Talking to Strangers

Approaching strangers for a photo opportunity is very popular now. Following "Humans of New York" similar pages have sprung up all over the world, but I never thought I would be able to do anything similar because confronting my subjects (whom I don't know!) wasn't something I ever did. That was until we went on a trip to Guba - a picturesque part of Azerbaiajn. We were driving through a small village when I saw this little girl selling flowers outside her home. I wanted to take her photo but of course I felt that it would be impossible. Instead, I just said to my husband: "Wouldn't it be great to photograph her? ". It is thanks to him we drove back and he literally pushed me out of the car to speak with the girl. I asked if the flowers were for sale and if she minded me taking her picture. "My name is Ravana" she said and smiled, posing for the photo. The little blue flowers we got from her found their home in a mug on our kitchen window and lasted for over a week!

The following weekend we took off to the countryside again to spend more time exploring, however I was determined to find the girl and give her the printed photo. I remembered exactly where her house was. We drove past her house to the top of the Khinalig mountains about 3 hours from Baku, but the girl wasn't there. "It's alright" I thought to myself "we will find her on our way back".

However, on our way back she wasn't there and no flowers were up for sale. I was faced with yet another challenge, approach her home and express my good intentions to her family or keep driving? We have come a long way and I knew I couldn't walk away from this. An older lady was working in the garden, when she saw our car pull up she stopped and started carefully examining me. I didn't want to intrude and expected the owners of the house to walk up to me, but a shy wave did not do much so I continued walking towards her with the framed photo in my hands. My heart was pounding as I was walking up to her, I turned around to check that my husband was still there and didn't drive off abandoning me, because, you never know. The girl's grandmother-the elderly of the house must have been responsible for receiving guests and intruders, while the mom stood at the back observing. To say that they were reluctant to our visit is to say nothing. "Hello, I am sorry, does Ravana live here?" I said. "Yes" the grandmother replied sternly, and to be fair I would have probably reacted the same way if I was her. I handed her the photo and explained that I just wanted to pass it on to her. That was the moment that totally melted my heart - the woman turned into one big smile and was ready to give me the biggest hug "Oh my goodness! This is lovely! When did you take it?" she exclaimed. She started waving to my husband in the car as I explained about our trip. It was obvious she wasn't sure where I was from but upon learning my name she was even more happy to know I am a local, and immediately invited us to be their guests. "We have to go" I lied, perhaps because I was overwhelmed about this atypical encounter "Please send my regards to Ravana" I said as I walked away.

Some may find nothing unusual about this story, however for me​​ it was special because I have stepped out of my comfort zone and made someone's day by simply doing what I loved.

This happened days before I started my one-month journey working as a photographer, and the timing could not have been better. I was able to step into this role with more confidence than I ever had, and not having to worry about approaching people while hunting for a story, even if the language barrier was slightly present. A smile can open many doors.