Inspiration to my picture story design: National Geographic

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My most favoured article, where I got most of my inspiration from was: “Showing Haiti on Its Own Terms” –  Young photographers reveal pride and beauty in a land where struggle is the norm.

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Six-year-old Tamara Pierre, in Ca Douche, wears choublak—hibiscus blossoms—in her hair. “I took this picture,” says Prophète, “because the hibiscus is one of my favorite flowers.” PHOTOGRAPH BY MYRMARA PROPHÈTE, 14

 

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The bustling Iron Market in Port-au-Prince, destroyed by the 2010 earthquake, was restored to look as it did when built more than a century ago. Picture taken by ANGELAURE SAINT LOUIS, 17

“So many people work in the Iron Market. I was happy it was rebuilt after the earthquake.” – ANGELAURE SAINT LOUIS”

The Article follows up on Angelaure’s experience of the Earthquake and provides a brief biography to deep deep into the more personal side to the tragic event. I feel this aspect is a great way for the recipient to empathise with the picture stories, as well as being to relate well to it themselves.

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In a street market in Cap-Haïtien Maryse (at right) and her friend Martine sell religious products used for Vodou rituals and ceremonies. PHOTOGRAPH BY PHILOMÈNE JOSEPH, 20

“I love my roots, and I take a lot of photos that represent what my roots are.” – PHILOMÉNE JOSEPH

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A regular at this pond in Camp Perrin, Johnny Pierre makes good use of available resources. “I’ve seen him catch fish for his family for months,” says Neuvieme, “and I wanted to capture this moment at dawn.” PHOTOGRAPH BY SMITH NEUVIEME, 32
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A girl runs past the Maison Boucard, a historic home in this once wealthy city where fortunes were made in the coffee trade. PHOTOGRAPH BY DARRY ENDY DULCINÉ, 16

“Side by side we have shared a lot of beautiful moments through photography. We have had no regrets.”
DARRY ENDY DULCINÉ

I feel this way of documentation is a great way to tackle change. The loves of people weren’t beaten by the burdens of the natural disaster, but inspired to let people know through images how much of a change we can make for the future. The suggestion that the people of Haiti are stronger than the natural forces comes clear through the quotes from these young photographers, then again, allowing the receiver to empathise with the situations they’re going through. However, the non-cliché approach to committing with change is a nice break from seeing scared and terrorised people, all in all, making it an impacting picture story.

Here is a link to the full online article: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/12/haiti-photos-by-haitians-text

 

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