This semester, I began to take with me certain tips on how to go about photographing. While not in an identical environment, there were a few things that I tried to emanate after reading It's What I Do by Lyndsey Addario. From what I have learned, she says it best; Tread lightly, be respectful, and get into the story as deeply as I can without making the subject feel uncomfortable or objectified (Addario, 2015, Page 191). The idea remained within me as I went on to photograph the people around me.
The defining factors of Addario's style include the use of natural lighting, crisp and clear shots, well-defined subjects, unique color balance, and a sense of movement within the frame. She is also a conflict and humanitarian photographer so her images drip in the theme of war. As a beginner photographer, I can't imagine what her harrowing journies felt like as she documented war-torn countries. I commend Addario for her drive to do so, as it's imperative to see what is happening in the world and describe it in detail. She is determined to help make a change and fearless enough to want to experience it as it's unfolding. What she writes about is not for the faint of heart yet it's something she, and those she meets, live every day.
(Addario, 2015, Pg 190)
So many women were casualties if their birthplace. They had nothing when they were born and would have nothing when they died; they survived off the land and through their dedication to their families, their children.
This photo was taken in Darfur, Sudan in 2004. It stands out to me because of the colors and the emotion conveyed. One of the topics she addresses in the book is her encounters with misogyny, sexism, and sexual assault in her career. From documenting the stories of countless women to recounting her own experience, Addario captures the distressing truth. In her travels through Kivu, she writes that while interviewing and photographing women who were victims of sexual assault, she was surprised by how many women agreed to speak openly about their experiences, (Addario, 2015, Page 190). She goes on to share the painful stories they spoke of. These stories need to be told and it's beyond inspiring that she was able to commit them to paper.
I would recommend this book to those interested in the craft, as it is a first-hand account of what to expect if you enter the field. Addario writes about how she began, what she's experienced over the years, and how she goes about it. To those who aren't necessarily interested in the career itself and are rather inspired by photography, it could be a great fit as well. She showcases her stunning photos alongside the stories from which they come. Likewise, for anyone who has an interest in recent history or ongoing injustices they may not be aware of, this book is a compelling read. As someone who fits into each of these categories, It's What I Do is a fascinating read all around. I learned so much from this introduction to the world of Lyndsay Addario and I'm excited to see what she does next.
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