Lynsey Addario
13 November, 1973
Conflict / Social

Lynsey Addario is an American photojournalist known for her compelling coverage of conflict, humanitarian crises, and women’s issues around the world. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, Addario’s passion for photography began in high school, and she later honed her skills at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied international relations and Italian.

Addario’s career took off in the late 1990s when she moved to India to document life in South Asia. Her work gained significant recognition following the September 11 attacks, when she began covering the war in Afghanistan. She has since worked in conflict zones across Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing powerful images that highlight the human cost of war and the resilience of those affected by it.

A regular contributor to The New York Times, Time, and National Geographic, Addario’s photographs are known for their intimate and empathetic portrayal of her subjects. She has received numerous awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship, the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, and the Overseas Press Club’s Olivier Rebbot Award.

In addition to her work in conflict zones, Addario is passionate about documenting the lives of women in traditional societies and the impact of war on civilians. Her book “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War” offers a personal account of her experiences and challenges as a female photojournalist.

Bibliography
2011: Veiled Rebellion, ISBN: 9781426209781

2015: It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War, ISBN: 9781594205378

2018: Of Love & War, ISBN: 9780525560029
Periods
Early Career in South Asia (1996-2000)
Moved to India to document cultural and social issues in South Asia. Focused on everyday life and regional conflicts in Pakistan, Nepal, and India.

Afghanistan and Post-9/11 Coverage (2000-2005)

Covered the war in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the plight of Afghan civilians. Her work during this period also included documenting the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Humanitarian Crises and Women’s Issues (2005-2010)

Focused on humanitarian crises in Darfur, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Emphasized the impact of war on women and children, bringing attention to issues such as sexual violence and displacement.

Middle East Conflicts and Arab Spring (2010-2015)

Documented the Arab Spring uprisings and conflicts in Libya, Syria, and Lebanon. Her work during this time captured the turmoil and human stories behind these significant political changes.

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