 Editor's note: if you typically skip the captions of my photoblog posts, please read the contents of this post. I describe the dire situation in Haiti as a result of a devastating earthquake which struck the tiny island nation two days ago. More importantly, I offer some suggestions on what you can do to help. Now and again, I let my photoblog posts reflect my current state of mind or the state of current events in the world. Today, I spent a lot of time reading the news about the earthquake that had struck Haiti and the ongoing relief efforts. I looked through powerful images of the devastation. A few hours later, more images of the devastation were posted. I read the heartbreaking stories, tweets, and the cynical blog posts. Throughout the day, I asked myself what could I do? The truth is, the people and organizations that are making a true difference are doing so on the ground in Haiti. In Port-au-Prince, the capital, organizations are setting up makeshift hospitals and treating the wounded. Thousands of other volunteers are still searching for survivors, even if some estimates predict that up to 100,000 may have died. Earlier in the day, I was thinking how I could make a difference. But I also thought: how could fellow photographers help? I described two ideas in a blog post, which I hope you will read: 'Photographers: Help with the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts'. Today, I was looking through the photos I captured in Washington D.C., trying to figure out what would make for an appropriate post. And then I stumbled upon this picture I captured on my walk around Georgetown. The first thing which I paid attention to were the cranes hanging in that window. But then, to get the shot, I noticed the reflection. I had to move out of the way so as my presence wouldn't interfere with the capture. The first word corresponds to what I was doing for most of the day: reflecting. On closer inspection, as I was capturing this photo, I noticed how the cranes were connected to each other. What was supporting them? The answer is easy: a thin wire. But in a broader context as it relates to the current events. How can I help the victims? What can I do to support the ongoing efforts in Haiti? Hence, the initial reach to other photographers via my blog post. And then, later in the evening, I wrote about how I am choosing to participate (but I need your help). I am having a prints sale, where 50% of your entire order will be donated to charity of your choice. If you don't specify a charity, then I'll donate in the name of Partners in Health (why? Because a little over a year ago, I read Tracy Kidder's work, Mountains Beyond Mountains; this beautiful account about the efforts of Partners in Health in Haiti, and particularly that of Paul Farmer, resonated with me strongly). You can read all the details behind this print promotion in this post. ### If you support this idea, then please take advantage of the offer. If you want to help further, then please spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, or your medium of choice. Of course, there is no obligation. We can always sit back and do nothing... Even if you don't purchase a print from Erudite Expressions, I strongly encourage you to donate to charities directly. The following is a list of organizations which I support: Red CrossOne last note: if you're a photographer, I encourage you to do something similar on your blog. Create a promotion with proceeds going to charity. Then write about your efforts on your blog. It may sound trite, but every bit of help counts. It matters. Truly, together we can make a difference. Thank you. ======================================================== UPDATE (January 15, 2010): Another day, and more horrific news out of Haiti. The latest estimate is that at least 50,000 are confirmed dead. A lot of help is still needed. I spent a lot of time looking through various photos coming from Haiti. It is just unbelievable. I'll provide links to two compilations next, but I must warn you that the photos are incredibly disturbing, especially the ones in the Wall Street Journal. But if we don't have these photos, how will we know what is happening? Photos are our testament to being witnesses... The two compilations that I want you to see: Fourth Day of Chaos in Haiti [WSJ]The photo essay from the New York Times is especially chilling/moving/disturbing. Perhaps it is because I am such an advocate of text going along with images, that the presentation speaks to me on so many levels. The transcript (of the phone call, which you can also listen to in the presentation) and the photos should stir something within you. I am filled with feelings of helplessness. I'm overwhelmed. How does one even photograph the scenes unfolding in Haiti? Damon Winter responds: I imagine this stuff catches up to you. It’s my first time covering something like this. I get the feeling that you suspend your emotions the best you can while you’re here, and deal with it some other time, when you have time to deal with it.I thought the most moving part of the photo essay was the part where Mr. Damon says pictures cannot be made. It's incredible. There was one thing that didn’t really make pictures. It was my first night here last night. We were staying at a hotel on the edge of a pretty heavily damaged neighborhood and at night, you could hear people singing. People are out on the street at night. It’s really hard to photograph because there’s no electricity. It’s pitch black.But there is some hope in the night: But all night you could hear them singing prayers. It’s pretty amazing the ways that people are dealing with this tragedy. It says a lot about the Haitian character. They are an amazing people.I hope these two compilations stir you to do something. As I mentioned above, I encourage you to donate to charities. Again, the charities I personally encourage you to give to are below: Red CrossIf you want to do something creative with your donation (i.e., not a direct donation to the charities listed above), I have two suggestions on how you can make it happen (both are related to photography): 1) Please see this Flickr Charity Print Auction group where photographers are auctioning their images as prints. For all of the auctions, 100% of the bid goes to charity. It's a courageous community effort. I am participating in it as well; please see my entry here. If you can bid on any of the wonderful photos presented in that group, please do so. It's a commendable effort.Thank you. |
||
| < | main | comments | archives & galleries | prints | RSS | coolphotoblogs • listed • VOTE | Doors of Prague | hire me | > |
| facebook page | flickr | reading | about | share this! | Tweet | ||
| Copyright © 2006-2011 Erudite Expressions | contact me | ||
| ||