Arben Celi

Arben Celi

Based
Tirana, Albania
Born
Tirana, Albania
Status
Photographer
“My biggest lesson and my personal motto is that you can’t let the moment go; you have to grab it and shoot it.”

Beat

I cover all sorts of stories.

One Shot

. TIRANA, Albania. REUTERS/Arben Celi
Miners on hunger strike lie in Albania’s Bulgize mine, 1,400 metres below the surface. They started their hunger strike on behalf of another 700 striking miners, who were demanding a 20 percent pay rise and fresh investment.
“I like this photo a lot because it made me understand the sacrifice that the miners made to have a better life when they went underground to carry out a hunger strike in a small northern city in Albania. They were so certain of getting what they wanted and needed. It made me very emotional.”

Profile

My earliest and most awful memory of photography is Albania’s 1997 civil war. It was a hard time. People were so afraid; they didn't leave their homes except to buy things at market. Many people died and the state didn’t help them. All these things made me feel so bad.

I learnt photography from one of the best photographers in Albania, who took care of me and helped me with all sorts of details. His name is Lulzim Lika.

My first assignment was covering a rally by the opposition socialist party in 1996. I was so emotional and I felt a lot of responsibility for my coverage; this was the first time that I understood even photography is a difficult job.

The assignment that left the biggest mark on me was covering Kosovar refugees who came to Albania in 1999. The pain that I saw in the eyes and faces of the refugees left a huge impression on me.

I try to make every detail of a photo perfect so that everyone can appreciate it.

My biggest lesson and my personal motto is that you can’t let the moment go; you have to grab it and shoot it.

Behind the Scenes

. Vlore, Albania
Reuters photographer Arben Celi shoots pictures in the southern Albanian city of Vlore.