Salt Miners in Saudi Arabia
Can you sense the mix of fear, shame and yet pride?
Instead of showing up on my bicycle I arrived in a car with a fellow photographer. This changed the dynamics completely. Where I am usually received as a traveller with curiosity and kindness, I was now received as a possible threat with mistrust and fear. I was not allowed to take photographs. I stayed around, spent time with them and got to know them better. Slowly trust grew. Eventually, a few allowed me to take their photographs.
These picture show the intensity and their mixed feelings towards me.
Step by step the uneasiness subseded. Once, the proud, strong and seemingly leading worker allowed me to take his pictures the atmosphere shifted more.
Now, the others became more open and allowed sincere, playful portraits.
Click through the series below and observe if you feel this development.
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