During my research trip to Lebanon in 2017 for my new novel, The Burning Heart of the World, I had the pleasure of meeting Aline Manoukian, a renowned photojournalist and photo editor. Aline captured a powerful image in 1988 of a Palestinian militiaman holding a white kitten in Lebanon’s Burj Al Barajneh refugee camp. This photo has since become iconic, circulating for decades in various forms, including as a colorized poster.
Aline’s journey into photography was heavily influenced by her sister, Seta Manoukian, a painter who introduced her to the world of visual art and composition through art and photography books. One photographer who had a profound impact on Aline was Mario Giacomelli, whose work inspired her to pursue photography as a career.
Her first camera, a Nikon FM2 gifted by her sister, was stolen, but that did not deter Aline from pursuing her passion. She continued to work as a photographer, even borrowing lenses from other photographers to complete assignments. Aline’s career took off when she started working for Reuters, eventually becoming their bureau chief for Lebanon and Syria.
Despite facing challenges and hardships, including the Israeli invasion in Lebanon, Aline remained resilient and dedicated to her craft. She navigated the dangerous streets of war-torn Beirut, capturing the harsh realities of conflict through her lens. Aline’s commitment to documenting the truth, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to her strength and courage as a photojournalist.
In a recent interview with Aline, she shared her experiences and insights into her career, shedding light on the trauma inherent in documenting conflict. Her stories are a reminder of the power of photography to capture moments of both beauty and devastation, leaving a lasting impact on those who view her work.
Aline Manoukian’s legacy as a pioneering photojournalist continues to inspire future generations of photographers, reminding us of the importance of bearing witness to history through the lens of a camera. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience in times of war and conflict, resonating with audiences around the world. Aline Manoukian, a renowned war photographer, never imagined that her career would begin by accident. She found herself in the midst of a dangerous situation, surrounded by snipers in an area where no one could go in or out except the Red Cross. Little did she know that her photographs from that day would catch the attention of the Daily Star, leading to her being hired as a photographer. Aline credits her late mentor, Claude Salhani of UPI, for believing in her and defending her in a male-dominated field.
One of Aline’s most iconic photographs is of a militiaman holding a cat, a picture that has taken on a life of its own. Despite her initial reservations, she has come to embrace the fame that comes with that image. Aline no longer considers herself a practicing photographer, as she has transitioned into the role of a photo editor. She finds fulfillment in shaping the work of photographers and helping them succeed in the industry.
Having lived in various countries for extended periods, Aline grapples with the question of her identity and sense of belonging. She reflects on whether she still feels Lebanese after being away from her home country for so long. Aline’s experiences during the Civil War have taught her about the potential for ordinary people to turn into violent actors under certain circumstances. She has always resisted aligning herself with any particular group, preferring to maintain her independence and critical perspective.
In interviews, Aline has spoken about the lasting impact of war on her psyche, particularly the sensory memories that linger long after the conflict has ended. She admits to using denial as a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma and emotional weight of her experiences. The sights, sounds, and smells of war have left a profound mark on her, with certain images triggering intense emotional reactions. Despite the challenges, Aline continues to navigate the complexities of her past while striving to move forward in her career and personal life. A Look into the Only Method I Know
When it comes to accomplishing tasks and achieving goals, everyone has their own methods and strategies. For some, it may be meticulous planning and organization, while for others, it may be relying on intuition and spontaneity. However, for me, there is only one method that I know and trust – and that is perseverance.
Perseverance is the act of persisting in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. It is the ability to keep going when things get tough, to push through challenges and setbacks, and to never give up on your goals and dreams. This method has been ingrained in me since I was young, and it has served me well in all aspects of my life.
One key aspect of perseverance is having a strong mindset. This means believing in yourself and your abilities, staying positive and focused, and not letting negativity or self-doubt creep in. By maintaining a positive attitude and a strong belief in yourself, you can overcome any obstacles that come your way.
Another important aspect of perseverance is consistency. It’s not enough to just have a strong mindset – you also need to consistently put in the work and effort to achieve your goals. This means showing up every day, putting in the time and effort, and staying committed to your goals, even when things get tough.
One of the great things about perseverance is that it is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. By consistently pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, facing challenges head-on, and never giving up, you can strengthen your perseverance muscles and become better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you.
In conclusion, perseverance is the only method I know because it has proven time and time again to be effective in helping me achieve my goals and overcome obstacles. By maintaining a strong mindset, staying consistent, and never giving up, you too can harness the power of perseverance and reach new heights in your personal and professional life. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work deadlines to social obligations, it can feel like there is always something demanding our attention. However, taking time to slow down and practice mindfulness can have numerous benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It involves paying attention to your breath, your body, and the world around you without judgment. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and increase feelings of peace and contentment.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When we are constantly rushing from one task to the next, our bodies are in a constant state of fight or flight, which can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol. By taking a few moments each day to practice mindfulness, we can activate the body’s relaxation response, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall feelings of well-being.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also improve focus and concentration. When we are fully present in the moment, we are better able to pay attention to the task at hand and filter out distractions. This can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment. By training our minds to focus on the present moment, we can also improve our ability to make decisions and solve problems more effectively.
Furthermore, practicing mindfulness can help us cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation. By observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment, we can become more attuned to our inner experiences and better understand the root causes of our emotions. This can lead to greater emotional intelligence and a greater ability to respond to challenging situations with calm and clarity.
Overall, incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine can have numerous benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By taking the time to slow down, be present, and cultivate awareness, we can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and increase feelings of peace and contentment. So why not give mindfulness a try today and see how it can positively impact your life?
