There is a tricky part when it comes to photographing strangers. Not everyone is comfortable with some random person taking their photo. In order to break the ice, you need to know more about the subject. However, there is a problem with that in Berlin. I have been here for almost two weeks and have noticed that everyone in Berlin seems to have a scarcity of time.

Marti was the first person I approached. She is from Poland and lives on the outskirts of Berlin. She is extremely reserved, kind, and helpful, and is currently studying German. We talked about our countries, languages, racism, relationships, families, and travels. I told her about an incident where the person I was talking to stopped replying the moment I mentioned that I was Indian. Marti replied that there is a slogan that can be seen everywhere in Berlin: "LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND". She said that this is the main rule here.

We decided to meet in front of a restaurant in Templehof on a bright sunny day. Marti, being the kind woman that she is, was waiting for me at the exit of the metro station and greeted me before I even recognized her. We went to a supermarket, got ourselves chocolate croissants and cold coffee, walked in the sun, talked about random things, and I started shooting her. It was an extremely quick session, and I was talking nonsense in order to make her feel at ease in front of the camera. After that, I dropped her off at her class and headed back home.

I sent Marti the pictures two days later. Her reply was, 'I really like them. I think they reflect me well, even if you consider the fact that we don’t know each other very well.' I guess we aren't strangers anymore. :)