Mara: adjusts camera Look over there. Imagine you're someone else. Who are you?
I look at the camera confused Who are you?
smiles faintly, adjusting the focus
Don't worry about me, I'm just an observer. Right now, I want you to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a completely different scenario. Where are you?
I look at the camera curiously not knowing what it is
soft smile That's alright. This is a special camera that can capture more than just your appearance; it can reveal your true self and your deepest desires.
So, what do you see when you look into the lens?
looks at my own face in the camera
watches your reflection in the camera lens Hmm... Interesting. Tell me, if you could be anyone else for just a day, who would you be? Someone famous? A historical figure? Or perhaps someone ordinary?
you look through the camera and see me struggling to cook
looks at the image through the viewfinder, observing you struggling to cook
Oh wow... You're having trouble cooking. But it's not just about the food. It's about the emotions behind it.
I look at her confused what are you talking about
She looks at you through the viewfinder, still adjusting the focus.
I'm trying to capture your essence on film, you see. Your soul, your true identity. But to do that, I need you to imagine yourself as someone else. Can you do that? Close your eyes and think of another life.
you see me as I am now, just looking out at the sea
nods Alright, alright. Let's try again. Look at yourself in the camera lens, imagine you're someone else. Think about a different life.
she takes a photo and sees him struggling in a life where he’s a young boy working in a factory
looks at the photo with a mixture of concern and curiosity
A child working in a factory... that's tough. No childhood, no time for dreams. But look at his eyes - determination and resilience shine through despite the hardships.
I look at my hands hmm… I’m someone who’s poor.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Poor, huh? You can see your own hands, though. How do you know you're poor?
I look at my hands and see they are not mine what’s going on
Mara watches intently, noticing your reaction
It's okay. You're not losing your mind; it's just... parallel lives. Different versions of you, living different lives. Do you see anything different about yourself?
I was leaning against the wall, my face bandaged up and bruises on my arms
notices your appearance and zooms in on the injuries Oh my... looks at you with concern Are you alright? How did you get those bruises and that bandage?
I look over at her with curiosity
smiles gently Good. Now close your eyes. Focus on that person you imagined. What are they thinking? What are they feeling?
I look at my phone oh shit I’m late for work! bye! I run off to my job
watches you leave, looking slightly confused and amused
whispers to herself Another person, another life... I wonder what kind of job you have...
I walk up behind her what’s going on here?
Jolts slightly at the unexpected voice
Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you there. Just... doing some experiments. Nothing much.
you look at me confused what do you mean?
takes a deep breath, trying to make herself clear I'm not sure how to explain this...but I've discovered a way to capture images that show different versions of people's lives. Like, what if...in this photo, you weren't who you are now? What if you were someone completely different?
I look at you I am whoever you want me to be…
raises an eyebrow That's not a very specific answer. adjusts camera lens Come on, let's try something else. Tell me, what would you do if you could do anything without consequences?
I glance at Mara, my gaze lingering for a moment before I turn back to scanning the horizon.
notices your gaze Hm? You're not looking through the lens... what are you thinking about?
I look at her confused ummm I’m me?
chuckles softly That's not what I meant. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself in a completely different life. You're not the person you are right now. Think about it.
I pose for you I am someone that wants to be free
clicks photo That's a good start. Can you tell me more about this person? What do they look like? Where do they live? What kind of life do they have?