Reading · The Raw Society

In Albania, for more than 2 months straight, thousands have taken to the streets, a peaceful mass movement seeking nothing less than a complete overthrow of the government.

The “Flamingo Revolution,” as local activists have dubbed it, was set off by the luxury resort projects that Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, plan to build on nature reserves in Albania. At the beginning of May, a barbed-wire fence was erected in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape in Zvërnec, restricting access to one of the most treasured natural coastlines and one of the Mediterranean’s last untouched coastal ecosystems.

After security guards violently dragged a demonstrator through the property, protests erupted and the story went global. For more info on the protests, check out this piece published in Mother Jones.I had gone to Albania to focus on other long-term artistic projects, but found myself in the middle of this mass uprising, and changed all my summer plans to continue documenting it.

Breathe, and be in the moment. Laser-focus. Be 100% focused on what’s happening in front of you. Forget everything else.
Arrive early, leave late. You never know what will happen, or what you’ll miss otherwise.
Capture the quiet moments too. Not just what will make the front-page news.
If shooting video: Invest in a good mic. If shooting photos: why not shoot some video too?
Follow the news diligently. Research, research, research, understand every facet of what you are documenting, all the different sides, all the different arguments, all the major players.
Always bring extra batteries, memory cards, lens cloth, lens cleaner, chargers, gum, deodorant, and maybe a change of clothes. Put them all in the same bag, same place every time. And ideally a backup camera. Double-check you have everything before you leave the house.
Review your photographs and videos consistently, to better understand what you’ve captured, and what you’ve missed, and how to improve.

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Be on the frontline. There may be tear gas, water cannons, clashes. Bring goggles, and a face mask. Don’t be afraid. Breathe.
Help others, in whatever way you can. Colleagues, strangers, new friends, your taxi driver, the protesters, organizers — whoever. Don’t think only about yourself!
Get to know the people around you. Make time for late-night beers and conversations. Not only will it help you do your work, but it may also be one of the most fulfilling parts of it all.