The disappearance of Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario in Libya has focused world-wide attention on the plight — and the photos — of the New York Times photographers, who graduated from Staples 3 years apart.
Tyler Hicks
Working in war zones is nothing new to either of the Pulitzer Prize winners. But last Wednesday — in an interview that is both chilling and insightful — Tyler talked about the special challenges of Libya.
“One unusual thing is the access we have to frontline fighting,” he told the Times “Lens” blog.
“Despite what a lot of people think, when you go to a war zone, there are a lot of formalities and difficulties to reach the fighting. You can get into a country but to get to where the conflict is happening can be very difficult. This is a very rare situation: complete access to a war, from the opposition side.”
Tyler added: “You never are relaxed and you never have a moment to feel at ease when you’re out working.”
And, he said: “I’m constantly moving around. Occasionally, you run into people who speak English. In general, they’re really supportive. Even out in the middle of the fighting, someone will hand you a box of juice or a bottle of water. They might ask your name or where you’re from.
“Some ask who I work for. They’re saying, ‘Get down’ or ‘Move to another place for your own safety.’ So they’re doing what they can to be helpful out there, even under those circumstances. ”
(Click here to read the entire interview.)
