AGAINST THE CURRENT ~

Ada Retegan

I remember Kristaq, our host, saying that he lives as if everyday was his last, and I think having a perspective like this makes you focus on the good aspects of your life. My week in Albania was a reminder to appreciate the truly important things like love, kindness, nature, togetherness, which become less evident in our current ways of living and being.

@adaretagan

The Cafe in Kute is a beloved gathering place for the villagers. It serves as a hub for catching up with friends and family, discussing the daily news, and settling arguments over strong coffee or drinks. It’s also a place to watch football matches, celebrate victories, and share stories. No matter the occasion, the Cafe in Kute is the perfect spot for all the important things in everyday life.

@uweschroeder_fotograf www.facebook.com/uweschroederfotograf

Jana Vollmer

I met a couple from the UK and Sweden who were on their honeymoon, on a long stand-up paddle board, floating down the Vjosa river together while I was shooting in the bed of the river. They took videos and photos for their Instagram page and also asked me to take photos of them.

This memory stuck with me because of how surreal it felt at the moment. I was there, a visitor, trying to capture the vulnerability of the Vjose river. While two other visitors use it as a background to their social media posts.

@janavollmerr www.janavollmer.com