Haiti is dreamlike, magical, evil, heavenly. It seems as though the fates pointed to Haiti and decided this is where they would put the portal between paradise and hell. Everything — everything — is one or the other.
– Maggie Steber, New York Times photographer

What’s happening right now in Haiti is horrendous, and gets worse by the day. But it’s also making me think about why we photograph what we do.
Since the earthquake hit, I’ve heard quite a few young photographers say they’d like to go there if they can. Everyone’s different of course, but I don’t feel the urge to photograph these kind of incidents myself.
Since I started taking pictures two years ago, I have constantly questioned myself about my motives and ethics and potential audience. The thought of slipping into voyeurism, or stereotyping or of in any way exploiting or disrespecting the people I photograph or write about horrifies me. I’m sure most people who photograph sensitive subjects are aware of such issues.
Of course it’s important that what happens in countries like Haiti is covered, in order to keep the appeal alive. And to me, if any photographer is genuinely able to secure coverage for their work while they’re there, or afterwards then fair enough. If not though, why should precious supplies go to them and not a Haitian or a rescue or reconstruction worker?
I’ve no doubt that most people have very good intentions but if it’s about shooting to fill up the misery section of their portfolio, then that makes me uncomfortable. The last thing Haiti needs right now is to be swamped by poverty tourists.
Probably the most useful thing most of us can do is donate money to the appeal, which you can do with a few clicks of your mouse, HERE