Book SummaryIt's What I Do, by Lynsey Addario

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of It's What I Do

She faced hazardous and challenging conditions in her role as a woman who documented events through photography.

In this segment, the author explores her experiences in the predominantly male field of photojournalism, offering perspectives on her interactions with sensitive subjects and her professional endeavors in settings where men are the overwhelming majority. The book details her evolution both personally and in her career as she covers wars, humanitarian crises, and various demanding tasks that require courage, empathy, and a steadfast determination. Her identity as a woman behind the lens molds her narrative style, impacting how she is perceived by others and her success in the competitive realm of journalism.

The author embarked on her initial photojournalism journey, which took her across Argentina and into various regions fraught with conflict, including Afghanistan.

The passage delves into the initial phase of the writer's career in photojournalism, beginning with her time spent in Argentina. The story explores in greater detail the array of challenges and experiences she encountered as a determined and independent young woman while covering intricate stories.

While abroad, the author cultivated a deep-seated enthusiasm for documenting narratives via the art of photographic reporting.

During her tenure at a Buenos Aires-based publication, Addario's outlook was significantly shaped by an exhibition featuring Sebastião Salgado's comprehensive photography of workers from underprivileged regions across the globe toiling in severe conditions. As an emerging photographer, she was deeply touched by the ability of Salgado's photography to uncover the true nature of his subjects, even in the midst of their hardships. The display altered Addario's perspective on the art of capturing images, demonstrating its ability to convey human stories and stir empathy among viewers.

The experience sparked the author's fervor for documenting actual occurrences with her camera. She aimed to use her photography to illuminate aspects of life that often remain unseen, thereby bringing individual stories to the forefront. She viewed her profession as a chance to document significant occurrences, create works of art, and shape worldwide perspectives.

Other Perspectives

• The author's background, education, and previous experiences might have been the primary factors that shaped her outlook on photography, with the exhibition acting as a minor influence in comparison.
• The concept of photography as a medium that can stir empathy is not universally accepted; some critics argue that repeated exposure to images of suffering can lead to compassion fatigue rather than increased empathy.
• The idea that Salgado's photography uncovers the "true nature" of his subjects assumes a level of objectivity that may not be entirely possible in photography, as the photographer's biases, the context of the photograph, and the viewer's interpretation can all influence the perceived narrative.
• While the experience may have fueled the author's enthusiasm, it does not guarantee the ability to capture the essence of real-life events accurately or without bias.
• The act of photographing individuals in their personal or challenging moments raises ethical concerns about privacy and the potential for exploitation, especially if subjects are from vulnerable populations.

As a photojournalist, Lynsey Addario encountered challenges and gender-based discrimination in societies that were predominantly patriarchal and conservative.

Addario often faced overt gender discrimination within the conservative societies that were predominantly led by men where she frequently worked. During the late 1990s, while on assignment with the Associated Press in New York, she captured images and chronicled the narratives of transgender sex workers who met with tragic deaths. While reporting on protests against the US airstrikes in Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks, the author had to defend herself against sexual assault by some people in the crowd, in order to continue her work as a journalist. In her journey, Addario frequently encountered societal and cultural biases as a female in the largely male-dominated field of photojournalism, particularly in countries where the concept of female employment, particularly in roles that require working alongside men, was often viewed with disdain.

Addario began her journalism career by mastering the art of navigating countries often unwelcoming to foreigners. Whether it involved facing doubts regarding her photographic skills or warding off inappropriate advances, these encounters equipped the author with essential abilities for her subsequent endeavors, including modesty, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to her aspirations.

Context

• Women in male-dominated fields may have their credibility questioned more frequently than their male counterparts, facing skepticism about their abilities and expertise, which can hinder their professional progress and recognition.
• Addario's work contributed to raising awareness about the dangers faced by transgender sex workers, who were often targets of hate crimes and whose murders frequently went unsolved or unreported.
• After the 9/11 attacks, the US launched military operations in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Pakistan, sharing a border with Afghanistan, became a crucial ally for the US, but the airstrikes and military presence were controversial and led to widespread protests within Pakistan.
• Photojournalism has traditionally been a male-dominated field, with few women in prominent roles until recent decades. This imbalance often led to a lack of mentorship and support for women entering the profession.
• Understanding the political climate and potential risks in a region is vital for personal safety and for making informed decisions about where and how to...

It's What I Do Summary Lynsey Addario's reporting on conflicts and humanitarian emergencies

In this segment of her story, the author delves into her experiences documenting the toll that conflict takes on humanity, focusing on the consequences in the regions affected by the post-9/11 military engagements, the invasion of Iraq, and the uprising in Libya. During these conflicts, the writer chronicles the upheaval of countless individuals, the distress endured by the survivors, and the unintended consequences of policies that, despite good intentions, were poorly designed.

The author shares personal accounts of her time documenting the turmoil in Afghanistan.

The narrative delves into a multi-year span of the writer's professional life, a time when she documented major crises and wars. The book explores the intricacies of covering conflicts under strict deadlines, highlighting the perils associated with venturing into the epicenters of warfare, and the obstacles related to documenting scenes of destruction.

The author's work movingly captures the suffering and sacrifices that individuals endure throughout these conflicts.

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Addario recounts the difficulties of working in an unstable Afghanistan, where young people wielded...

It's What I Do Summary The author maintains her personal connections and manages her private life amidst the demanding career of capturing conflicts via photography.

The author dedicates a portion of her book to discussing the personal sacrifices necessary to maintain her intense profession. Her narrative intertwines the formation of profound connections with the challenges of balancing a career that often requires long absences, while also experiencing the growth of familial affection and embarking on the adventure of parenthood. Throughout this process, the author finds solace in her family and friends, who provide a warm and necessary counterpoint to the trauma of her everyday work.

The author's challenges in maintaining personal relationships were exacerbated by the constant travel her career necessitated.

Throughout her twenties and into her early thirties, Addario discovered that establishing lasting partnerships of a romantic nature was a difficult endeavor. Her relationships typically followed a recognizable pattern: she would fall intensely in love with a man, but then her career would command an equal, if not greater, level of her fascination. Her partners often found their patience waning or felt overwhelmed by her unwavering dedication to a career that necessitated frequent travel and confronting hazardous circumstances....