Syria

Syria has been devastated by a civil war that began in 2011, resulting in widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. Through his work, David Guttenfelder documents not only physical ruins but also the psychological and cultural damage left behind. These images capture the long-term consequences of war—how violence reshapes daily life, identity, and collective memory long after headlines fade.

North Korea

In his work on North Korea, David Guttenfelder offers a rare and tightly controlled glimpse into one of the world’s most secretive states. Photographing under heavy government surveillance, Guttenfelder captures everyday life shaped by propaganda, isolation, and the cult of leadership. His images often contrast choreographed public displays with quiet, unscripted human moments, revealing how power, ideology, and restriction shape identity, labor, and daily existence beyond official narratives.

Afhganistan

In his coverage of Afghanistan, David Guttenfelder documents the human cost of prolonged war and foreign intervention. His images move beyond combat to focus on daily survival, labor, and vulnerability amid instability. By capturing soldiers, civilians, and landscapes shaped by conflict, Guttenfelder reveals the gap between political promises and lived reality, emphasizing how war reshapes identity, community, and the rhythms of ordinary life over time.

Ukraine

In his documentation of Ukraine, David Guttenfelder captures the human realities of war beyond the battlefield. His photographs focus on civilians navigating destruction, displacement, and uncertainty as daily life is interrupted by violence. Rather than sensationalizing combat, Guttenfelder emphasizes moments of resilience, loss, and endurance, revealing how conflict reshapes homes, identities, and communities. These images highlight the lasting emotional and social consequences of war long after immediate acts of violence occur.

George Floyd

In his coverage of the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, David Guttenfelder documents nationwide protests and moments of collective grief, anger, and resistance. His images focus on crowds, gestures, and emotional expressions that reflect a broader reckoning with racial injustice and police violence in the United States. Rather than isolating a single event, Guttenfelder captures how public spaces become sites of protest, mourning, and demands for systemic change.

Cuba

Through his photography in Cuba, David Guttenfelder explores daily life shaped by political restriction, economic hardship, and cultural resilience. His images often highlight ordinary moments—work, waiting, movement—that reveal how ideology and limited resources influence identity and routine. By focusing on people rather than spectacle, Guttenfelder presents a nuanced portrait of a society navigating isolation, endurance, and quiet persistence beneath official narratives.

Philadelphia/

COVID

In Pain in Philadelphia, David Guttenfelder documents communities affected by gun violence, poverty, and systemic neglect in Philadelphia. His photographs center on grief, trauma, and survival, often capturing intimate moments in homes, hospitals, and neighborhoods. Rather than sensationalizing violence, the work emphasizes its emotional aftermath, revealing how structural inequality shapes daily life and leaves lasting scars on individuals and communities.