Impressions of Haiti
by Alfred Lopez
It’s taken me two years to select and edit the photos in this post. I guess I felt (actually, I still do) that they are not a good representation on the impression Haiti left on me. But, perhaps, I should simply talk about these photos as well as my impression of Haiti.
I was fortunate to take this trip, thanks to my friend, Allen Reesor of the Metrix Research Group. Here’s a blurb on what they’re all about from their website…
The Metrix Research Group, a non-profit research corporation, is dedicated to assisting international organizations, groups, and agencies incorporate high-quality research into their operation to improve efficacy, better organize and leverage technology, build capacity, and increase market share by employing a modular step-by-step process of research and analysis that will best serve the needs and budget of each client.
Allen was traveling to Haiti and I asked if I could accompany him; making my trip a true photojournalistic endeavor and capturing his work there. I also wanted to see, first hand, the devastation left by the earthquake a year before. Well, it turned the tragedy I was expecting, seemed to be non-existent. It was “business as usual” and it was unlike what the media in the US portrayed. So my focus switched to my surroundings rather than what Allen was there for. I guess it turned out fine since he did tell me that there wouldn’t be much to document anyway. I actually spent most of my time in a vehicle traveling from place to place. I was able to do some walking about in Gonaives where I was able to interact with the people there. Well, more specifically, they interacted with me.
Among the rubble caused by the earthquake, I found beauty in the land. Perhaps it was just me, but I felt a sense of calm where I should have felt chaos; not even a bit of confusion. I guess it’s the minimalist in me. I tend to gravitate towards “simple”.
My trip was quite short; only four days, but worth it, nonetheless. Perhaps when I go back, I can take more “meaningful” pictures.
-
- This is the most common form of mass transportation.
-
- I believe this was near Cabaret.
-
- Rice pickers near Saint Marc.
-
- My homage to George Rodger reflecting one of his photos in his “Haiti 1950” collection.
-
- Woman waiting to purchase some items. It’s interesting to note how non-chalantly she carries her goods on her head.
-
- Allen Reesor listening to stories and experiences of restavek and restavek families.
-
- Wall of statesmen in the commons in Gonaives.
-
- The girl behind the pole dared the other two to ask me to take their picture.
-
- As I waited to cross a street, these girls (on a dare) asked me to take their picture.
-
- After taking their picutures, the girls introduced me to another friend that wanted her photo taken.
-
- This boy wanted his photo taken. So he asked his grandmother if it was alright to do so.
-
- A bar in Gonaives where I had a few beers with a colleague.
-
- This lady wanted to sell me a chicken. Live. Instead, One of our colleagues bought two.
-
- When all you have is a moped, you have no choice on accommodating your family.
-
- The ruined Palace in Port au Prince. It seems to be unnoticed. Local sell their goods right in front of it.
-
- Dominic was quite helpful in the Iron Market.