To ensure the smooth, respectful, and inclusive execution of The Faces of Tuvalu, each portrait session will be staffed with a small, skilled team of professionals and trained assistants. Our approach emphasizes both operational excellence and meaningful local involvement. We will bring select members of our experienced team to oversee photography, lighting, and workflow, while actively inviting local residents to join as paid photo assistants, coordinators, and interview contributors on each island.

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Each session will be led by a principal photographer and supported by one or two technical staff responsible for managing equipment, lighting, and image processing. Alongside them, local assistants will play a vital role in participant coordination, consent documentation, and cultural guidance. These individuals will help establish a welcoming environment and ensure each session runs smoothly in a way that respects community rhythms and traditions.

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In addition to the visual documentation, we will offer participants the opportunity to share personal stories, reflections, or memories. Local assistants with interest or experience in interviewing, education, or storytelling will be invited to help conduct and record these short narratives. These may include oral histories, family traditions, or reflections on identity and change. This will allow us to build a richer, more layered portrait of Tuvalu, one that includes not just faces but voices and lived experiences.

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To identify and recruit assistants, we will collaborate with island councils, schools, youth groups, and local organizations. We especially welcome the involvement of students and young adults who are interested in photography, media, history, or cultural preservation. Our team will provide hands-on training in both photographic and basic interviewing methods, turning each session into a shared learning experience.

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All local staff will be compensated fairly for their time and contributions, with clear roles and expectations. In cases where student participation is involved, we will coordinate with local educators to ensure the experience is enriching and non-disruptive to school schedules.

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By involving Tuvaluans in every stage of the process, from lighting setup to story collection through to end production, we aim to create a collaborative cultural legacy. This model ensures the portraits are not just images, but a living archive of voices, perspectives, and identity.