If the name Paul Giguere is unfamiliar to you, hopefully this post will change that. Paul has created an wonderful resource for photographers with his podcasts, Thoughts on Photography. He has created over 100 podcasts that cover all aspects of the fine art world, including terrific interviews with image makers and posts that will help emerging photographers navigate the fine art waters. Paul is an engaged and committed photographer in his own right and is hoping to raise funds through Kickstarter to fund a new project in Haiti.

Ile-a-Vache is a small island on the south coast of Haiti where most people live on agriculture and fishing. Ile-a-Vache is a kind of microcosm of the kind of development and economy that mainland Haiti is striving for. Ile-a-Vache has its own school, library, health clinic, and a micro-lending initiative which has helped to spark various businesses on the island including several cooperatives. This is a social documentary project on Ile-a-Vache, Haiti that highlights what may be a future road map for all of Haiti. Funds raised through Kickstarter will help cover the initial costs of principle photography on Ile-a-Vache.

The goal of the project is to create photographs (accompanied by the words of the people themselves) that tell individual stories. These stories will make a enlightening photo essay project and will help keep attention focused on the issues faced by the people of Haiti. The project will generate an exhibition (with photos for sale and/or auction) and a book. In addition to the exhibition and book, the project will also be promoted through various media outlets. All proceeds from the project generated through sales will go towards supporting further development efforts on Ile-a-Vache.

Paul also has a social documentary project in Cuernavaca, Mexico titled Faith de las Personas. Some of the image follow below.