I went digging into my archives for some old photos I took the last time I visited Port-au-Prince in October 2003. I haven’t seen most of these images in years, and seeing them now makes me regret I didn’t have enough experience in photography to better portray both the natural beauty and urban neglect. I should have concentrated on capturing how tough and warm the people are. Nevertheless, my memories are vivid; I’m grateful for them now.
These were originally shot with my 35mm film camera, but this morning I shot some select prints with my iPhone (easier than going out to scan them) so the quality is low and some of the pictures are blurry, but today I just needed to share memories I still have of a country that always made me feel like I was home.
The presidential palace.
The banner hanging advertises upcoming classes at the Center for Modern Technology.
Centre Ville, Port-au-Prince
Ribbons: a must-have accessory for every little Haitian girl.
Cathédrale de Notre Dame of Port-au-Prince on the left.
A “water taxi.”
The very first time I shot a wedding! I happened to be the only guest with a camera so they asked me to shoot. Too funny!
“Respect”
I stayed with a close family friend who ran a preschool/daycare on the first floor of her home. The building collapsed in the earthquake, but thank God everyone survived. The school still operates today in a shelter in the backyard of the home.
I got to hang out a few times to watch the kids play, even sat in on a lesson with the five year-olds. I always kept a distance, not wanting to intrude. One afternoon this little girl, who never spoke to me, walked up, sat in my lap, and fell asleep in my arms. She helped me let my guard down, and the rest of the trip was transformed after that.
This image makes me so happy because underneath those covers was always an amazing meal waiting.
A faint rainbow in the sky. Look up!
.jpg){kind=small}