Lynsey Addario

 

Photo of Lynsey Addario taken by Nicole Sobecki 

Lynsey Addario vividly documents her time spent photographing moments of war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lybia, and many other locations. This book was impossible to put down, and I have only gotten to chapter 3. Her photos are placed throughout the chapters as she explains each experience she had. The way she articulates each horrifying yet beautiful moment with raw intensity is quite impressive. As the critics mentioned, she is a strong woman entering a man's field while also balancing her own personal life and family. 

I believe her work is exactly what a photojournalist's work should be; inspiring, transcending, full of emotion, and honest. 

Throughout the prelude and first chapter, Addario has a consistent lesson that I admire and would insert into my photography career. That is the safety of the photographer. She encounters hazardous environments, where she documents her fear, the need for safety, and her actions supporting it very well. 

One of my favorite quotes is, "Under it all, however, are the things that sustain us and bring us together: the privilege of witnessing things that others do not; an idealistic belief that a photograph might affect people's souls; the thrill of creating art and contributing to the world's database of knowledge" (Adarrio, 15).

After skimming the book, it's hard to favor just one picture. If I had to, it would be one from The Talibanistan series for the New York Times.  The young man's black and white photo holding his gun very close with two other men behind him, all staring into the camera. The emotion on each of their faces says everything it needs to for this picture. The men look scared, yet being tough. They look sad, hiding behind the automatic weapon that appears bigger than the man holding it. It's a compelling photograph.