AGSTAR Photojournalism

2011-11-10T17:47:00.001-08:00

Protest in Managua begin to loose steam for lack of leadership from the candidates

2011-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's protest on the Masaya Highway

2011-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here it is!
The Environmental Photographer of the Year Yearbook!

Click on the image to see the electronic version and my photo.

2011-11-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Opposition protest takes over the Panamerican Highway.
(All photos and video are copyright of Tomas Stargardter. No publishing is allowed without permisssion)

The highway is blocked

The Orteguistas come in with their usual response.

This one was from Sebaco the day before. Sandinista celebrating in Sebaco. Still it was a fun pic to see.

Riot Police stand by as both sides prepare to clash.

The Rejudin guys are the ones with any kind of backbone. When they arrived they stiffened the protest and the old geezer politicos just broke tail and ran.

This kid was telling one of the old politicians to go f@#$k himself, since they already had there chance and blew it.

New kids on the bloc

Fabio Gadea showed up for a few minutes, but he sure does not know how to handle the press.

A quiet moment before the mailstorm of press people engulfed him

Daniel cabeza de Chancho!

It was shadow day.

Riot police where forced to leave the immediate area where the protest took place.

"No al fraude!"

It was the Orteguistas who cleared the highway. Riot police just watched and then walked in when all was clear.

"It smells like teen spirit." Llanta quemada.

In the beginning it was the women who showed more guts than the men.

More video to come later

2011-11-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

Nicaraguan elections in Matagalpa

Nicaraguan elections in Matagalpa

2011-10-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Aguizotes de Masaya

2011-10-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

Cierres de Campaña de Fabio Gadea del PLI y Arnoldo Aleman del PLC para la presidencia de Nicaragua.

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Arnoldo Aleman. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Arnoldo Aleman. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Arnoldo Aleman. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Fabio Gadea. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Fabio Gadea. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Fabio Gadea. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Fabio Gadea. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Cierre de la campaña presidencial de Fabio Gadea. Foto Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2011-10-29T21:40:00.002-07:00

2011-10-29T21:40:00.001-07:00

Cierre de Campaña de Arnoldo

2011-10-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

Client: Amnesty International

Pro abortion rally in Managua

2011-09-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Video de prueba de la clase de medios

2011-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Client. Christian Children's Fund of Canada.

2011-04-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Oposition marcha against the reelection of Daniel Ortega. This was the first of two poitical rallys that happened in Managua this past Saturday. The Sandinistas had another more massive rally designed to block the oppistion's. Police did it's best to keep both sides apart and avoid a bloodbath.

2011-03-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

Corinto en calma ante alerta de tsunami

2011-03-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Entrevista Multimedios

2011-03-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

Protesta de Rejudin

2011-02-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

Rejudin busca su camara robada en el PLC

2011-02-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

Poetry Festival in Granada

2011-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Day I Was Kidnapped

Less then 30 days since my arrival at LA PRENSA as photo editor 8 years ago I was kidnapped along with the newsroom by drunken, crazed former Contra rebel.

That afternoon things got crazy when news broke that former president Aleman's son had died. TV screens flashed images of his body arriving at the hospital and the radio first reported that he had died in an ambush. Actualy he died of carbon monoxide poisoning trying to rescue some workers in his farm.

Tirso Moreno an ex contra revolutionary rebel was driving by our newspaper when he heared the news, he turned his car around and entered the newspaper armed and furious. Aleman had been a target of our newspaper for the multiple curruption charges that where levelled against him during his administration.

Our newsroom went crazy, our editor in chief complained of shortness of breath and was rushed to the hospital, and as I walked out to take a breath of fresh air I found Tirso Moreno, a gun in both his hands, locked in a stand off with one our security guards. They both where aiming thier guns at each other, and as I walked out into this surreal scene, Tirso turned one of the guns on me asking, "Who are you?" I responded by putting my hands in the air and said "Nobody."

Then he turned to the guard and told him in a cold voice, "Give me your gun or I will shoot the Chele."(Nicaraguan slang for blonde) As I tried to get out of the way he took the guard's weapon and slid behind me, placing the barrel of a gun into the small of my back. This way, we walked into the newsroom.

He screamed "Aqui esta la Contra!" and as he waved one gun into the air I managed to slip away from his grip, as he walked further into the newsroom. I went to the bathroom as I knew it had a window leading to the outside, but only managed to make it to the ladies room where 30 other people where already hiding.

After a few minutes shots rang out. All I could think about was the St. Louis shooting in one of the newspapers in the 1980's and that I definitly needed to get out of there. I walked out of the bathroom and again was met by the gunman as he returned back into the newsroom after exchanging gunfire with the security guards. I made three attempts to get out.

On the third one, as he was looking the other way, I made a brake for it. I ran out the door, half expecting to be shot in the back. As I made it out I found several dozen police officers and of course our photographers trying to get into the newsroom.

For me it was over, I was outside and got a terrible case of the shakes. I called my wife at work and since she was not available I just left a message telling her that I was alright. I walked into a neighboring restuarant and sat in the bathroom for about 10 minutes untill I regained my composure.

After a couple of hours and barricading himself in the photo department the gunman eventualy turned himself over to the police. Nobody was hurt. All we had was frayed nerves.

We carried on into the business of publishing next day's edition. We had a massive paper to publish with two massive stories.

I still find it incredible that we all got together, souped our film, wrote our stories, and published next day's paper.

Several days after, I started recieving threatening phone calls, since Tirso Moreno, the gunman, was now beeing charged and I was one of the witnesses of the prosecution.

I took different routes back home, at night. I would drive past my house several times before actually stoping to open the gate, and could not sleep for weeks.

Tirso got time served, since he was drunk and did not hurt anybody. After that things calmed down and went back to normal, or as normal as life in Nicaragua can be.

Any way here are some of images from that day.

2010-12-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Another soccer final...another soccer riot!

2010-11-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Narcos son traídos a Managua

2010-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Como siempre, la espada y la cruz. En pleno siglo XXI y todavía estoy lidiando con dictadores, militares y la iglesia. Yo pensé que para estos tiempos esto solo lo vería en los comics de Tintin con el general Tapioca! Manejando por Managua me encuentro las pintas "Viva la revolución, Viva Daniel" y pancartas con la cara de Daniel al estilo Orwell exhortando la revolucion "solidaria, cristiana y socialista" y flanqueado por los proceres de la patria, Ruben Dario, Sandino, Andres Castro, mientras el hombre se rellana los bolsillos con dinero del petroleo venezolano al mejor estilo somocista. LA PRENSA, con todas sus faltas y errores se convierte en el unico foco real de oposición. Me doy cuenta que la historia en Nicaragua va en circulos concentricos cerrados.

2010-11-01T08:34:00.001-07:00

2010-10-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

2010-10-13T10:13:00.001-07:00

Tipitapa river back to it's former self.

2010-09-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Rains strike Managua

2010-09-03T16:31:00.001-07:00

Turtles arrive to lay egs

2010-07-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

Something I published w while ago

2010-07-05T12:24:00.001-07:00

Protesta Antisandinista en Boaco

Foto de Oswaldo Rivas. Copyright Oswaldo Rivas.

2010-05-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Colleauges getting shot in Bangcock.

Freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi, 48, of Italy lies on a stretcher at Police Headquarter Hospital Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand, after being shot during a government crackdown on anti-government protestors. Polenghi was later pronounced dead by Thai doctors. At least three other journalist were injured in the day long push against anti-government protestors. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

Journalists lie down and take cover during a gun battle between Thai army and anti-government protesters at Lumpini park in downtown Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Seven leaders of Thailand's Red Shirt protesters have surrendered to authorities after a deadly army assault on their fortified encampment. (AP Photo/ Manish Swarup)

** EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT ** An unidentified journalist and a Thai soldier lie injured after a grenade launcher was fired by anti-governemnt protesters during an operation to crackdown on the Red Shirt movement, Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai troops opened fire Wednesday into the fortified encampment of anti-government protesters in downtown Bangkok, ramming armored vehicles into its tire-and-bamboo barricade in what appeared to be a final crackdown after a week of deadly clashes. (AP Photo)

An unidentified injured journalist is helped by fellow newsmen after a grenade launcher was fired by anti-government protesters during an operation to crackdown on the Red Shirt movement Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai troops opened fire Wednesday into the fortified encampment of anti-government protesters in downtown Bangkok, ramming armored vehicles into its tire-and-bamboo barricade in what appeared to be a final crackdown after a week of deadly clashes. (AP Photo)

Journalist and onlookers seek cover while shots are fired at anti-government demonstrators Friday, May 14, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Anti-government protesters also set fire to a police bus down the street from Japanese and U.S. embassies in central Bangkok after troops fired tear gas Friday in a burst of new violence after nightlong clashes left one person dead. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)

2010-05-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

University Students duke it out in Managua

2010-05-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Short video on the Las Canoas Dam

2010-04-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

The women di it!

Nicaragua 2 Honduras 1

2010-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

The instituonal crisis in Nicaragua

President Daniel Ortega wants to be re-elected although the Nicaraguan constitution strictly prohibits it.

He has ruled by decree that key government officials such as supreme court judges and electoral comission magistrates can continue in their posts even after their terms have run out, wihout ratification from congress. Opposition parlamentarians are furious and were locked out of the parliament building and then layed siege to, at their party headquarters by sandinista supporters.

Politics as usual , Ortega style.

here are some videos.

2010-04-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Empieza la violencia politica en Nicaragiua

Turbas a favor de Daniel Ortega sitiaron la ciudad y a la asamblea legislativa. Despues atacaron a los diputados de la oposición en el Hotel Holiday Inn.

2010-04-16T13:54:00.001-07:00

El problema con la rotonda

2010-04-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Holy Smokes!

Easter Thursday Mass at Managua's Cathedral

Or check it out a little bigger at LA PRENSA TV web page

2010-01-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Crónica por Tomas Stargardter

Al llegar a Puerto Príncipe lo primero que te golpea los sentidos es la actividad del Aeropuerto Toussant-Louverture. El edificio esta condenado pero sigue en uso parcialmente. Acostumbrado a la seguridad y parsimonia de los aeropuertos modernos este tiene la celeridad de un chorro de agua. Te bajas de el avión en la pista de carreteo y caminas entre todo tipo de aeronaves. Helicópteros, aviones de carga, aviones de pasajeros, todos civiles y militares, despegando y aterrizando cada minuto. Sobre el césped, una mesa de soldados de los Estados Unidos le ponen orden a las aeronaves con un par de binoculares y un radio. Caminas rápido entre el ruido de hélices y reactores hasta llegar al destruido edificio principal. Aunque este no se desplomo, se encuentra agrietado y condenado a ser demolido. Avanzas rápido, pides direcciones a funcionarios de la ONU y la primera realidad te llega de repente. Esto es un desorden y nadie sabe nada. Nadie pide papeles ni pasaportes. Nadie sabe donde esta nadie y solo te hacen pasar rápidamente hasta llegar al estacionamiento donde el olor, olor a muerte, humo, diesel, polvo y basura atacan tus sentidos. Miles de personas, todos Haitianos rodean el área. Unos piden ayuda, otros buscan clientes entre los “blanch” que arriban.

En el área del aeropuerto internacional se encuentran las instalaciones de las Naciones Unidas. La ONU esta a cargo de Haití pero en estos días nadie tiene idea de nada. Las múltiples instalaciones de la ONU son una verdadera Babel y nadie parece estar a cargo. El gobierno Haitiano que en sus buenos tiempos antes de la tragedia era apenas una sombra de orden y progreso, ahora esta totalmente disfuncional. El presidente Preval brilla por su ausencia.

Inmediatamente el daño del terremoto es visible para el visitante a Puerto Príncipe. Miles de casas y estructuras en el piso, o dañadas irremediablemente. Tendrán que destruir toda la ciudad y volverla a reconstruir. De las miles de estructuras destruidas el olor a muerte destila de sus entrañas.

La comparación con el terremoto de Managua de 1972 es ineludible. Al igual que Managua, el centro comercial de Puerto Principe ha sufrido el mayor daño. No hay ninguna edificación que no haya sido dañada. La gran mayoría completamente destruida. A los 8 días de pasado el terremoto ya los cuerpos han sido retirados de la calles. La ONU reportó haber enterrado mas de 90 mil personas en las fosas comunes en las afueras de la ciudad, pero los edificios destruidos están llenos de cadáveres en descomposision. Una mujer a medio salir de una tienda de zapatos. A un metro de la vida quedo enterrada hasta la cintura y al menos murió viendo la luz del sol. Un par de zapatos nuevos de hombre todavía en sus manos. Ni los saqueadores se han atrevido a quitarle los zapatos de sus manos muertas.

La catedral de Puerto Príncipe al igual a la de Managua no aguanto la embestida del terremoto. Su nave central colapso dejando solo las paredes externas. Decenas de cuerpos yacen bajo los escombros de sus puertas. Victimas que estuvieron a solo metros de la vida pero quedaron atrapados en el umbral de la puerta. Los feligreses, en el estacionamiento de la catedral, todavía lloran la muerte de su Arzobispo en la tragedia.

En el centro al igual que Managua, los sobrevivientes están saqueando los despojos de los comercios y viviendas destruidas. Cientos de hombres y mujeres se encaraman sobre las montañas de escombros para poder sacar cualquier cosa de valor. Caminan sobre cuerpos semienterrados y se dedican por completo a su labor ignorando la muerte bajo sus pies. Solo la presencia esporádica de la policía los detiene y a la menor sospecha echan a correr. La policía de Puerto Príncipe ya ha ejecutado a varios saqueadores en las calles del centro. Además la cárcel de la ciudad se vació de todos los internos que ahora caminan libres por las calles. La policía hace lo que puede y toma lo que quiere.

Al llegar al centro, un comerciante de telas trae a un camión blindado de transporte de valores para rescatar la caja fuerte de su negocio. La caja sobrevivió intacta. Sus clientes no. Decenas de hombres laboran para mover la caja bajo la mirada de los agentes de seguridad privados del carro blindado y la de cientos de Haitianos que miran la operación con ojos lujuriosos. Los clientes de la tienda yacen bajo los escombros. Un cráneo se asoma por un lado y una mano por otro. Ya todos estamos acostumbrados al olor a muerte y se hace casi imperceptible mientras todos se aplican a sus labores. Después de media hora la caja es rescatada. Los agentes de seguridad declaran victoria y salen despedidos con el dueño y la caja dentro del camión. A los braceros que ayudaron a subir la caja se les paga su labor con telas que salen de los escombros.

Al atardecer se nos recomendó a todos los “blanch” regresar a nuestros centros de trabajo. Dicen que no es seguro trabajar de noche. En una carrera para llegar al patio de la casa del director de la oficina del medio ambiente de Haití camino a Petionville, donde tenemos nuestro campamento, me encuentro con una escena increíble. Miles de Haitianos rezando. Todo con los brazos en el aire rogando a Dios que los salve. Un pastor evangélico lidera el rezo pero es una mezcla de católicos, evangélicos, protestantes y demás. Solo cuando un sacerdote Vudu pide el micrófono es que se escucha una negativa. Nadie lo quiere oír y los echan fuera a empujones y golpes.

Puerto Príncipe es una ciudad moribunda. Lo poco que había avanzado bajo el gobierno de Rene Preval y la ayuda de las Naciones Unidas se perdió. Aun así la población se maneja con una dignidad soberbia en unos casos y la desesperación en otros. Todas las plazas son ahora campos de refugiados donde las condiciones de vida son limitadísimas. De día todo el mundo va al rebusque. Hay filas de miles de personas por doquier y la violencia asoma siempre. Los Haitianos siempre tan amables y calidos con los “blanch” se convierten en lobos de sus hermanos Haitianos en un instante. Por un puesto en una fila de comida los mas fuertes siempre salen triunfantes y los débiles se van a casa con hambre y apaleados. Padres con sus hijos frente a la embajada de los Estados Unidos se ven reducidos a rogarle con lagrimas a los soldados que por favor los saquen de Haití. Al final del día, una vez de regreso en sus tiendas de campaña en los campos de refugiados la dignidad vuelve y cosas como el agua y el fuego de cocinar son compartidos al fin.

Según pasan los días las cosas empiezan a mejorar. Los bancos abren. Los supermercados que sobrevivieron vuelven a funcionar por medio día. Todavía no hay luz eléctrica y poca agua potable. Las Naciones Unidas poco a poco empieza a tomar una medida de control sobre la catástrofe.

Cinco días después de mi llegada a Haití voy de regreso a Managua haciendo el recorrido en reverso por el Aeropuerto de Puerto Príncipe. Esta vez hay personal de migración Haitianos que sellan mi pasaporte. Una señal de que las cosas van a volver a la normalidad. Aun así esperamos por nuestro vuelo en la pista de concreto. A nuestro lado hay un avión de la fuerza aérea de los Estados Unidos, uno de Ukrania y uno Chino. Al fin un mundo unido frente al desastre y el sufrimiento de los mas pobres.

Al transitar otra vez de regreso por las calles de Managua las encuentro despobladas y de lo mas limpias y ordenadas. Todo depende de cual infierno venga uno.

2010-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Soccer Action

Dennis Espinoza Goalie for the Walter Ferretti stops the ball. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2009-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Video of Model Karla Leclair

2009-12-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Rivas y Teller

2009-12-14T12:02:00.001-08:00

CNU

2009-11-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Although I was doing video here are some stills from the marches on Saturday.

The morning march was quite peacefull and and as it tunred out quite fun too.

The afternoon march mas a different affair. Although there was no violence the tone was different. The young paramilitary wing of the Sandinistas where out in force. Armed with homemade mortars. Still quite scary.

All Photos Tomas Stargardter

Al images are copyright protected and may not be repruduced without permission.

And a couple of videos of the day.

2009-11-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

European Parlamentarians, the dutch Johanees Cornelis Van Baalen and the Spaniard Josep Soler where the victims of government media apparatchiks when during a press conference given by the two, it was hijacked by the government stooges and had insults thrown at the parlamentarians. Both men accompanied by Nicaraguan politician Eduardo Montealegre leader of the opposition , soldiered on with the press conference but when it was over mayhem broke loose as the government media increased the intensity of their verbal attacks. Montealegre used himslef as bait to decoy the Orteguista party media and allow Van Baalen a clean exit. Van Baalen who was in Nicaragua to help broker a deal with the liberal party factions in order to help them put up a united front for the next elections, was accused by the Sandinista government of meddling in national affairs. The Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Manuel Coronel Kautz ordered his expulsion and called Holland a "paisucho", a despective term. Van Baalen left the country with Soler, unmolested but promised to return to Nicaragua if invited back by the liberals.

2009-11-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Last night as we worked hard on our deadlines after a violent day in the streets of Managua, our Sandinista friends payed us a visit. They shot home made mortars and showered rocks on us. Couple of broken windows and shaky nerves.

2009-10-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

University Students riot in front of the US embassy in Managua

2009-10-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Adriana y Rudy Son libres al fin!!!!

Foto Rodrigo ABD/AP

2009-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Daniel Ortega at the 30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force. (reminds me of somebody...
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Daniel Ortega at the 30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Daniel Ortega at the 30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Daniel Ortega at the 30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Daniel Ortega at the 30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

30th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Police force.
Photos Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2009-09-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

My buddy Oswaldo Rivas (reuters) about to get his head bashed in by a Honduran policeman during yesterdays riots in Tegucigalpa. Oswaldo identified himself to the officer and after a short discussion he was left alone. AFP PHOTO/ Jose CABEZAS

AFP PHOTO/ Jose CABEZAS

2009-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nicaraguan journalist protest the early release of Eugenio Hernandez, killer of fellow journalist Maria Jose Bravo.

2009-09-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Pro Zelaya supporters streamed into the Nicaraguan town of Ocotal. They were taken in by the local government and stayed for some weeks as refugees. Eventualy they all left back to Honduras.
Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission.

2009-09-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

A supporter of Zelaya is murdered in the border town of EL Paraiso. The mob is angry and march his body to the army roadblock and accused the government forces of murdering him. In the end the body is taken back to the capital to be buried.

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

2009-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

IT has been a while since I posted some images. Things have become very busy for the last month in and out of the paper and it it not untill now that I got to post the images form Honduran President Mel Zelaya in Nicaragua. This is form his second trip to Nicaragua and his first to the border to Las Manos. HE breifly jumped the border line into Honduras and then back to safety on the Nicaraguan side.

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

Fotos de Tomas Stargardter - Todos los derechos reservados - Photos Tomas Stargardter - All photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced withouth permission

2009-05-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Reading the Blog post “Tempest in a Teacup” I was astonished on what he had to say. Basically that we run around posing images or telling visual lies in order to get published. I am sorry but that is pure B#LL SH@T.

I do agree that dealing with a lot of text editors with the wrong ideas on what a news photo should be in order to be published is a major pain. I suffer and fight these fools on a daily basis and don’t always win. There is a general lack of imagination in most newspaper editors now days in every respect. I guess that is one of the reasons the papers are dying.

I do agree that most major publications have dropped the ball, reporting on the wars.

But I consider it disrespectful to say that all other photojournalist (wire service or local) are running around posing images or altering them in order to get them published.

In the case of the NYT photojournalist Zachary Canepari, he posed the photo. End of story. Was he telling fiction or reporting about a real interview with a real person. The moment he got up and put the AK47 in the hands of this Taliban official to get a better photo, he lost his credibility.

As a photo editor he lost me in two ways. First he has so little imagination that the only way he could make a strong photo was to go and pick up a gun and put in the guy’s hands. That is just as bad as a text editor insisting on a pre conceived photo for his news story. Second If you do not have ethics to tell the truth as you find it then you are in the wrong business.

In my 25 years of experience in Latin America, in this business I have found that most photojournalist are way much better journalist than most writers in the newspapers and wire service offices.

I consider it insulting that this blog insinuates that we run around posing images and making up stories that are no true. I see the production of AFP and AP as well as our own daily production every day, and along with the bearded mullahs and women in burqas I see wonderful images of everday life. Not just war and degradation. Then again we are also in the “News” business after all.

In the case of the blue sky photos from Haiti, yes if you see the originals and then se the enhanced ones, they are completely different images. Again, if the only way you can make stirring images from the horror that where the storms in Haiti is by manipulating the images later in photoshop then you need to find yourself another line of business.

I do not care if you are embedded in the US army or trekking with the Taliban or in a walkabout in Haiti. You do not pose the images before or alter them later in post production. You tell the truth as you find it. It is a simple rule.

Of course there are other agenda’s others want to impose on you. People want to manipulate you in the field. But If you are embedded then you report it as such and present your work as is and let the reader decide. But do not go around badmouthing the photojournalists who embedded with the soldiers in Afghanistan are risking their lives to get the images. If they are in that position it’s because for now it is the only way to get images from that story. If you can get in another way and come out alive then more power to you and I guarantee that those images will be published and win awards too.

A a photo editor I will fight to get you the information you need to get the images we want and I will fight to get your best work published when it comes in. As we know planning is one thing and reality is another and as a photojournalist I know you will bring more and better images than the ones originally asked for when we gave out the assignment.

As a photo editor I expect that all of the work that a photojournalist turns in for publication is produced under ethical standards that are common to all of us. You do not lie, you do not pose images, you do not alter the in any way. If you violate these rules in any way then you will no longer work for me, or for the publication that I represent. Again, it’s that simple.

Most of the photojournalist that I know and work with, respect these rules and consider them sacrosant. The few that lie will be thrown out and the vast majority of us will keep on working just fine. So these guys at the Spinning Head blog better go out in the field again and remember what it is to be working out there. If they do not win any prizes and their work is not published then either get better or get out, but do not go about bad mouthing the rest of us for your shortcomings.

by Tomas Stargardter at Sat May 23 18:47:59 UTC 2009

2009-05-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.laprensa.com.ni/archivo/especiales/galerias/20090521-walter-ferreti-esteli-final/

Soccer Final

2009-03-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

A close one.

This amazing image by our LA PRENSA photojournalist Manuel Esquivel was shot at the UNAM campus in Managua. After rival Sandinista factions at the university went after each other. The student on the receiving end was one of the ringleaders which burned down the UNEM student government offices. The student with the machete is defending his campus from being vandalized. Luckily the attack did not go any further and the student was wisked away by red cross medics before he received any injuries. Manuel immediately after making this set of photos removed the CF card and stashed it in his pocket. After someone else asked him if he had made the photo he said no and prudently walked away from the scene and he came back with this amazing image.

One student attempts to stab another after pro Sandinista factions confronted each other at several campuses in Managua. The attacker did not follow through and his inteded victim was evacuates anscathed by the red cross. Photo LA PRENSA/Manuel Esquivel - copyright LA PRENSA

2009-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Political Chaos yesterday, football today.

It was scary yesterday but fun today.

Here are some action images from the game between The Walter Ferretti and the Caciques del Diriangen for the leadership of the national championship. The remote worked beautiful today. Got some cool images with it. Working slaved to the D200 and the 400 mm. Here are the pics.

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Caciques del Diriangen and the Walter Ferretti this Sunday 1 of March at the National IND stadium in Managua. The game ended in a tie, 2 goals a piece. Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRE NSA/Tomas Stargardter

2009-02-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

Estefania LAcayo for our Sunday Supplement.

Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Photo LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2009-02-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Had a D90 in my hands today. So we had a little fun with our preeminent sports photographer. Miguel Lorio is the best sports shooter in the country so we picked on him today with the 10mm.

enjoy

Well It`s sure a fun video camera. The one problem I found is that since it is manual focus the inability to focus from the viewfinder is a a big problem. Fine focusing from the video screen is not very easy in street conditions.

TS

2008-11-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

Since my last entry as I foretold things got really bad for us in the streets.

Our friends Miguel Alvarez from AFP was hit with a rock on the head as he arrived to Leon to cover the opposition march on November 15. Oswaldo Rivas of REUTERS was hit by a black gunpowder home made mortar. It hit in the ankle and took him out for a week.

Both Miguel and Oswaldo are ok.

Ivan Olivares of CONFIDENCIAL was hit with the flat side of a machete and then these thugs tried to stab him in the chest. He managed to move out of the way just in time. He recieved a superficial cut in the chest as the bayonet sliced by.

Our Photojournalist German Miranda of LA PRENSA was detained illegaly by a large group. Five vehicles blocked our truck as it drove by and they dragged him out of the truck. They held him and the driver for an hour. Interogated him and them took pictures of him and his id papers. Then they made him erase his cards. Then they told him that if any images where published they now knew his name and where he lived and that they would come looking for him.

We recovered the images but at his request did not publish the images out of fear for his life. German Miranda is one of the bravest photojournalist that I have ever met. He is also the most respected photojournalist in Nicaragua, renouned for his integrity and sense of justice. He has been in combat, hurricanes, earthquakes and has never shied away form getting the image. This is a first for him. A first for all of us.

Also a car carrying a crew for TV Channel 2 was attacked. Tha car was destroyed as police watched close by.

Our Photojournalist Julissa Morales of LA PRENSA was also threatened with bodily harm as she took pictures during the march. She was escorted along with an independent cameraman and then they tried, first to steal her camera and then they wanted her cards. Julissa told them in no uncertain terms that if they wanted her gear they would to come and get it themselves, or at least try. They backed off. The Cameraman was forced to surrender his tape to these thugs.

Oswaldo Rivas of Reuters is hit by a home made mortar shell. He recieved a nastry cut in the ankle and was concussed by the explosion. Photo HOY/Oscar Navarrete - Copyright DIARIO HOY

Oswaldo Rivas of Reuters is hit by a home made mortar shell. He recieved a nastry cut in the ankle and was concussed. He is helped by Esteban Felix of AP (wearing the helmet and several others who tried to get his wallet and his gear.) Photo DIARIO HOY/Oscar Navarrete - Copyright DIARIO HOY

Miguel Alvarez of AFP nurses his head after being by a rock in the head in the city of Leon. Photo LA PRENSA German Miranda - Copyright LA PRENSA

A TV cameraman is forced to surrender his tape as LA PRENSA photojournalist Julissa Morales holds her ground against party thugs sent to intimidate the press. Photo DIARIO HOY Nelson Marenco - Copyright Diario HOY

A TV Channel 2 vehicle is destroyed in plain sight of police. Photo LA PRENSA Bismarck Picado - Copyright LA PRENSA

2008-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

It has beeen three days since we had our regional elections in Nicaragua. It has been almost three months since the pressure has been steadily building up.

The Sandinista Party under the leadership of Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, is no believer in the democratic system and in the wisdom of the marketplace of ideas. Actually he does not believe in any market.

All of our staff has been hassled, one way or another by the party faithful. So far none of us have been attacked although its getting to the point when something´s got to give.

The Sandinista Party has commited an election fraud on such a massive scale that we are aghast in disbelief. When we all arrived from the shooting in the field on election Sunday we all came to the same conclusion. They are committing a massive election fraud. Our shooters were barred from entering many polling stations. We were chased out of others and had serious discussions with election officials about freedom of the press to no avail. They did not want any witnesses. But the scale was so large that it was impossible to hide.

People have been hurt. Threats are the order of the day for all independent media. Party thugs roam city intersections with clubs and machetes and are willing to do harm to anybody identified as an independent journalist not affiliated with the Sandinista Party run newspapers, radios, or TV stations.

Our shooters are doing wonders. Each day they come back with amazing images and avoid any serious injuries. They have been spat on, pushed and shoved and chased a couple of times. Government flunkies take pictures of our staff working in the streets. We take pictures of them, and publish them just in case. Today our shooters had to deny that they worked for our paper. ”No No I work for an international agency” said one of my top photojournalist to party thugs today, when asked if he worked for LA PRENSA. And proceeded to give a bogus identity to get acces to the intersection where the party supportes where vandalizing private property.

He fooled them and got some amazing images for our front page and stories inside. It's not easy to get good images when you see a taxi full of thugs with machetes loocking for journalists to beat up. And yet he managed to get this great image.

Today a pro Sandinista radio journalist was attacked by masked men. He was shook up pretty bad. Cuts and bruises and really scared.

As soon as the news broke of his attack we became fair game. The Nicaraguan police sent a squad of riot police in riot gear to protect our buiding since the word out in the street was that the party thug squads where coming to LA PRENSA to burn it down. As well as other opposition entities such as Etica y Transparencia an election watch dog organization, and the party headquarters of the the opposition party of Eduardo Montealegre, the Liberal Party candidate running for mayor of Managua, who is challenging the legality and transparency of these elections.

Needless to say security has stiffened at the paper, since we have already been bombed several times in the history of paper. During my first week at the paper six years ago the newsroom was taken hostage by a heavely armed crazed drunken madman with me and most of my photo staff bearing the brunt of that event. I was the first one he took at gunpoint to gain acces to the newsroom. So security was beefed up today. Gates where locked. Extra security guards where called in and access has been restricted.

At Etica y Transparencia the offices, documents, computers and personnel where evacuated immediately. At the Montealegre party headquarters people got ready to repel an attack by building barricades. Police mobilized to all of these places as well, but no attack has materialized so far.

Riot police squads where all around the city but the real action happened in downtown Managua where the thugs attacked anybody going through the Metrocentro roundabout, One on Managua’s main intersections. The place is just a couple of blocks from the Nicaraguan police national headquarters but the police did nothing as these people ran amuck destroying property and beating people up. The Sandinista Party has coopted the police too.

As I write this I have one half of our photo staff on standby tonight as we wait for something big to happen. What is it, we do not know. But we are all tired and weary of the future in this country.

I have nothing but contempt for politicians who are willing to send stooges to die for them in the streets. It means that they believe life to be worthless. People like this will not hesitate to have somebody killed, as has already happened here several times. The editor of LA PRENSA was gunned down killed by the previous dictatorship in the late 1970's.

This wonderful country, full of friendly people and beautiful scenery is cursed by its political class who have always shown to be callous and willing to shed somebody elses blood in their quest for power.

Woe to any nation that celebrates its Warrior Poets. Violence and passion bode nothing but grief. Give me countries that enshrine teachers and peasants. The values of education and hard work. Nicaragua loves its poets and its political class adores its warriors and warlords of its recent past.

I would vote for any president that has worked for a living, sometime in his life. They know the value of work and how difficult it is to make a living. They will be careful on how the spend your tax money and will always look out for the interest of the nation and its people. Just look at Lula in Brasil. A metal shop operator most of his life. Look at Walesa in Poland, and electrician. It should be required that you have at least ten years experience working in the real world before you are allowed to enter politics.

But anyway, these are difficult times to be a photojournalist for LA PRENSA. We are menaced where ever we go and are denied access to all government functions or activities. We manage to cover our assignments through our experience and our wits. But my guess is that sooner rather than later our good fortune will run out and somebody is going to get hurt.

PS
This post was written a day a go and nothing has happened so far. Things calmed down this Thursday, but the air is still heavy with expectation.

2008-10-14T14:10:00.001-07:00

Story about Finnish absentee parents in Nicaragua. They came to help in the war torn 1980's and left several children behind. Raimito and his mother at thier house in Managua. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-10-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Vulture for lunch in Nicaragua.

MY latest job for a Finnish Magazine.

2008-08-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Envy

Illustration in for the Sunday Magazine. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-07-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

17 year old Yaritza Pineda plays withe her parrots Yaremi and Robin near the farm of Timal, about 50 km. north of Managua. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-06-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

2008-06-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Former Sandinista Guerrilla Comander Dora Maria Tellez started a hunger strike this Wednesday, pissed off at the government lead by her former revolutionary comrade Daniel Ortega. Tellez founded a Sandinista Reform party that riled the rank and file of the mainstream Sandinista Party. Now back in power, Daniel Ortega wants to erase the refrom Sandinista party off the books before the municipal elections in a couple of months.

here are the pics.

Dora Maria Tellez (sitting in the hammock) starts her hunger strike. She is flanked by a MRS supporter. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

A MRS supporter in the streets of Managua. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-06-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

This past week we woke up all of sudden, in the middle of a Pacific Ocean tropical strom that threatened to become the first hurricane of the season. It was a surprise for all. First that it came on the wrong side. Usually most hurricanes and/or tropical storms come in from the Caribbean. This one came strait from the Pacific and it made a beeline for the city of Leon, my wife's home town, and it made land fall at Poneloya. A quiet little beach town where we have our beach house.

I got the call while I was in Teustepe, about 100 km. north of Managua. As soon as I got it, I called my wife to let her know and for her to call my inlaws and warn them. I drove back like a madman to Managua and my shooting buddy Oswaldo asked for lift since he was without any tranportation. Two are always better than one so I picked him up as soon as I got back to Managua and we drove quickly towards Leon.

The clouds where black and threatening. The winds started to pick up and trees and power lines and posts where down all along the way. Leonel my brother in law called on the cell phone and told us his roof was gone and that the winds had blown down all the trees in his farm.

As we got closer to Leon rain came in horizontaly and the wind treatened to flip us over a couple of times. Visibility was also bad so we had to slow down for a while.

As soon as we got to Leon the first half of the storm had passed. We drove through down town where wreckage and trees and telephone posts where down. We had to weave in and out of one way streets just to get through town and make it to Poneloya for the second part of the storm.

We did a little off road driving in my pick up truck and made it to Poneloya just as the winds where picking up again. Then we watched the awsome spectacle.

The storm winds picked up sand from the beach, rain and seawater and drove it horizontally inland at high speed. Roofs and tree branches where flying about, but since we where at the beach our only concern was for the swells washing over the road. Since it never arrived as a hurricane the tropical storm was just strong enough to scare you but it did little harm.

The wind driven sand felt like sandpaper and we only dared to shoot from the open window on the downwind side of the truck. Otherwise it would have destroyed our gear and sandblasted off a layer of skin. To bad I still did not have my video camera since it would have been quite an interesting opener for the new video camera.

Then we drove back to Leon. We went to my inlaws house since it has a power plant and electricity was available. I found Ivan, my other brother inlaw with his freind there, so we ate and traded the gossip of the day as me and Oslwaldo edited the images on our laptops. We had power but no way to communicarte since cell phone service was also down, so we drove back to Managua to deliver our images. How wished I had a sat phone.

Only two fatalities where reported as two men came into contact wiht live downed electricity wires.

About one thousand homes where damaged.

Power, potable water, phone service and internet where cut off for the next couple days in Leon.

Eventually all is coming back to normal.

Apart form the tree and telephone posts that the storm felled by the thousands.

All in a days work. In the morning working on a story on absentee parents in one side of a central american republic and in the afternoon working on a tropical storm on the other side of the country.

here are some of the pics.

Tropical storm Alma tears through Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Children look at the rain from a window of a temporary shelter in Leon. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Tropical storm Alma tears through Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Tropical storm Alma tears through Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Tropical storm Alma tears through Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Tropical storm Alma tears through Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

A man is evacuated form Poneloya. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Bicycle in Leon. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Residents of Leon walk to shelter. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Leon. The day after. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-03-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

In a day that Daniel Ortega broke off diplomatic relations with Colombia I got this nice shot of sweat bees in the streets of Managua. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-02-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Please Don't Feed the Photogs

Slow day at the office. :)

2008-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Last lunar eclipse of the decade in the Northern hemispher of the Americas.

Lunar Eclipse from Managua. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-02-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

Fidel Castro

2008-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

I had the romote set up this sunday for the local Managua Derby. The Walter Ferretti vs. America. Ferretti trounced America 4 to 1. The first half everything worked ok. and I got this simultaneous image of goalie Dennis Espinoza diving for the ball.

Then the second half got started. I forgot to turn on the remote and missed three other goals that would have looked pretty good on the remote with the 10mm lens.

It goes to show that if you loose your concentration for just a second (the second that it took to turn off the remote transmiter), you might loose the shot. At least the stuff shot withthe 400mm came out pretty darn good.

here are the pics.

Ferretti goalie Dennis Espinoza "El Pulpo" dives for the ball. With 10mm on tripod with remote control behind the goal. The romote firing coordinated with the primary camera with the 400mm. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Ferretti goalie Dennis Espinoza "El Pulpo" dives for the ball. With 400mm f/2.8. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Walter Ferretti and America this Sunday Feb 17 at the IND. Ferretti defeated America 4 to 1. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Walter Ferretti and America this Sunday Feb 17 at the IND. Ferretti defeated America 4 to 1. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Walter Ferretti and America this Sunday Feb 17 at the IND. Ferretti defeated America 4 to 1. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Action between the Walter Ferretti and America this Sunday Feb 17 at the IND. Ferretti defeated America 4 to 1. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2008-02-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Special Ops Command of the Nicaraguan Army.

Photos by Oswaldo Rivas.

2008-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Nicaraguan ex president got thrown back into house arrest. He was non to happy.

Arnoldo back into house arrest. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2008-01-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Nicaraguan Soccer Final. Real Esteli once again defeated the Caciques del Diriangen for the national title. bummer...

Diriangen Fans hoping for a miracle. Real Esteli vs. Caciques del Diriangen. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Soccer Action. Real Esteli vs. Caciques del Diriangen. Finally got a semi decent shot with the RC camera behind the opposite goal. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Soccer Action. Real Esteli vs. Caciques del Diriangen. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Soccer Action. Real Esteli vs. Caciques del Diriangen. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Diriangen Fans get wet. Real Esteli vs. Caciques del Diriangen. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2008-01-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Anti Ortega March that wasn't much but I got at least one decent shot out of it.

Protester at Anti Daniel Ortega march. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2008-01-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

Before I left for the Christmas holiday I covered a couple of events. First as I was closing down the office at almost midnight when a fire broke out at the Oriental Market. Just a few kilometers from the paper. Being the last man out, Why not. I was till in shorts and tennis shoes from covering a couple a football games that afternoon and lo and behold I find myself in a major fire.

In Nicaragua as a photojournalist you can get away with stuff that would be impossible in the states. Access is unrestricted at a fire scenes, since we have two firefighting forces. One is the volunteer force and the other belongs to the ministry of the interior. You get to know most of them on a friendly basis and things are a little relaxed. That day, every time the fire was almost controlled they would both run out of water so it would flare up again. They would have to wait for another tanker truck to start again.

The Oriental market is the largest in Central America and it grows like a cancer in Managua's northern end. The first time I visited it it was the closest I have ever felt to being in the middle ages. It's crisscrossed with inside alleys and locked gates so it's always difficult to put fires out in it. Usually when one starts it takes out a full block, as this one eventually did.

So here I was walking with wet tennis shoes, in shorts, through a major fire scene, with electrical cables down, thinking this is not too smart.

Here are some images from that. Wished I would have had a D3 with its high ISO rating but the D200 did ok.

The red cross guys had to come in with their equipment and crack open locked gates so that the firemen could do their thing. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Two volunteer fire fighters went down with smoke inhalation. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Fire at Managua's Oriental Market. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

A couple of parrots had to be evacuated form a house cloes by. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2008-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

It was the 28 of December and I was a little bored and hung over, so i did this little slide show of my daughter Eugenia playing with a soccer ball at Poneloya beach.

photos and copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

This is the conundrum we face very day.

If you like this one check out the rest.

http://whattheduck.net/

2007-11-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

Circus came to visit today.

Here are some of the images.

Me at work. Photo LA PRENSA/Rene Ortega - Copyright LA PRENSA/Rene Ortega

Elephant. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

White Tiger. Photo Tomas Stargardter - Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-10-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

This is the cover of Manuel Esquivel's Photo book. His first book. It's on the plight of the Nicaraguan banana workers and their poisoning with agricultural pesticides.

It's a story that he worked at for one year and I edited for the paper. The book itself is a project that The Central American History Institue helped us with. Claudia Gordillo edited the book and Margarita Vannini gave us a hand with the money.

Thanks to all involved.

It's not much but it's our baby.

2007-10-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Things We do for a living...

Our freinds in Caracas having a good time.

Photo Pedro Rey/AFP Copyright Pedro Rey /AFP

2007-09-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

While I am at it, I shot this game this Saturday. It was the Ave Maria College Knights in Blue vs the UCC Lobos in Black. Again it was nice just to go out and shoot. Don't seem to do much of that of lately. Help's clear my mind or at least takes my mind of other troubles, around this god forsaken country. Could be worse. I could be living in Bagdad or something.

Any way here are the pics.

American Footbal action between the Ave Mariva College Knights and the UCC Lobos. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

American Footbal action between the Ave Mariva College Knights and the UCC Lobos. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

American Footbal action between the Ave Mariva College Knights and the UCC Lobos. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-09-23T19:03:00.001-07:00

Iposted this in LS today but I thought I was kind enough too share and posted here too.

Soccer Heads

This is for all of you soccer heads. I was covering the national championship all day today and had this interesting discussion with a Nicarguan FIFA Official on what is the official distance shooters can be from the endline and from the corner flag. To tell you the truth I really have no idea, and the FIFA guy was even more lost than me. All he could muster was a picture in his rule book in which the shooters where about ten meters away from the endline. For the last 15 years that I have been working in Central America its been that 2 meters from he endline was the golden rule. From the corner flag I have really no idea but I laways try to stay at least 3 meters away from it.

Also I have a camera with a 10 mm and a remote and a tripod way down behind the goal. The guy told me it had to be 1 meter away fron the end line. I know TV has mini’s inside the goal intself and boom mikes and cameras a lot closer than one meter. So what’s the rule?

Does any body know?

I am downloading images as I write. So if anybody knows or sure let me know.

thanks

TS

Edit Delete by Tomas Stargardter at Sun Sep 23 23:43:53 UTC 2007 (ed. Sep 24 2007) Managua, Nicaragua | Bookmark this | Digg this |
Ahh!! the wonders of google and the internet.
here it its if anybody is interested.

“National Associations, particularly in international matches, should restrict the number of photographers around the field of play. have a line (photographers’ line) marked behind the goal-lines at least two meters from the corner flag going through a point situated at least 3.5 meters behind the intersection of the goal- line with the line marking the goal-area to a point situated at least six meters behind the goal-posts. prohibit photographers from passing over these lines, forbid the use of artificial lighting in the form of “flashlights” “

Soccer action between the Deportivo Walter Ferrtti vs. Masatepe in today's games for the Nicaraguan National Championship. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Soccer action between the Deportivo Walter Ferrtti vs. Masatepe in today's games for the Nicaraguan National Championship. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Soccer action between Real Madriz (yes that's right, Real MAdriz) vs. Deportivo America in today's games for the Nicaraguan National Championship. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-07-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Free Bilal Petition Web Page

Hi all,

It has been a while since my last post buy things have been a little crazy and I have been stuck in this wierd depression.

But It takes something important to get you going again.

visit the link and sign the petition.

2007-01-21T00:55:00.000-08:00

After Marathon politics with Daniel Ortega and his visitors I covered one of those events that makes Nicaragua my favorite place in the world to photograph. The Feast of San Sebastian. The city of Diriamba celebrtes the feast in such a way as to be able to be both pagan and orthodox catholic. It is the perfect mix of both cultures, Mesoamerican and Spanish. We can see how the native americans adopted what suited them from the catholic religious symbolism and adapted it to their own set of existing beliefs. The colonial Spanish authoriteis where happy enough to let it happen as long as it happened under the guise of the catholic church. It's the same all over Latin America. Any way it is God's gift to photographers.

here are the pics.

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

Celebration of the feast of San Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua 2007. Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyright Tomas Stargardter

You can also see the podcast below.

2007-01-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

The third scene of our play was done with the visit of the President of Iran. At least we got some decent images out of the event. Ortega took him to the slums of Managua, Barrio Cuba where they held thier political theater again it was hard work, lugging gear and running all around the city. I got the pool duty on his afternoon prayers at the Islamic Center in Managua.

here are the pics,

Daniel and Mahmud go up the stairs hand in hand. Photo Tomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Doing the chant thing. "El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!" Photo Tomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Local girl in costume gets carried away with exitement. Photo Tomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Up a tree waiting for the presidents. Photo Tomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Local boy sells icecream. Photo Toomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

President Ahmadinejad prays at the Nicaraguan Islamic Center. Photo Tomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Daniel and Mahmud in Daniels's Mercedes Benz SUV. Photo Toomas Stargardter Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-01-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

The second act of our leftist party left me with these two jewels. What impression did I get form them? Well Daniel Ortega we know, he is a pragmatist or an oppurtunist. Hugo Chavez is blow hard with wads of money to spend and Evo Morales is the real deal. Of the three, Evo, the only true beleiver probably will not last. That's just my guess.

Latin America is turning to the the promises of the left. After years of getting reamed by the rght wing and neoliberal governments they have had it. There has been economic growth. That is their only claim. But cronyism, currpution, and incompetence has been rampant in an epic scale. The wave of demcoracy that swept Latin America in the 90's is failing because our governments have failed us, and we have failed to make them acountable. To paraphrase Shakespeare "The blame is not in the stars but in ourselves."

At least these new leftist governments will spend more money on the dispossed which are the great majority in Latin America and we hope that instead of stealing the money they will at least spend it wisely.

here are the pics.

The two revolutionary commanders salute themselves. Photo Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

Revolutionary Chic! Daniel Ortega drives Hugo Chavez around Managua in his Mercedes Benz SUV with expired licence plates... Photo Tomas Stargardter Photo Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we had our great leftist party. Our new President Daniel Ortega was sworn in as president and Evo Morales of Bolivia and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela where the guests of honor. After the main ceremony, we went to the Juan Pablo II plaza to a larger celebration and better pictures. Incidentaly the swearing ceremony was delayed for about two hours because Hugo Chaves came late. After his own inauguration in Venezuela he sped in his jet to Nicaragua to attend our ceremony and we all had to wait patiently for him to arrive. (He is paying for the party for the next 5 years, so I guess it would have been rude to start without him.) any way it was a greulling day's and night's work.

Hugo, Dnaiel and Evo. Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

Thats them again. Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

And the crowd goes wild. Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

Ortega brandishes a sword, replica of the original one used by Simon Bolivar that Hugo Chavez brought to him as a present. Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

Tha man himself. Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

"El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido" Foto Tomas Stargardter copyright Tomas Stargardter

2007-01-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

Nicaraguan President Electo Daniel Ortega will be inaugurated as president tomorrow. Preparation are on the way. HEra rea a couple.

Nicaraguan Army Artillery partices its 21 gun salute this tuesday afternoon in preparation for the inuagution of Presiden Daniel Ortega. Photo Tomas Stargardter / copyright Tomas Stargardter

A welder puts the finishing touches on a tower that will be used at the celebration of the Plaza de la Fe. Photo Tomas Stargardter / copyright Tomas Stargardte

2007-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

FREE JAIME RAZURI

2006-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

2006-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

I had these up on my family blog but I just like them too much not to share.
Here are my girls at a dam in Leon.

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter - copyrigt Tomas Stargardter

2006-12-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Today, art to illustrate a radio piece that will run in our next issue of Magazine.

Radio Illustation. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2006-12-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had a change of pace. Yes! American Football. It was the final between The Ave Maria College Knights and the American University of Managua Guerreros. I have to admit that at first I felt a little out of place covering American Football here in Managua. But after a while the old habbits kicked in and I was shooting it like it was a KU vs. Oklahoma game back in my student days. Although it smacked a little of cultural imperialism and elitism It was quite fun. The game was a tight one. In the end the UAM Guerreros dominated with their powerful running game. The game was decided only late in the 4th quarter.

here are the pics.

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Action between the UAM Guerreros and the Ave Maria College Knights. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2006-11-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

Thank God the elections are over! Had more stuff on it, but will post it later. This I did today. Something to relax to. Lips for one our women's publications.

Pucker up and enjoy!

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

Photo Tomas Stargardter /Copyright Tomas Stargardter

2006-11-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we had the presidential elections in Nicaragua. I covered Daniel Ortega as he cam in to cast his vote. He was three hours late and other voters who where slated to vote in the same table where made to wait by Ortega's security detail untill hw showed up to vote.

Daniel take takes off in his mercedes benz after casting his vote. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

Voters had to wait for three hours untill Ortega voted. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

A volouteer and Ortega's security deatil wait for him to come and cast his ballot. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

Ortega enters to vote. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

Ortega enters to vote. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

Ortega enters to vote. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

Ortega enters to vote. Poto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright/Tomas Stargardter/LA PRENSA

PS
It is midnight and after 24 hours of going non stop I apologize for uploading the pics in any reasonable order. Hey but at least there up there. We have about 24 hours more to go so there is more to come.

2006-11-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have been kind of lazy the last couple fo weeks. Actually all of October but here is a little taste of what I shot.

Children play in a plastic swiming pool in front of the ruined building in which they live. The building was abandoned since 1972 after it was severely damaged in the '72 earthqauke. They live with their families in the ruins. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

With the presidential elections happening this Sunday all kind of shady characters are coming out of the woodwork. Two gohsts fromt he 1980's Adolfo Calero and Oliver North appeared to try and canvass votes against Sandinista leader and presidential front runner Daniel ORtega. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

The jewish cemetery in Managua. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

A small airplane was swept by high winds off the Managua International Airport runway as it landed. Army, police and firemen look at the scene. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

A small airplane was swept by high winds off the Managua International Airport runway as it landed. Army, police and firemen look at the scene. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

A small airplane was swept by high winds off the Managua International Airport runway as it landed. Army, police and firemen look at the scene. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Pro abortion protester at the police barricades outside the national assembly. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Pro abortion protesters break into the national assembly as riot police try to stop them. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter
- Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

2006-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

The U.S. secretary of defense along with the defense ministers of the Americas arrived today in Managua for a three day meeting on regional security matters. According the the Nica Army press office we would have access to the arrivals at the airport and we arrived as scheduled to the airport entrance. There we where informed that there would be no access, so out we go running the streets getting a security feature for publication.

I got three. Here they are.

Security at the portezuelo overpass on Managua's North Highway for the Meeting of Defense Ministers of the Americas that begin this Sunday Oct 1 2006 in Managua, Nicaragua. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Security at the portezuelo overpass bridge on Managua's North Highway for the Meeting of Defense Ministers of the Americas that begin this Sunday Oct 1 2006 in Managua, Nicaragua. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter

Security atop the portezuelo overpass on Managua's North Highway for the Meeting of Defense Ministers of the Americas that begin this Sunday Oct 1 2006 in Managua, Nicaragua. Foto LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter - Copyright LA PRENSA/Tomas Stargardter