I often find myself more enamored with where photography takes me versus the process of actually taking a photo. The exploration of applying yourself to your work in order to find that powerful photograph really gets me. My work outside of commercial work tends to lend itself to travel, where I’m documenting surf, motorcycle, and light-hearted exploration for brands and editorials. I find that even in simply observing an aspect of nature, I am to a degree ‘taking’, absorbing, or consuming something from a place. When I travel, I’m constantly thinking about how I can do my best to leave nothing but a positive footprint. Which is why I find it incredibly important to incorporate an aspect of humanitarian contribution in my life/work. How can we be better at this?
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A while back, the co-founder of Waves for Water, Jon Rose, approached me about getting involved with his organization and it was a no-brainer. Waves for Water helps organize humanitarian trips for surfers and adventure travelers to help provide clean water to countries in need. Do what you love and help along the way. It makes perfect sense for someone who shoots surf photography; an excuse to surf more and see the world and places I want to see. But, to “help along the way” only drove home the idea, that feeling I had, that there is more to be done than simply travel.
In early October, Haiti suffered the devasting effects of Hurricane Matthew. The category 4 storm claimed more than 1,000 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. We were on the first commercial flight in. As soon as we hit the ground our job was to assess and document, and to formulate a plan of action for the best way to respond. You have to approach these things sensitively and with a broader picture in mind. There are too many people that run at situations like these thinking, “I’m going to save you!” and it’s just not real. You have to take a step back and realize something like this is more than just a moment of time. The people of Haiti need more than a blanket for a few nights.
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It is clear that Haiti, currently the poorest country in the western hemisphere, will be feeling the effects of this storm for years to come: crops have been decimated, jobs dissolved, and homes are destroyed. Waves for Water’s mission was to show a real-time illustration of this severity – go in calm and with a plan, and address needs as we could. The goal was to empower communities to take our tools and fill the need as they see fit. The longer I spent there and the more families and communities we met and worked with, the more apparent the need became. I by no means am the answer to their needs, but I can facilitate a way to help them by showing others what those needs are.
Having no illusions of being a profound humanitarian, it’s interesting to grow in this world. But, I do believe it is our duty to give back in a way or to the degree that you can.
