Weeks 18 and 19: Model Behaviour

Quotidian, mundane activities can serve as a powerful reminder of how far you are from home. One such experience, for me, was going to get passport photos for my visa renewal.

Rathing than sitting in a cramped, plastic box hidden away at the back of the supermarket, as would be the case at home, I had to pay a visit to my local Kodak shop. After explaining that I wanted passport photos I was asked how I wanted my hair and make-up, whether I would like to make use of any of the wigs and constumes available and whether I wanted a background superimposed on my picture (I declined on the grounds that the Immigration Office might not approve of an 'artistic' approach). After recounting this experience to the other volunteers we decided that it would be a dreadful shame not to make use of the facility. The pictures really speak for themselves, but suffice to say we went for 'themed' poses. The Kodak staff were initially a little puzzled by our efforts, but as soon as they caught onto the fact that we were doing it as a joke they joined in, offering suggestions and encouraging us to do 'one more pose, just one more pose' (we didn't end up leaving the studio until about 10pm)