Port-au-Prince, August 4, 2022 --- The UNFPA Communication Unit in Haiti organized, under the direction of the Representative, Saidou Kabore, a training seminar in digital photography for the benefit of UNFPA staff , in “Les Cayes”, in the department “Sud”, from July 14 to 19, 2022.

Twenty-four employees from the office in “Les Cayes”, from the departments “Nippes” and “Grand'Anse” and from “Port-au-Prince” in the department “Ouest”, took part.

This training was led by a high-level professional photographer and teacher in audiovisual production. Maxence Bradley has distinguished himself through his work in various consultations at UNFPA and other United Nations agencies.

According to Bradley, this training allowed the participants to learn the basic technical and artistic notions of digital photography, to practice digital photography, to learn the post-production of images, the management of a photo library and the export of the learner's work, as well as the distinction between the professional photographer and the amateur photographer.

The exposure triangle, a fundamental element in photography, has been approached in order to easily establish the relationship between the three variables that influence the exposure of a photo, namely aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity to ISO light.

Participants discovered the basic artistic principles concerning the choice and manipulation of framing, shot value, color and contrast so that their productions are original and captivating.

These notions were articulated with indoor and outdoor shooting sessions. This allowed, among other things, an ease in handling the camera.

Bradley also taught post-production lessons, including using Adobe's Lightroom editing software to make corrections, adjustments, and special effects.

Marie Lucie Chaudry, project manager, found the training very appropriate. "This is my first experience with professional cameras," she said. “Usually, I used my phone without applying the required techniques.”

During this session, I learned to take close-up, medium shot and foot shots, she rejoiced. “It is a great opportunity that UNFPA offers employees to know how to shoot quality photos that will be useful for the office,” said Chaudry.

During these 5 days of training, I was able to dot the i's in photography, said Prisca Claude Cadet. "From now on, I will be able to edit my photos in Lightroom," she said.

"I learned a lot of things," said Elizca Judelin. "I can now take pictures on my own," he added. “The notions learned will be very useful to me for the future,” added Judelin.

“I am asking UNFPA in Haiti to send us cameras to put into practice what we have learned,” said administrative assistant Chanel Louis. "We want 4 cameras, 1 for each department (Nippes and Grand'Anse), and 2 in Les Cayes," added Louis.

The UNFPA communications manager, Vario Sérant, thinks that this digital photography training is part of UNFPA's capacity building in Haiti, especially colleagues from the departments Sud, Nippes and Grand'Anse.

"We can expect better photographic coverage of UNFPA activities in Haiti, an increase in efforts for the production of digital content, the strengthening of the photo bank and the feeding of the website and social media" , he pointed out.

The Southern part of Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew and by the earthquake of August 14, 2021. Telephone communication signals and traditional media were cut off during these disasters. Photography was then put to use in awareness-raising and humanitarian intervention.

UNFPA does not want to leave anyone behind. Hence its repeated initiatives to approach the populations often affected by these plagues.

Text : Oliver Ambroise et Vario Sérant

Photos : Maxence Bradley

Texte traduit du Français à l’Anglais par :

Jhunie Laura Ganème et Michael Johnson Leger,

Officiers communautaire