On my last trip abroad to Haiti, I realized not knowing the language keeps me focused on just looking for images. Not speaking French is excellent in many respects because I am trying to understand what is going on by watching visual cues and listening to the tone of people’s voices. Since I do not have the language to clue me in about what is taking place, I am more focused on what I should have been doing for years. I am seeing the situation my viewers will be visiting it. They cannot hear the conversations through printed pages or on the web.   

I spent a lot of time looking for exciting visuals because I had no idea what they were saying. I would smile and nod to those who I made eye contact with. Amazing how close I felt to people when I couldn’t talk to them. The language barrier has helped to remind me the audience cannot hear and pick up on what is going on in a still image. So I must look for those moments which communicate visually intimate moments which bring the viewer closer. Photos get better when I realize I must concentrate on what is in the viewfinder. Understanding what is going on can help me anticipate better, but the results must still be what is in the viewfinder’s frame.