Photographer Journal: 2019

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

When the people rise ...

Destiné, alias Jean Jacques Dessalines is a regular fixture at most major demonstrations, especially those who fall on historical dates. He can be seen dressed as the leader of the Haitian Revolution and often makes a dramatic appearance when mounted on his horse with the black and red banner floating followed by running and cheering kids, lending his support to already gathered demonstrators.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

It's been eight weeks

Political violence has significant adverse effects on all members of society, especially children. The current social upheaval in Haiti for the past eight weeks may affect children; even short-term exposure to political violence may have long-lasting effects on behavior ranging from academic failure to increased aggression.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Uprising in Haiti against an oppressive system

For the past 16 months, Haitians have taken to the streets in cities throughout Haiti demanding the resignation of Jovenel Moise, the prosecution of corrupt Government officials, and a complete rupture with an oppressive system associated with the predatory state in Haiti. The struggle for a more inclusive and humane society is on going.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Art initiative to remember those who have fallen

Several artists of the collective KATAN (Kolektif Atis Angajé) organized an event in Port-Au-Prince, "Rél Tanbou", October 15, 2019, underneath a bridge, Viaduc de Delmas, which has been a gathering point since the uprising. The initiative included creating a couple of murals in honor of those who have been killed since the movement to overthrow Haiti's President Jovenel Moise began. The names of those who have passed will be added to one of the murals.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Golden hour engulfs the mountains of Kenskoff, Haiti

Right before nightfall, the rain had stopped, and the sun peaked out of the clouds and turned magical, casting its golden warm light as far as my eyes could see. It slowly faded, didn't even last 15 minutes. The sun had gone back under the clouds, ending a fleeting moment of pure bliss.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

This relaxing greenery, the aroma of eucalyptus ...

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Rising with the sun, 5:40 am Kenscoff, Haiti

At dawn, when the sun is about to rise, a beautiful spectacle enhances the skies, filled with renewed energy. The launch of a new day with a chance and opportunity to complete what was unfinished yesterday.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Kenscoff grabs the attention of Haitian Nationals and foreigners alike

At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, Kenscoff cool mountains air attracts residents of Port-Au-Prince and beyond. The village of Kenscoff has lost some of its enchanting, environmental characteristics, however, it's the place I still go to when in search of peace and tranquility.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

The courage to continue in the face of adversity...

Life is not easy in the Haitian countryside, it's enormous the wide variety of issues that challenge women as they go about their daily lives. These women carry an excessive heavy load, particularly economic issues and family concerns compounded by the offensive gender inequality and Haiti's current socio-economic disaster.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Unpolluted,rejuvenating fresh air at 5016 ft above sea level awaits in Kenscoff

Thursday, August 8, 2019

The woman in the red dress

Some of the typical vibrant colors you find in the Caribbean added some life to the photograph, but something was missing, I was desperate for the human element to add a little bit more interest to the composition. So I waited in the hope that some beachgoer wouldn't be aware that I was taking pictures and walk into the frame, and that's exactly what she did. And in addition, her red dress perfectly blended in.

Monday, August 5, 2019

There's something about being on the open road ...

To continually be in a different place, to awaken in a strange town, to have no engagements nor obligations besides aiming, composing and releasing the shutter, to be far removed from the seats of duties.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Achieving Simplicity ...

Keeping things simple both in life and photography, no one can do this for you. It's about your choices, your unique vision as an artist, what triggers your creativity and how you choose to arrange it in the frame. Sometimes the story and the elements come together progressively and if it resonates with your intent, respond quickly and press the shutter button.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Nature, the poetry of the earth

Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy - your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself. Annie Leibovitz

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Cherish the journey more than the destination

Extraordinary moments happen in an instant when traveling on the road, unexpected cinematic landscape begging to be captured, the accidental discoveries, be flexible and alert while exploring everything the road has to offer. Road trips are about the unexpected.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Port-Au-Prince, 7:28 pm

The sun takes on shades of orange right before sunset, the tint that gives you the expectation that the sun will set to rise again.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Cleaning up Port-Au-Prince


photos © patrice dougé All rights reserved

The third edition of the initiative "Nap balé" to clean up Port-Au-Prince, took off On Ave John Brown, Sunday, April 28, 2019. For the past three years, a neighborhood in Champ de Mars and Delmas benefitted from the project. Encouraging Haitians to develop their patriotic spirit, is what the "nap balé' project set up three years ago by As-Lash, in partnership with the Mario Bregart and Saniclean foundation, aim to achieve. Several Haitian artists and public figure are guarantors of this project.

Monday, April 29, 2019

More protest to demand final audit report


photo © patrice dougé All rights reserved

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in front of the Superior Court of Accounts to demand the final audit report on the use of PetroCaribe funds. The protesters voiced slogans hostile to those accused of misusing those funds and demanding their arrest. Burning tires were noticeable and the police at some point use teargas.

Monday, April 22, 2019

Happy Earth Day

Together, we can end pollution, fight climate change, reforest the planet, build sustainable communities, green our schools, educate, advocate and take action to protect Earth. photo © patrice dougé All rights reserved

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Trees are the earth's lifeblood and ancient cultures were wise to recognize this

A man and his wife sit under a mapou tree while participating in a vodou celebration in Souvenance, Gonaives. Trees are the earth's lifeblood and ancient cultures were wise to recognize this. To this day, many indegenous cultures worship trees or one specific tree."These people will never be conquered again, they will be exploited, they will be downtrodden, they will be impoverished - but you can tell not a single Haitian walks around with his head down... They're more human than the people who enslaved them. They were better than their masters, able to live in another realm. There's no other more articulate response to oppression than that. And that's why Vodou is here - because Vodou is the soul of the Haitian people" Ira lowenthal