A new group of Mitsos’s extended family are visiting at the small sheds with canvas sides in the olive grove. A blond voluptuous woman who resembles Taxiakoula’s mama (probably a cousin), is there with her two daughters and son. Maria, her eldest, has a round face like a full moon, almond-shaped blue eyes, a plump body and at 11-years-old appears more independent and out-going than other Roma girls her age. She enjoys showing off her English—how do you say beautiful in English, or doll, she asks —and makes sure I know she is studying English in her school in Karditsa. We count to 20 together.
I make work prints and contact sheets in my basement darkroom later. When the kids ask, “Pote fotografies etomes?” when will the photos be ready, I say 2 days and so I must keep my promise. Now an image of Maria emerges in my tray of developing solution, the soft light of the olive trees behind her. I am excited to be working with Maria. Her face is full of feeling. She is popping with ideas for photos.