Thirst for plainness

• Prize
  Silver in Analog/Photojournalism
• Photographer
  Philipp Schmieja , Germany
• Date of Photograph
  04.03.2026

Thousands of people are trapped in areas controlled by vicious gangs, which are funded and armed by Haitian oligarchs in Port-au-Prince. Not in Jalousi, the hillside slum has been liberated by police since 2019. Jalousie has no access to running water, no sewage, no power systems. And the waste is dumped in open sites. It is the centre of deadly cholera outbreaks. But the estimated 80,000 residents having an undeniable thirst for plainness and for life. They set up beauty salons, laugh and play amongst piles of plastic rubbish. One can find dignity, hope and a sense of community.

Self-taught photographer and passionate traveler. I discovered my passion for photography during traveling African countries.
I had developed a fascination for tribes. This has been underpinned by my passion for photography. Tribal people are those who have unique customs. They often have a symbiotic bond with the environments in which they live.
I am using photography as a medium to capture candid moments as well as community spirit and portraits. And in that moment, through my lens, I am seeking to portray the soul of the places by blending intimate people photography with striking imagery