Lynsey Addario and three reporters are in Libya photographing the turmoil that is going on within the community. The morning of her kidnapping, she stated that she felt danger in the air. In spite of that fear, she decided to remain in that unsafe environment.
As she and her colleagues were on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs, she had an inner monologue with herself reflecting on why she willingly continued to put herself in these compromising positions. But then she reminded herself that she was, “documenting the fate of a society that had been oppressed for decades.” And that—in her eyes—was enough for her to keep pressing forward.
No matter what opportunity was thrown Addario’s way, she saw it as a chance for her to tackle another challenge and fully live out her purpose of capturing the lives of those who are often times kept silent.
At one point in “It’s What I Do”, written by Lynsey Addario, she makes a statement that she “just saw the door and went through it.” This is a statement Addario continues to live by day after day within her career.
No matter what opportunity was thrown Addario’s way, she saw it as a chance for her to tackle another challenge and fully live out her purpose of capturing the stories of those who are often times kept silent.
In the early stages of her career when Addario was trying to make a name for herself and was living outside of the states, she was challenged by her potential employers to get a photograph of Madonna while she was filming a movie on a private set in Argentina. This is something many journalists may have thought was impossible. However Addario found a way to make it happen, and as a result, she not only was hired at the newspaper, but her picture just so happened to make the front cover.
Addario then made the courageous decision to go to Afghanistan and photograph women living with the Taliban. This was a huge risk she was taking because photography was strictly prohibited. Women were not allowed to roam out in public without a male figure, had to wear modest clothing, and were not allowed to make eye contact with men.
This was a culture shock for Addario but did not prevent her from doing what she set out to do. She instead adapted to their culture, and made the conscious decision to dress as the women dressed and be escorted by a man who was local to the area to ensure that she fit in with the environment and gained the trust and respect of her subjects.
Addario is a prime example that it is important to know your limits but to also never be afraid to go after the things you’re passionate about.
Addario has traveled to many countries around the world and has captured both gratifying and heartbreaking moments that many others would have never seen if it weren’t for her photography. (https://www.instagram.com/lynseyaddario/?hl=en)
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