One of the most dangerous and important jobs in the world is that of the conflict photojournalist.
Sometimes known as a war correspondent, always a witness to the horrors and human toll of war.

There are few that manage to balance a life outside of those assignments.
Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist and MacArthur Fellow Lynsey Addario has met that challenge.

This new biopic from Nat Geo and Disney + captures her life photographing the wars on the ground, and her life at home with her husband and 2 young boys. It premieres on 11/6 on Nat Geo, and 11/7 on Disney+ and Hulu.

Along with her current life situation, they present a brilliant, insightful documentary on her life growing up, and perhaps how she became the photographer she is.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Addario has covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Syria, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Apropos to this doc is also her concern and coverage of women’s issues globally.

Lynsey Addario on assignment in Iridimi Refugee Camp, Wadi Fira, Chad. (National Geographic/Caitlin Kelly)

With interviews with her sisters, husband, and interactions with her boys, you get the fuller picture of her life.

One of the most telling moments is when she is packing for her next conflict assignment, and one of her sons is with her.
She tosses a flat object to pack, and as her son asks what it is, she just says it’s a plate for her vest.
Now, we all know it’s a bullet proof vest plate for protection, just no need to explain all to her child.

Lynsey Addario at home with her son Alfred before leaving on assignment. (National Geographic/Caitlin Kelly)

The concerns of the lifestyle is also revealed through interviews with her husband, a former photo editor, in their London home.

Lynsey Addario and her husband Paul de Bendern take a video call with Lynsey’s mother. (Credit: National Geographic/Thorsten Thielow)

It’s a push pull, and I think any journalist worth their salt understand the draw of a new assignment. Still hard to leave the family behind.

“My head is always where I’m not”

Lynsey Addario finds shelter from a nearby shelling during an assignment in Ukraine. (Credit: National Geographic/Andriy Dubchak)

It is up to you the viewer, to ponder the right balance. No judging, with an exploration of the realities.

Another behind the scenes is knowing what it takes to be out in the scrum, and physically fit.
Workouts with a trainer are part of her regular regimen. The physicality of humping and jumping in the middle of war as a witness is no place to be out of shape.

Her cameras of choice are Nikons Z series, and a Leica Q2 or Q3.
She is a Nikon ambassador, and her work shows off the tools.
In addition, what a lot of people forget about, is the need for editing and post.
Of course the software she uses to edit and cull is Photo Mechanic.

The footage of her in the field was captured by Andriy Dubchak, and the intimate scenes at home were made by a one person crew Thor Thielow and he’s a one-man band. To get this real life behind the scenes footage, and revealing interviews required the skills of a filmmaker who can bring a trust to the subjects. Plus a tiny footprint.

Did I mention that there are historically few women on this field?
That particular fact makes this doc a marker in the world of journalism.

Lynsey Addario photographs a damaged building in Ukraine. (Credit: National Geographic/Andriy Dubchak)

Yes, I did watch the movie Lee again before speaking with Lynsey. That was the story of Lee Miller, portrayed by Kate Winslett. She was a model, then photographer, then war photographer during WWII. Another time, another situation, another insight.

What I think you will come away with after watching this doc Love + War is a true portrait of dedicated photo journalist, and proud mother and wife.

Her brilliant photographs are witness to the events, and hopefully change minds.
She goes where few dare to tred.

She feels her job is to keep people paying attention. Achieved.

Directed and Produced By Academy award winning Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin, it will be streaming on Nat Geo, Disney+ and Hulu

And pick up her memoir Of Love & War.