Memories #2
I think this is one of my favourite photos. It still has a prominent place in my kitchen and I enjoy watching it every day.
In 2006 I went to Mali. A dart on a world map had told me to go to this, for me, unknown territory. For the first time I would visit West Africa and I had no idea what to expect.
The season wasn’t chosen that well as it was 50+ degrees every day and in terms of language, I was 2-0 behind as I didn't speak any French. Despite the struggle, I intended to travel the country for a month. I had just started to actually earn my money as a photographer and this was an "autonomous work" investment that I wanted to do.
I started in Segou, on the banks of the river Niger. Eventually it was the place from where I explored the country and so I lingered there for quite a few days. The atmosphere was nice, the river breeze provided some coolness and the sandy, dry streets were a joy to wander through.
I took this picture while I was on the phone with the Netherlands using my local simcard. I heard a gate opening and closing behind me and slippers flapping away from me. My cameras were hanging on their straps from my shoulders and in my turn I had the luck to blindly pick the camera with my telezoom. Back then, I was still using the bulky Nikon cameras that had autofocus. I pointed the camera without even bringing it to my face hoping I had the girl in sight. I randomly shot 3 pictures in the direction of this beautiful scene. Sometimes luck is in a moment, because the first photo turned out to be a winner. The pink dress halfway down, flip flops off the ground and the dark tree in the background, together with the sandy-coloured surroundings, make the girl almost come out from the photo.
