“Don’t even bother.”

10th April 2025

“Don’t even bother.” Adrian smirked as I walked towards the open garage door.

“He’s crazy, he will ask you for money and we have all tried and been rejected. ”

Adrian has lived in the fishing village for years. The workshop group watched as, every three steps, another local slapped Adrian’s palm, waved, or threw him a welcoming smile. He’s a popular lad.

He kindly suggested the small fishing town as a spot for us to roam and explore on the second day of the workshop.

The first task was to spend at least 30 minutes with a stranger and be present. Many participants aimed to overcome the discomfort of approaching and photographing strangers.

I paused, looked at the gentleman in question, then back at Adrian, and ushered a few dangling participants to join us. Adrian kindly agreed to be my translator, a task not for the faint-hearted given the scenario.

After 45 minutes and a lot of patience from all, I was down to my third roll of film. Manuel was entertained by my constant questions. We threw banter back and forth. I asked him about his life, his journeys and his thoughts on the festival theme of tenderness. He was more drawn to the idea of freedom, affairs and a lack of intimacy.

As I said goodbye thanking Manuel for all of his time he insisted I follow him to his car. He pulled out a timetable for the ferries to show me. It was so simple, but such helpful analog information. The gesture surprised me as did so many of his answers. His sobriety, his travels worldwide… he was a complex character.

The hour passed and the others began to return. We sat watching the fisherman unload as the sun began to dim.

I could not have taken this image without Adrian’s translating but I was curious; had he ever tried to photograph Manuel in all these years? After all, he has a wonderful face.

“No, I saw no point. I’ve been told he is crazy and not to speak to him”

I explained I was no different to anyone else, I am just trying to keep in mind that assumption is the mother of all fuck ups. Why not try?

OAO x