Lynsey Addario Book Report

         Lynsey Addario’s approach to photojournalism is pure magic. She has a way with people, especially women, helping them feel as comfortable as possible in front of her lens. She documents life as it is with little posing, letting the subjects lead the shoot; a personal touch that gives her an upper hand when photographing warzones and victims alike. She takes each of her subjects into account with the utmost respect and gratitude. Whether it’s covering up nd diverting her eyes for Iraqi men or documenting rape victims in Africa, Lynsey is able to take on different roles in order to capture the truth of events around her.  I appreciated her entire book, from her upbringing to finding the balance of supporting her family and her dreams. She is an astounding person. 

Women go by many titles their lifetime like daughter, mother, wife and business woman. When I got to chapter 7 “Women Are Casualties of Their Birthplace”, I was not only consumed in disbelief by the stories she was told, but her passion to keep going back to these destructive places to get the stories of women who wouldn’t be heard or seen otherwise. When she visits the Democratic Republic of the Congo it’s moments like this when I understand why she has this passion for her career as a war photographer and the untold stories of war such as this. When she’s able to tell a story through her lens it connects to these Congolese women's words of recollecting the most traumatic time of their lives, revealing the titles they now carry; rape survivors and warriors. “The stories were unbearable. As a photojournalist, I felt there was very little I could do for the women in the DRC but record their stories. I hoped awareness of their suffering might somehow save them”. Her job as a photojournalist is to bring awareness to things we wouldn’t normally see, nor want to see. And that is extremely important to interpreting our own lives and putting things into perspective, as well as propelling society forward and making sure their stories don't go unheard.

Lynsey received her first grant to document gender-based violence and rape as a weapon of war in DRC, and raised money to help these women get surgeries for their fistula repairs. She also knew when to stop and put her camera down to help a dying woman. She didn’t have to, but she felt compelled because of her relentless empathic spirit to personally drive a woman to the hospital in her vehicle. I believe that is what separates her from ordinary photojournalists and extraordinary ones. I never would have been exposed to this story and others if it wasn’t for Lynsey doing the work. Her dedication is humanitarian work through and through. She is setting the new standard for photojournalists and women alike, and that’s why I think more people need to read this book; not just photojournalists. 

 I believe everyone could learn from Lynsey's relentless efforts of truth seeking and storytelling. I can relate to her more times than not throughout the book, but I don’t think I would have half the courage she has to keep wanting to go back (especially after being kidnapped multiple times). During this term when I was photographing I was able to make those I was photographing feel comfortable like Lynsey does. Obviously I wasn’t in any immediate danger like she was or dealing with victims, but I still hung around uncomfortable situations longer than I ever have before reading this book. Trying to tell a story behind the images I gathered to accurately report what was happening around me. 

Some of my favorite images include the series of transgender prostitutes in New York, 1999 between pages 82 and 83. She’s documenting history and giving the public a peak into their personal lives and it’s really about how she sees people we may never see otherwise. Another image that stands out is Bibiane crying solemnly, between 210 and 211. In the telling of her story on page 148, this raw emotion Lynsey captures in the portrait image lets the reader feel how Bibiane felt in the moment of her telling Lynsey about her life. Just losing a child, financial struggles, and being abandoned by her husband after he learned she had been captured and raped repeatedly by three men. Not only becoming pregnant by her rapists, but those horrible men then leaving her HIV positive. The unimaginable in one image. 

“It’s What I Do” is knowledge I will carry with me into my professional life and beyond. Even though I am not pursuing a career in the journalism field, I am taking Lynsey’s written tools and strong storytelling images to better understand the difference between my limitations and what beliefs may be limiting me. 

Free Shoot Week 8: Salem's Riverfront Carousel

  

Salem's Riverfront Carousel up and running on November 20. Located along Salem's waterfront, this indoor attraction is a hit year round. Despite Oregon's two week "shut down" they are open and ready for riders of all ages. With explicit routes laid out for the public to follow, the Carousel employee's maintain the utmost sanitation and social distancing standards following the CDC's guidelines. Only twenty four people are allowed in at a time. There is only way in, and one way out. Of course, don't let that stop you from walking back around the building and getting back on the horse!

Riverfront Carousel windows getting a Christmas "makeover" by one of the many volunteers, November 20. The volunteers are the heartbeat of the operation, they're what keeps this historic monument up and running. During these cold winter months, you can find sanctuary indoors here at the carousel. Open 10-5, Thursday-Saturday. 11-5 on Sundays. 

Operations Director for Salem's Riverfront Carousel, Bryan Eldridge (43) says "I am looking forward to the turnout of the annual Santa meet and greet." This special event spans from November 27th- December 24th. As seen in the picture above, this year looks a bit different than years prior. Santa will be behind Plexiglas and six feet back from participating children sitting on the bench in front. Bryan's multiple conversations with the CDC ensure that every step of the way him and his team know exactly what to do, and what to expect while operating during a pandemic. They will allow one group at a time, no larger than six, and sanitize every surface necessary before the next group enters. Accompanied with the in person meet and greet, The Riverfront Carousel also offers a virtual Zoom chat with Santa, and a recorded Zoom video. Unfortunately, all spots sold out quickly. However, they are still accepting letters to the North Pole. You can send it directly to the big man himself, and that service is free online through their website or in person. Submit your letter to Santa by December 17th and receive a personalized letter in return!

My Neighborhood

A man in a Marines hat, who wants to remain anonymous, stands armed in front of Oregon's State Capitol on November 7. The main structure of the current building was completed in 1938. Two wings were added in 1977. Made of Vermont marble, the building is a landmark example of Modernist Art Deco design. At the very top is a bronze statue of the Oregon Pioneer. Unfortunately, it is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic response. However, you can take a short, online voice guided tour at www.oregonlegislature.gov. The quotes inscribed in the marble are translated from Plato’s Republic by Dr. H. B. Alexander of Scripps College. The one inside the capitols' main rotunda reads as follows: “In the souls of its citizens will be found the likeness of the state which, if they be unjust and tyrannical, then will it reflect their vices, but if they be lovers of righteousness, confident in their liberties, so will it be clean in justice, bold in freedom.”

A "Stop the Steal" Pro-Trump rally takes place outside Oregon's State Capitol on November 7. Hundreds of people gather from all over Oregon to express their concerns about voter fraud claims set forth by President Donald Trump himself, in wake of Joseph Biden Jr. being announced "President Elect", making him our 46th President, the day prior. The rally was declared an unlawful assembly by night fall. 

Pictured far right: Republican activist Michael Cross converses with three armed men on November 7 during "Stop the Steal" rally in front of The Oregon State Capitol. Cross is getting ready to make a speech to the crowd he's assembled alongside "Oregonian's for America" and "Proud Boys" to protest the current election results, including his own, and collects voter fraud affidavits from attendees.  Cross lost in the race against Ellen Rosenblum for Oregon Attorney General on November 3. The other three men wish to remain nameless. 

 

Free Shoot: Election Day November 3, 2020

Marion County Elections booth, set up on State street, offering an official drive by ballot drop for people casting their vote November 3. The county safely and effectively set up a slow lane as votes are passed from vehicle to Election Official workers and then into locked boxes awaiting their safe arrival to be accounted for. 

Lez (41) left and Jeffery (36) right withstand harsh autumn weather as the wind and rain pick up on November 3. The county hired the organization Lez and Jeffery work for, Creative Security Inc., CSI, to ensure every vote that is cast is handled properly by well trained security guards. This company has been around since 1963 and only allows members to disclose their first names while on the job. 

Lez (41) with Salem's CSI gathers a sealed voters envelope handed to her through a car window as she passes back an "I Voted" sticker in return. While "I Voted" stickers may look different depending on the state you are voting in, they all have the same underlying connotation; letting everyone know you are actively participating in shaping these United States we live and raise our families in.