It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War

Lynsey Addario’s book, It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War, tells the powerful story of her work as a photojournalist covering some of the most dangerous places in the world. One of the most unforgettable parts of the book is when she is kidnapped in Libya during the civil war in 2011. Addario describes being blindfolded, beaten, and fearing for her life. Even after surviving this terrifying experience, she reflects, “I chose to do this work, knowing the risks. It’s not bravery—it’s a sense of purpose” (p. 236). This moment stood out to me because it shows her incredible courage and commitment to her mission. Despite the risks, she continues to tell important stories about people affected by war and conflict.

Addario’s photography is special because she captures personal and emotional moments. Her photos do more than just show what’s happening—they tell stories about the people involved. She connects with her subjects and focuses on the human side of conflict, rather than dramatic action. This approach makes her photos stand out and leave a lasting impact.

While I admire Addario’s work, I sometimes wonder if the risks she takes are too great. Covering war zones and dangerous areas is extremely risky, and she has faced life-threatening situations many times. Even so, her commitment to photojournalism becomes clear when she says, “You can’t control if you’ll live or die, but you can control how much you live” (p. 145). This quote shows her belief that her work is worth the danger because it helps people understand the realities of war and the struggles of those affected by it. I might not have the courage to do what she does, but I respect her dedication and the sacrifices she makes to tell these important stories.

Reading this book has influenced how I approach photography. Addario emphasizes the importance of building trust and understanding her subjects, which has made me think more carefully about how I work. During the portraits project I think I followed her example by talking to my subject and learning about her successes and dreams outside of her sport, or if there was any. I think this helped me take more meaningful photos that captured her personality and experiences.

Lynsey Addario has many photos that are truly breathtaking. My favorite image from the book is the one of Sudanese Liberation Army soldiers walking past a dead body left after an attack on civilians in the district of Farawyaiah, Darfur, on August 24, 2004. The photo captures the aftermath of the attack, where it’s reported that sixteen bodies lay in the surrounding ravines after men from five nearby villages were allegedly killed by Janjaweed forces backed by the Sudanese government.

Overall, It’s What I Do is a fascinating and inspiring book. Addario’s story shows the importance of photojournalism and the sacrifices it requires. Her work reminds us of the power of images to tell stories and bring attention to issues that might otherwise be ignored. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about photography, journalism, or the human side of conflict. It’s an inspiring story about passion, courage, and finding purpose in telling the truth.