Back on his Feet

Taking pictures during an official visit has never been my favorite activities in photography. The usual same handshaking, the same discussion, the same attitudes and the same problems to manage (remain discrete, try to fit as many VIP as possible in the frame, avoid people looking at me, etc...). Not unpleasant, but usually not the most exciting neither. Except when side moments give you some interesting opportunities...

22 November 2014: A young patient at the ICRC orthocenter in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan

For my first weekend in months without setting a foot in my office, it actually feels weird, but nice, to end up processing two big batches of pictures again.

Buzkashi

With the cold making a comeback in Afghanistan, the new Buzkashi season started 2 weeks ago in Mazar-e-Sharif. Rather brutal (more than during my last visit), it remains an incredible experience.After almost a year in Afghanistan, I sometimes still find difficult to realize that I am really working and living here. I still remember reading the book "The Photographer" and being fascinated by the pictures of the late Didier Lefèvre. This country was supposed to stay in my imagination, a fantasy in my traveler's mind. Realizing that I went today to a Buszkashi match, like others go to a cinema, is just an additional reminder of how my life has changed. For the better and for the rest... :-)

21 November 2014: A buzkashi match in Mazar-e-Sharif, Northern Afghanistan

21 November 2014: An Afghan rider during Buzkashi match in Mazar-e-Sharif, Northern Afghanistan

Winter is Coming

2°C in Kunduz and a strange feeling of déjà vu.

07 February 2014: Ghulam Hussein, Kunduz, Afghanistan