Its What I do - Book Report by Seth Willy

 Lynsey Addario’s, It’s What I Do, offers a look at the highs and lows of a photojournalist’s career. One of the most compelling anecdotes in the book occurs when Addario recounts her time in Afghanistan, capturing the lives of women living under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. What stood out to me was her encounter with a young woman who, despite the extreme danger, found the courage to speak out about her struggles. This moment summarizes Addario's talent for building trust with her subjects and her ability to capture emotional stories in some of the world’s most dangerous regions. What struck me most was how Addario’s photography not only documents hardship but also gives a voice to those who are often silenced. This anecdote represents her commitment to telling the truth, even in some of the most challenging circumstances.

Addario’s photography style is defined by her ability to capture intimate moments of emotion through close-up and medium shots. She uses these techniques to show the humanity of those she photographs. For example, a portrait of a child beaten from war staring into the camera, shows a deep gaze, depicting vulnerability and strength. Through close-up shots, she allows her audience to feel a personal connection to the people she captures. 

Addario’s sense of duty to expose the truth through her work resonates with me on a personal level. I have always believed in the importance of having a sense of duty in life, particularly when it comes to serving in the military, which I believe is one of the highest honors. Addario’s commitment to revealing untold stories, no matter the personal cost, reflects this same sense of purpose. Her work in conflict zones is driven by a belief in the responsibility she holds as a journalist to document the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. This sense of duty connects with my own belief that one must be committed to a cause greater than oneself. For Addario, that cause is exposing the realities of war, famine, and human rights through the lens of her camera.

Through this book I have learned valuable lessons that I have applied to my own photography. A key moment for me came when I photographed teachers on strike here in Albany, OR. Before taking any pictures, I spent time talking to them, hearing their stories, and understanding the emotions behind their cause. This helped me capture images that felt authentic and connected to the story being told, much like Addario’s approach. Addario talks about how building trust with her subjects is crucial to documenting their lives accurately, a lesson that has stuck with me. Her ability to gain her subjects trust in conflict zones, then portray their life through powerful images has inspired me to approach my own subjects with the same level of empathy and care.

Two of my favorite photos in the book include the image on page 160, where soldiers carry their fallen commander, and the one on page 93, depicting Kurdish Peshmerga firing rockets at Ansar al-Islam territory in northern Iraq. The photo of soldiers carrying their fallen commander stands out to me because of the intensity and emotion it captures. It’s crazy to think of the circumstances under which this image was taken, being in combat yet finding the presence of mind to document such a wild moment. The photo conveys both the grief and resilience of those who serve together in such dangerous conditions. 

The image of the Kurdish Peshmerga firing rockets is also one of my favorites. Taken near Halabja in northern Iraq, it highlights the intensity of conflict and the elements of war. After shooting sports myself, I can appreciate how difficult it must have been to take this photo, with the rocket caught in perfect focus mid-flight. These photos exemplify Addario’s ability to capture powerful moments even in the most challenging environments.

One quote that resonated with me was, “I had never been a good liar, but I had always been a loyal friend” (page 165). This line shows Addario’s authenticity and the values that guide her work. Her loyalty to her friends and her subjects translates into her photography, she prioritizes honesty and respect in the stories she tells. It reminded me of how important it is to be genuine in any work that involves human connection. For photojournalists, authenticity builds trust and allows them to capture the most meaningful moments.

Another quote that stood out to me was, “The jobs entailed different talents and different desires. Leaving at the last minute, jumping on planes, feeling a responsibility to cover wars and famines and human rights crises was my job” (page 83). This line perfectly captures Addario’s sense of duty and the demands of her job. It struck me because it reflects her commitment to the truth, even at great personal cost. This sense of duty is something I connect with deeply, as I believe in finding purpose in one’s work, for Addario its telling stories that need to be heard.  

I would wholeheartedly recommend It’s What I Do to anyone interested in photojournalism, storytelling, or understanding the human cost of war. Her book is not only a personal story but also a reminder of the role journalists play in society. Her work questions readers to look beyond headlines and see the humanity behind the stats, making this book a must read. 

Lynsey Addario’s book is more than just stories about her career, it’s evidence of the power of photojournalism. Addario's dedication to her work is inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of finding purpose in what we do. This book has not only changed my own approach to photography but also has gained my appreciation for those who risk everything to tell the stories that matter.