"Piti, piti, wazo fe nich li." Haitian proverb translation:

Little by little the bird builds its nest.

In Gonaives, Haiti a woman prepares to do her laundry in the aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne. 2004

If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough

Photographer Robert Capa once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Capa wasn’t advocating the use of longer lenses; he was telling us to physically get closer — to become more involved and intimate with our subjects. In fact, a wide-angle lens is often a better choice than a telephoto lens when you want to “zoom in” on your subject.

I took this shot in the coastal city of Gonaives, Haiti while covering the aftermath of hurricane Jeanne in 2004. At the time, I was still shooting (Tri-X) film and an old, fully manual Canon AE-1, which to this day remains my favorite camera.

The people in this particular village hadn't eaten in over a week. Food distribution from CARE agency hadn't made it to this village due to blocked roads. On the day I was there, the food truck had finally arrived. And when it did, all hell broke loose. In an act of desperation, this Haitian man along with many others attempted to "car-jack" a food truck. UN peace-keeping troops attempted to control the chaotic scene. A group of troops ran after this man in particular and I followed, running through the hot and dusty village to capture what would happen as a result of this chase. The troops finally caught the man, and in a split second moment, I crouched down and positioned myself as close as I could with my Canon AE-1 affixed with a 28mm lens, and with this single frame, captured the arrest which told the story of desperation and the consequences Haitians met as a result of their actions.

To this day, though I shoot digitally, I almost never use a telephoto lens. My personal style is to get as close as possible to my subjects. If I can feel their energy or hear them breathe, I know I'm close enough and more often than not will result in a more intimate and emotional image with great impact to the viewer.

Throwback: Gonaives, Haiti 2004

The Aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne.

DIASPORAN Views: New York, Haiti, Cuba video promo

Click PLAY to view the video promo for my upcoming exhibition!

Diasporan Views: Harlem, Haiti, Cuba

I'm psyched to be having my solo art exhibition coming up on June 18th @ Sister's Uptown Cultural Stop, located at 1942 Amsterdam Ave. @ 156th street, NYC.

Planning is coming along surprisingly smooth. Let's hope it stays that way! Hope to see you at the opening reception!

Heading to Haiti on 4/26 for a medical relief mission!

One week in Haiti with Project Medishare to help heal the wounded. Though I have some idea of what i will be faced with, there's still this feeling of the unknown. Still, I am proud to help my people...

Haitian Proverb-- "Ou we sa ou genyen, ou pa konn sa ou rete." Translation: "You know what you've got, but you don't know what's coming."

Travel Log #2: Cruise trip to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

More pics from my cruise vacation...Enjoy!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.




Samanna, Dominican Republic




Horseback riding through the mountainous rain forest.







Tito, my horse and Sita, my escort.







Swimming in some deep water under the waterfall.



Dominican buddies



Young Dominican couple



Labadee, Haiti.

It was refreshing to hear from Haitians in Labadee, that they are well provided for with good paying jobs from the Royal Caribbean Company. By Haitian standards, this is a very cushy job, because having a job with this large, privately owned company garners respect, as well as incentives like a Visa and other standard employment benefits. Shortly after the earthquake hit Port-au-Prince (which is about 120 miles south of Labadee), Royal Caribbean distributed food and built water main's , delivering fresh water to Labadee, it's neighbor Cap-Haitian and beyond.

Labadee is a truly beautiful place which reminded me of of Haiti when I was there as a kid. It also gave me hope for Haiti reclaiming her glory. For Haitians, there is much to be proud of, and I never want to lose sight of that.







Coconut Tree



Beach views














St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.







San Juan, Puerto Rico

I love the architecture in Old San Juan, and the color palette used on the facades definitely let you know you're in the caribbean!








Cigar Roller, San Juan



Interior architecture, San Juan's first prison converted to a restaurant. Now THAT's vision!



Caribbean Sky



Waterfall in Sammana, Dominican Republic.

Travel log #1: Caribbean cruise to St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Haiti.

Royal Caribbean Cruise to the eastern caribbean islands of Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and Haiti, on a mission of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

I always look forward to re-connecting with the Caribbean. Though I'm born to Haitian parents, there's something about the region itself that I'm drawn to like the rich history, the lush green landscapes, the indigo blue water and perfect skies, the smell of the tropical air carrying the aromas of the island spices, and especially the sun seducing my skin with a fervent intensity and the soulful people reminding me that I am home. Ahhh, so many reasons to let go, so many reasons to just be...

I love being a tourist. There's a certain kind of fascination that comes to me when I'm in "tourist" mode. The look in my eyes get wider, my smile is broader, I immerse myself totally to feel the culture and spirit of the place. My silly island history questions get answered enthusiastically by the proud natives.

As a photographer, there's a different sense of purpose when taking vacation snaps. Even then, photography becomes less "mission-like" as is often my approach when shooting my photojournalistic work. The beauty around me was so intense, it overwhelmed me at times. I can only succumb to it, let go of everything and just be.

This was a great (much-needed) vacation. I left New york as rigid and stressed as a worn brick, and came back as the ocean.

Below is the first post of images from my Caribbean vacation. I'll be marinating in these and the feelings for a whole (i hope). Check back periodically for future posts with other images of paradise. Comments are welcome! Enjoy!

(Click any image to enlarge)


Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship in Labadee, Haiti. My home for nine days. I'll post review of the ship itself in a later post.




Samanna, Republica Dominicana


Native dancers twirling to the sounds of Salsa.




Boatmen/fishermen.



Jeans hang out to dry on top of the this village home.






Soy Dominicano.








Trees in the rain forest.



View from atop the mountains.




St. Thomas, Virgin Islands




Snorkling in St. Thomas. I now have an appreciation for underwater photographers. It's not easy, but alot of fun!









Palm tree through the humid glass window.




Labadee, Haiti
(check back soon for more of my take and some interesting facts about Labadee, Haiti.)


View from the cruise ship.



Haitian musicians.



Picturesque view



This was no ordinary shipwreck! This was a BAR on the beach, though closed for the afternoon. Vision is all it takes to come up with this one.


Haitian artist at work.



Nights at sea








San Juan nights, Puerto Rico.










Table in San Juan's 1st prison, converted to a restaurant. Traditional Spanish food that was the best I've had!




Water in the Caribbean.


View from the back of a speed boat in St. Thomas.



Waterfall in Samanna, Dominican Republic.










Where ocean meets sky.



I BELONG!




Check back next week for more images from Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and Haiti cruise vacation! Thanks for checking it out!