Lyndsey Addario Book Report

"Hi, my love. How are you doing?" (Addario, 2). It's What I Do, A Photographers Life of Love and War a memoir by Lyndsey Addario is an intense recollection of  what it's like to be up close and personal recording some of the darkest, most horrific events in modern history. The aforementioned quote, from chapter one is from a call between Addario and her husband Paul. I find this to be compelling mostly because this is the first instance where Addario's work and personal lives leaves her in a state of conflict. While driving into an active war zone, she struggles with whether or not to tell her husband. For me, this stood out because I don't know if I could lie and pretend I was in a relatively safe environment. With that being said, I also don't know that, even with my ethics and values based on honesty, I could tell someone I loved that I might not survive the day. She goes into every situation not knowing if she'll come out the other side. Not only does she put herself in physical danger, but finds herself in situations that challenge her values and morality. She explains these sentiments on page 254 stating "And so, in a room full of some of the most vicious  fighters anainst the United States and everything I stood for, I stood in the corner and faced the wall as I drank my tea." Her photojournalism is nothing short of dedicated. There are multiple moments in her career where most people would tap out. She braved multiple crossfires, she also persevered through not one, but two kidnappings. Captured moments of the worst days of peoples lives and then moved on. Photojournalism is important, but it's not what I personally will choose to pursue in my life. I don't think there's anything wrong or crazy about what she's doing. Soldiers put themselves in the line of fire everyday; activists preach the dirty truth in an attempt to change reality, even politicians put themselves out in the public eye and work to change the world in a more professional setting. My only impressions of her career choice are that it's extremely brave, and unfathomably important. Not only is her photojournalism important, but she's incredibly good at it. Some of my favorite photos of hers are on pages 4 (top), 46, 67, 126, 174, 178, 189, 233, 274 (top), 280, and 336 (I know just a few)

KORENGAL VALLEY, AFGHANISTAN.American soldiers with the 173rd battle company, on a battalian-wide mission in the korengal valley, Afghanistan. 

Through night-vision goggles: JTAC Kevin Caroon, 28, 'sparkles' a target for the AC130 pilots above as he helps control close air support fire from above Yakachina village while on a mission with Battle company in the Korengal Valley. JTACs are Airforce-trained specialists in direct contact with the bomber pilots to call in airstrikes on certain targets while weighing and monitoring collateral damage potential. Captain Dan Kearney, the JTACs, and certain intelligence and communication specialists work as a team from afar but with a bird's eye view to help infantry troops on the ground. October 2007.  

(caption provided for picture at www.lyndseyaddario.com) pictured on pg.233

As for recommendations, I would to the right person. Most of my close friends generally don't enjoy memoirs, however compelling they may be. I would (and am going to) give this book to my grandma because it is exactly her cup of tea. Even though it seems like a doge, I would genuinely recommend the book to any and all I think would enjoy it.

Photo Story

In the 1870's, the Dentzel family became the first family to manufacture carousels. Starting in Philadelphia, PA, and it became a family business. The Historic Carousel and Museum in Albany is fortunate enough to have original Dentzel work, however, the bulk of the animals present on the carousel are carved and painted exclusively by volunteers.The Carousel is a nonprofit, it's been self sufficient and running for close to 20 years.

The oldest animal on display circa 1885. Presented from the Dentzel Family Carousel Collection. 

Kirby, an amateur carver at the carousel, seen here working on what will become Rajah, the Snow Leopard sponsored by Brooks and Rita Cavin.  

    

                Oregon's woman mail carrier Miss Minnie Westman.
Her story pinned to her chest for visitors to read. Westman will
be one of the stagnant carvings on the carousel.  

Summit, The Burrow sponsored by Bob and Gail Johnston waiting for paint to dry to get his tail. Named after Summit Lake where the Johnston family has been camping since the 1950's. The Johnston's choose a donkey in honor of their Arizona winters filled with  wild donkeys.

Neil, The Greyhound sponsored by Ted and Rita Powell who rescue racing greyhounds. Neil, their 7th greyhound lost one of his toes to an infection which is accurately represented on the animal. All the animals are hollow inside so when Neil unfortunately passed during the carving of the animal, the Powell's decided to put  his collar inside.

Week 10 forum

Topic 1: My best photojournalism



2) I like this photo mainly because of her facial expression. It was one of the few moments I was actually in the right place at the right time, which especially with the sports assignment I rarely was.
3) It reflects what I learned as a photojournalist because of where I was physically when I took this photo. At the beginning of the term I wasn't very comfortable with getting in peoples personal space. However as the term progressed I managed to get out of my comfort zone.
4) My approach to taking photos is much different. In all my previous photography classes it had more of an aesthetic approach, you don't need 100 photos of one thing, just focus and framing, lighting, a nice subject, etc. With this class its less of taking for the sake of having a nice photo, but more of telling it how it is (from and interesting and aesthetically pleasing angle). (see week 1 Humans of LBCC assignment... they're terrible)

Topic 2: My goals

Week 1 Goal response: My goals for this class are to improve my skills in photography, be able to get out in the field, and to maybe learn something every once and a while.

I think I've managed to achieve all of my goals (except for the good grade, we'll have to see). At least in my opinion I see improvement in the quality (and quantity) of my photos. As for going out in the field, I've gotten to do assignments not only in the field but up close and personal (especially the Sicktown Bout). Not only did I go out in the field but I met a lot of people and gathered some interesting information, thereby achieving my third and final goal.

week 8 forum

No.2: Women Are Casualties of Their Birthplace

I found this chapter compelling because it was interesting to read from a sociocultural viewpoint. In light growing up in rape culture, and factoring in our current political predicaments with the #metoo movement and recent abortion laws it was hard to read and not think about how the superiority of the male sex is cross cultural.

No.1: You will Die Tonight

I found this chapter compelling for the shear intensity of it. While that is a big part of what made the chapter, what I found most interesting is her composure and everlasting integrity. Even with horrifying things happening to her she still is respectful of others and their culture regardless of what happens.
Addario manages to capture not only the horror of war but the individuality of those who fought it. Describing her time in captivity and how different soldiers showed kindness, while others did not. She quotes, after being beaten and violated, "These men were the epitome of evil". Not to long after she writes "They had kindness in their eyes."
As far as my favorite photo, there is only one in this chapter depicting the four of them and the Turkish Ambassador to Libya in Tripoli