By Lynsey Addario
Photo by Lynsey Addario
I recently read a memoir written by Lynsey Addario. It is packed with insight into a photojournalist life. Including many intense experiences, from being kidnapped to finally finding the love of her life when it seemed like a completely lost cause. She expresses the challenges she faces as a female photojournalist and the things she had to overcome and adapt to as she went along in her work. For example, one of the instances that shows the amount of commitment and also the challenges she faces in her line of work is when she went on assignment right after 9/11 happened. One day, she went out to shoot one of the protests, even dressed properly and in Muslim clothing, many of the men knew she was a foreigner and began to sexually harass her, grabbing her in places she would rather not have strangers grabbing or touching. Even so, she continued to shoot, determined to not back down from getting the images due to simply being a woman. Eventually, it got to the point where it was too much, and too far. She ended up kicking someone behind her, knocking a man out with her heavy camera lens, and asking the men there if they would be okay with random men doing the same thing to their mother or daughter. She then ran off back to where her other male colleagues sat, completely unaware of what she had to endure for her vocation. This instance early on in the start of her life as a photojournalist stood out to me because she had to endure so much, even just to get the bare minimum. It clearly shows her action in this instance, her drive, willingness, and commitment to her work. In her book, she goes on to explain why she would even continue pursuing something that meant sacrificing a lot of time away from family and loved ones, and even pieces of herself. What it is that drives her to this day.
The biggest thing that I took away from looking into her work and reading this memoir, is that photojournalism, especially war/ conflict photography takes a lot more sacrifice, hard-work, and determination than anyone realizes. That a camera really holds a lot of power and you have the ability to use it to show the world what is going on, to relay stories that could bring awareness to wars, conflicts, healthcare issues, etc.
Lynsey has a very distinct style for photographing images that encapsulate and focuses on covering conflicts, wars, human rights issues, and often focusing on women’s issues. Though these photos portray destruction, seemingly hopeless situations, and women who have somehow survived, she made a point in creating compelling, beautiful images. Her hope as she stated was this, “Trying to convey beauty in war was a technique to try to prevent the reader from looking away or turning the page in response to something horrible. I wanted them to linger, to ask questions.”(Pg 146.) I think that is one of the most distinct things about Addario’s work. I’d also like to mention that she personally makes a choice to make it a priority to ask before shooting, not many photojournalists do, but she does it in respect of the subjects.
“The truth is that few of us are born into this work. It is something we discover accidentally, something that happens gradually. We get a glimpse of this unusual life and this extraordinary profession, and we want to keep doing it, no matter how exhausting, stressful, or dangerous it becomes. It is the way we make a living, but it feels more like a responsibility, or a calling. It makes us happy, because it gives us a sense of purpose. We bear witness to history, and influence policy.”(Page 12.) This short explanation of why photojournalists do what they do is actually something I can truly relate to. I don’t really have all the answers as to why, but I do feel the sense of urgency of how important it is, especially as a first-world born, privileged, and free woman. I feel a responsibility to speak up and be able to share on behalf of those who do not have the same freedoms or say-so. To be able to gain access to what most aren’t able to, so you can capture what is happening and relay it to the world.
A few of my favorite photographs of her work, is the Afghan woman in labor(Page 216), the photograph of the boy from Korengal Valley(Page 191), and the most evoking image for me, the photograph of the crying woman(Page 147). The story behind it which she explained in the interview from the creative hour with Nikon, really made it stand out more for me. The Afghan woman in labor; the sky's color and the blue clothes the women were wearing in contrast to the vast drought-like land is stunning, and you can tell that something is going on, but you don’t know quite exactly what. Also, the boy in the Korengal Valley stood out as another of my favorites because the image is so striking, and just looking into his eyes, you wonder what had happened to him. What the story is. Finally, one more example of her work that really stood out to me is the photograph of the woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In particular the shot of one of the women who had been raped, very unfortunately one of many who have gone through the same trauma. This photograph captures a close-up profile of her face as one tear is rolling down her cheek. This photograph struck me to the core. Even before reading about her story, I wanted to cry from just looking at this photograph. It is a beautiful portrait of a beautiful woman who had been put through horrible things that no human should be ever put through.
I would definitely recommend this book. It doesn’t skirt around or romanticize the life of a war/conflict photojournalist. Even for those who aren’t taking a photojournalism class, or even remotely interested in journalism, I believe would benefit from reading this book. It holds new perspectives that might be refreshing. I know for myself I found some of her struggles to be so relatable and her triumphs so encouraging. You get a glimpse into why and what kind of situations many photojournalists and journalists go through to get the content we see on the news. If you are looking for an honest, uncut read, this is for you. You may not agree with the work she does, or the views at which she stands for, but I think that is what makes it so refreshing. It reassures me that there are people still with good intentions and the drive to fight for compassion and truth, even if it means their life is at stake. This book kindled my fire even more about photography and journalism and I cannot express how inspired I am.