In May 2010, I traveled to Haiti, 6 months after the devastating earthquake in Port Au Prince. I continue to sort and organize the 6,233 photos that I took, along with the random scribbled notes that I collected during our stay.
This collection of images were taken at the Masion Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti- They provide children with food, shelter, clothing and education, the oldest orphan is 32.
Fragmented thoughts:
May 24, 2010- Barbella likes to braid my hair in the hopes of receiving new colorful hair clips and rubber bands to add to her collection. The orphans stand in line to have their toenails painted, each nail, fingers and toes, a different color. One of the boys is called over to the girls’ court to play the drums, the nightly ceremony of dance and song. I wish I could speak Creole -However, my bits of French seem to get me by. I respond Oui, Tres Bien to all their many questions, smile offering love, affection and hair clips.
Their innocent faces continue to blast open & simultaneously break my heart.
Families were lined up at the gates of the orphanage for days after the earthquake hoping to be lucky enough to find their children a home at the Orphanage.
Photographing at the orphanage was actually very challenging because as soon as the children see the camera they all run up and jump and struggle to get in front of the lens. Capturing the in between moments was my greatest challenge. These photos represent some of those moments.
aisha harley PHOTOGRAPHY 