My Thoughts on It’s What I Do by Lynsey Addario

 My Thoughts on It’s What I Do by Lynsey Addario

One part of Lynsey Addario’s book that really hit me was when she sneaks around in Afghanistan photographing women under Taliban rule . That was super intense, because she’s risking her safety just to show what these women’s lives are like lives that are usually invisible to most of the world. I loved that moment because it shows not just her guts, but how much she cares. She isn’t there for the “wow” war photos she’s there to tell real human stories.

Her style as a photographer is definitely different from what I expected. Instead of going for giant explosions or dramatic battle scenes, she does these really personal, soft moments. Like when she photographs families in Darfur or mothers in Afghanistan , she focuses on their hands, their eyes, the little gestures — not just the big chaos. She uses natural light, not big flash, so her photos feel real and intimate. It’s like she’s letting the story speak through small details instead of making it all about shock.

As for her sense of duty — I totally get it, even if she might seem a little crazy to others. She says, “I do what I do because I believe photography is the strongest tool we have to influence change” That line made me pause. Yeah, she’s putting herself in danger, but she’s not doing it for fame. She’s doing it because she thinks her photos can actually make a difference. Even though I wouldn’t go to war zones, I respect that. I feel something similar when I take pictures: I want to show people in a way they don’t usually see.

I actually tried using some of her lessons in my photo work this semester. She talks a lot about patience waiting, watching, and only taking a shot when something real is happening. I did the same for a school project: instead of snapping immediately, I hung out and waited for natural interactions. That made my photos feel way more genuine. Also, I tried paying more attention to light like she does. Instead of using flash, I used shadows and natural sunlight, and it totally changed the vibe of the pictures.

My favorite pictures she describes are the ones in that maternity ward in Afghanistan and another of Libyan fighters mourning their friend The maternity one is just so tender you feel the weight of life and fragility in the room. And the Libyan one is powerful because she shows grief and loss in a way you don’t usually see in war photos. the maternity-ward photo from her website really stuck with me.

One quote that especially resonated is: “The camera was my shield, but it was also my bridge.” That line is beautiful. It’s like she’s protected by her camera in dangerous places, but she’s also using it to connect, to understand, to show people. I love how that captures both the fear and the empathy she carries.

Would I recommend this book? Totally. I think anyone who’s into photography, journalism, or just wants to see what life is really like in war zones should read it. It’s inspiring, but also a little scary in the best way. It makes you think about what it means to tell someone else’s story.

Lynsey Addario. It’s What I Do : A Photographer’s Life of Love and War. Penguin

          Books, 2015. EBSCOhost,

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