Syrian Girl, Covered, Migrant Worker, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, August 14, 2009

Continued from the previous post, this is her formal portrait with her hair covered. Her smile remains unchanged, pure. Her clear eyes, usually a challenge for anyone working in the sun, are a testament to her strength. As written before she has never refused me her portrait and has always allowed me to direct her during our sessions.

In this instance she was sitting on a small chair and facing her home. Behind her was a white sheet. Surrounding us was perhaps a dozen girls and boys in all stages of activity. Some were watching peacefully and others anxiously reminding me that the sun would set at some time in the very near future.

She was wearing a sweater under the shawl, and every once in a while that sweater would show at the lower right hand corner of the image. I would walk over to correct this and then back to the camera to make the exposure. She has since become accustomed to my insanity while photographing and just smiles in acknowledgement.

Her older brother is a dear friend of mine, and makes my work much easier by speaking to the younger boys. They look up to this most handsome man, and this makes all the difference in this world for me. He also has the same smile, shares her kindness and generosity.

As she gets older the time will come when I will no longer have access, when I will have to learn to do without her portrait. Until that time comes I cherish this last session and believe it to be more than I could ever ask for photographically.

halim.ina@gmail.com
Halim Ina Photography