Working in a country where there are many people who don’t speak English has proven to be an extra challenge while working on documentary projects. This is my first time working on a story where I need someone else with me so that I am able to communicate with my subject.
I find that I have to go through extra efforts to get my point across to someone and it interrupts the flow of the conversation when what I say has to be translated. I try to communicate the best I can, and offer a smile here and there to make them feel comfortable.
Nevertheless these challenges have proven to be a learning experience for me. It is necessary exposure that will benefit me in the long run.
On Saturday I joined my subject, Kaltrina, to understand the level of activity during her day. The language barrier was hard, but I did my best to work with it. Kaltrina is highly motivated to get up each day and exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I unknowingly photographed a local celebrity here, Agnesa Vuthaj, as she is trained by Kaltrina.
Kaltrina also works with little kids and teaches them how to swim. She helped them to put on their swim caps, adjust their goggles, and in some cases, give them an extra push when they dive in!
