigger impact on the idea of photography during the war. Taro was the companion of photographer, Robert Capa (born Endre Friedman). When Gerda moved to Paris in 1934 to escape the anti-semitism of Hitler-run Germany, she met Endre, a Hungarian Jew and he taught her what she knew about photography and she became his photo assistant. While working together, they both came up with an alias to protect themselves and their names. While covering the Republican army retreat at the Battle of Brunete, Taro jumped over the footboard of a car that was carrying wounded soldiers. A Republican tank crashed into this same vehicle and led Taro to suffer critical wounds and die the next day. There have been rumors that her death was intentional on the Republicans side of things, but many have denied that idea. In 2007, the International Center of Photography opened a major U.S. exhibition of Taro’s photographs. Taro’s work is an incredible inspiration to me. Her persistence to have her chance on the front line is something to look up to and her work she created during her career is something that will be an inspiration to photographers and women everywhere. Although her career was short-lived, Taro made the world of difference in her life and her legacy will continue to live on amongst all photographers.
All work courteous of Gerda Taro.