Haiti Through the Camera's Eye

Haitians telling their own story through photography

The Iron Market (2014) by Angelaure Saint LouisHaiti Film Institute

The iconic Iron Market (Marche en Fer) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is an iconic iron market built in 1891. Designated as a historical heritage this landmark has been restored and remains a colorful reminder of its years. 

Remember (2017) by Sephora MonteauHaiti Film Institute

Lakou Souvnans located in the Artibonite department was founded in 1815 and is part of 3 sacred temples carrying Voodoo tradition as it was practiced in Africa. 

Religious Shop in Cap Haitian (2014) by Philomène JosephHaiti Film Institute

Design patterns and  color matching happen naturally. 

Downtown Port-au-Prince (2017) by Philomène JosephHaiti Film Institute

Street side vendors are often located near central markets. They are the most popular way to acquire anything and everything.  

Plantains for the market (2006) by Jean Paul Saint FleurHaiti Film Institute

Woman are the backbone of the economy and essential in the supply of  food and products to the markets.   

Blue Basin in Haiti (2014) by Wilky DouzeHaiti Film Institute

Bassin Bleu, a major tourist attraction, is a gem located near Jacmel in the South East of Haiti. It is made up of 3 natural basins of turquoise blue water linked by waterfalls.

Saut d' Eau Haiti Waterfall (2013) by Harry Jean LouisHaiti Film Institute

Saut d'Eau, (Haitian Creole: Sodo) French for "waterfall" is in the Central department of Haiti and is said to have been created after a massive earthquake in 1842. Thousands flock on religious pilgrimage to bathe in its sacred waters and ask for favors and pray for healing.

The Citadel (2014) by Wilky DouzeHaiti Film Institute

The Citadelle Laferriere,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest fortress in the Americas. Built by thousands of former slaves under King Henri Christophe it demonstrated the power of the newly independent Haiti and remains standing as a proud achievement till today.   

The Yard (2000) by Jean Paul Saint FleurHaiti Film Institute

Traditional Haitian homes in the countryside often welcome visitors with a smile and a cup of Haitian grown coffee. 

Donkey Ride (2006) by Jean Paul Saint FleurHaiti Film Institute

Children in the countryside are taught to ride at a very young age to help the family in the fields, gathering and transporting crops to be sold in local marketplaces.

Girl by the River in in the valley (2014) by Philomène JosephHaiti Film Institute

A donkey is sometimes the best means of transport for goods and people. 

Les Cayes Town in Haiti (2017) by Sephora MonteauHaiti Film Institute

Travelling on horseback is also a popular means of transportation in the Haitian countryside.

Rice Fields in the Artibonite Valley (2014) by Wilky DouzeHaiti Film Institute

The Artibonite Valley is known for its many rice fields producing the majority of Haitian rice.

Rice Field Farmer (2014) by Wilky DouzeHaiti Film Institute

Rice field farmers thresh the rice by hand to separate the grain from the stalk.

Fisherman in Jacmel (2014) by Philomène JosephHaiti Film Institute

Being an island, Haiti is known for its many fisherman villages along the coast. Skills such as weaving fishing nets have been passed down through generations.

Fisherman (2014) by Wilky DouzeHaiti Film Institute

Many Haitian families rely on fishing to make a living. 

View of Kabik Beach by Jean Paul Saint FleurHaiti Film Institute

The seaside tourist attractions abound in Haiti as seen through this beautiful view of Kabic Beach in the South of the island.

Modern Fishermen (2020) by Jean Paul Saint FleurHaiti Film Institute

Before becoming a popular tourist destination, Kabic was a fisherman's village. Meet the new generation of fishermen!

Credits: Story

These images were shared by Fotokonbit, a non-profit organization created to engage, educate and support Haitians in the telling of their own stories through photography. They aim to actively contribute to the legacy of Haiti’s visual culture and strongly believe that photography has the power to change public perceptions and enrich its creators. Their educational model encourages creativity and provides tools through which photographers can create their own narratives and share them with each other and the world.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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