Merari Teruel Photography { Portrait Photographer : Miami and Worldwide }

Haiti

2010-03-11T22:24:00.004-05:00

Going to Haiti was an amazing experience. Instead of telling you about it, I decided to let the photos speak for themselves.

A young boy posing behind a LandRover. He attended Concorde, the local church we were sleeping in every night.

A group of men fishing in a lake by the Haiti-Dominican Republic border. The difference between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is immediately noticeable. The street in the DR is paved. The street in Haiti is of dusty, chalk-like material causing for a very bumpy, dirty ride in.

Children knock on windows asking for food, water and money while cars are waiting to cross the border.

People shop and sell produce in an open air market in Port Au Prince. Mountains of garbage surround it and are seen in every sidewalk of the city.

Women sell food on a sidewalk. According to Amnesty International, women and young girls are at higher risk of sexual assault now due to the lawlessness of the country.

Trying to make a living, many people sell hand-made items and food on the streets to passing cars.

Throughout Haiti, many NGOs and Non-Profits pass out food on a daily basis.

Our team worked in the city of Leogane, the epicenter of the earthquake. According to UN Reports, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people died from the earthquake and about 80 to 90% of buildings damaged with no remaining government infrastructure.

The ride from Port Au Prince to Leogane is about an hour an a half. Cracked roads and huge pot holes disfigure the streets.

The church we served with was one of the few buildings that didn't collapse completely. The church had a school which was destroyed during the earthquake. While on the trip, we met with Unicef relief workers to help the school get back on its feet.

Men work to rebuild a wall for the church that fell during the earthquake.

A young girl poses where her old classroom used to be. Behind her, five nurses are running a small clinic.

Patients wait to be seen by a nurse. The most common diagnoses were scabies, ring worms, vaginal infections and stomach issues.

Nurses examine a young boy. During a four day clinic, the nurses attended to about 700 people.

A Tent City in the City of Leogane. About 200 people are currently living there in make-shift houses. According to the camp leader, no aid had reached them yet, except for a water tank.

Young boys in the Tent City.

Another tent city on the opposite side of Port Au Prince.

Many people use bicycles and motorcycles to get around.

We drove three hours out of Port Au Prince to meet with a local rice producer. Instead of importing rice to feed the people of Leogane, investing in local businesses can better assist the country's economy.

A shoeless boy jumped into the bus and caught a ride. The number of children living on the streets have grown immensely since the earthquake.

Children play with team members in a home orphanage. The orphanage is run by a family who opened their home to needy children of their community.

A boy sits by a wall and watches cars go by.

Tents are seen scattered around side streets. Many people do not sleep indoors for fear of another earthquake or tremor.

Despite great loss and suffering, there is a big movement of spiritual revival in Haiti. many Haitians have become stronger in their faith and many have given their lives to God after the earthquake.

We believe in not only meeting the physical needs of people (food, health, shelter), but also their emotional and spiritual needs. About a dozen people gave their life to Christ during the week we were there. Dozens more were able to talk about their fears, frustrations, worries and anger. One week is a very short amount of time, but we were able to still serve a community of people as best we could.

Please don't stop praying for your Haitian brothers and sisters and continuing to assist them as best you can.

Haiti

2010-02-16T10:15:00.000-05:00

God is so good to me, friends.

Yesterday I turned the big 2-3. Birthdays have the annoying habit of bringing up the past and pointing at the future. "Look at all the crap you've done instead of this awesome stuff others have done. But don't feel bad, you're just getting closer to death and you still haven't ___ (fill in the blank)___".

Well, maybe that's just me.

This year was different though. Instead of listening to Jimmy Eat World's 23 all day, which was my original plan, I spend my birthday in meetings, writing e-mails and checking flights. And trust me, that is a GREAT thing.

Our heavenly Father always has grander plans for us.

After hearing the heartbreaking news about the earthquake in Haiti, my church has been actively collecting and sending aid to missionaries in Haiti. The Missions department also decided to send a team to assist the missionaries as soon as possible. I immediately spoke to them and signed up to plan the trip and go.

I don't know why.

The news of the earthquake not only shook the ground of Haiti, it also shook my unstable faith. The ever cliche "why do bad things happen?" littered my heart for a while. Dark times clouded by doubt and apathy.

"What the heck am I going to do in Haiti?"

And then, while researching the trip, I stumbled on an article. The reporter described countless Haitians creating a makeshift church to worship God and pray for deliverance. Songs of praise lifted up from the crowded tent village as people in deep suffering had nothing but hope on the Lord. I wept. I repented. The clouds dispersed.

So I will join them, though I cannot even comprehend what they are going through. I will join them in songs of praise, prayers of petition and tears of pain.

I will listen to them, hug them, pray with them and do my best to love them, because honestly, that's all I can do. I hope to make sure this "Haiti thing" is not just a media fad. That their long-term reality will be our life-long burden.

March 4 to March 11 will be a life-changing week.

After weeks of planning, I finally got clearance to go yesterday. I will be joining nurses, doctors, construction workers and pastors in Port-Au-Prince and document our stay. My role is of minimal importance to our work in Haiti, but I know this trip will be significant for God's work in me.

This has turned into a really long post. If you read this all, thank you. And I ask,

Don't forget.

About Haiti. About relief workers. About what YOU can do to help. Please pray for me and our team. and please never stop praying for and actively helping people who need you.

Madeline {Portrait}

2010-02-09T11:06:00.003-05:00

This is one of the cutest babies I've ever had the pleasure of holding. She is so sweet! I had never photographed a newborn before (Maddy is only 6 weeks) so it was quite a learning experience. Most of my clients don't poop, cry and throw up while we're shooting, but other than that, Maddy was a total professional ;-)

she's going to be a fighter ;-)

Paula & Brandon {Portrait}

2010-01-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

I don't really edit my pictures much. I prefer that "natural" look, simply because I don't want you to look back on these pictures ten years from now and see how dated they look. I do make exceptions, though. Paula wanted a "vintage" look for her photos and I gladly took the opportunity to flow the creative juices.

After much experimenting and trial and error, I think I pulled off some vintage-y looks. I did everything from the classic black and white to an edgier "Lomography" look. Let me know which one is your favorite!

2010.

2010-01-01T13:26:00.003-05:00

Alas, a new year... nay, a new decade has come. Though it seems silly to assume that the change of a number will immediately lead to change in ourselves and in the world, a new year still provides a convenient time for reflection of the past, and the encouragement and hope needed for the future.

2010 was great. I was able to fulfill many life dreams and goals. I got my Bachelors, I was able to visit my family in Honduras, I saw many dear friends get married and have babies. Heck, I went to Africa and bungee jumped! Sure, there were many moments of stress, pain, hurt and overall craziness, but in the end 2010 proved to be a year worth revisiting.

I'm not masochistic enough to do the ever painful new years resolution. It's silly to assume that just because December 31st becomes January 1st, things will change. I do however like to take some time to reflect God's blessings from the last year and thank Him in advance for the ones of the following year.

But what the heck... Here are some of my "resolutions" for 2010. They are mostly goals, dreams and things I am looking forward to.

What are some of your resolutions for 2010?

Light {Portrait}

2009-12-09T15:30:00.009-05:00

Thanks to Jimmy Eat World for the inspiration.

Francheska {Portrait}

2009-11-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

I really love taking photos of adventurous people. When Francheska's mom contacted me about taking pictures she epecifically said that her daughter was not into the usual "Vizcaya", puffy dress, heavy make-up look. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just really appreciate people who like to do things differently.

Francheska was a total professional. I didn't have to coach her and she was more than willing to do anything for a good shot. GLORY.

I think it definitely paid off.

I don't know if you've noticed, but I am a HUGE fan of sun flare. I think that's why I like this picture so much.

Jenelle plus baby {Portrait}

2009-11-11T22:52:00.004-05:00

Jenelle, baby and I did portrait session last weekend to capture what we call in the business, the "pregnancy glow". Okay, maybe they call that in every business. We hope to send these over to her husband who is currently serving abroad in the military. I have a feeling he's going to like them ;-)

my favorite: Blue Steel

Berchman & Lauren {Engaged}

2009-11-09T21:32:00.003-05:00

This last weekend I headed over to Black Point Marina to shoot some engagement pictures for Berch and Lauren. Not only is this place cute and photogenic, it also has special meaning to the couple because that is where Berch proposed. Cute!

They also incorporated some personal props into the shoot, like Berch's guitar (he's a musician and worship leader at Christ Fellowship Church).

The weather was less than perfect, but I think we were able to get some good shots.

Alexandra {Portrait}

2009-10-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

This past weekend Alex and I headed over to this cool abandoned place by my house. She wanted a "city" look, and nothing embodies that better than lots of graffiti, right?

It was quite interesting and funny seeing her walk through broken glass and piles of trash to get some shots. She's a trooper. At one point, we were trying to get away from a couple of guys playing Paint Ball. We didn't do a good job at it because I got shot right in the heart by a yellow paint ball. Honestly, who shoots a short girl walking around with a camera and a white shirt yelling "Don't shoot!"? At least it wasn't my camera, but I'm still bitter about it, haha.

Well, it was all worth it because we were able to get some good shots before getting shot, Pun definitely intended. All for the art, right? ;-)

Miscellaneous {South Africa}

2009-10-26T11:00:00.002-04:00

I know I'm probably overdoing the whole "Africa" posting, but I just HAD to post these. I promise they're the last ones ;-)

I just love the way that little boy was looking up at the older one.

Any "Lost" fans out there? Tell me that's not where The Others live.

Penguins are my 2nd favorite animal and I got to see them really up close! I was happy.

Some people have asked if I plan on selling prints of any of my "Africa" posts. I never really thought about it, but if I see enough interest, I'll do it ;-)

if you are indeed interested in purchasing any of these prints, let me know!

Nature's own {South Africa}

2009-10-14T20:54:00.004-04:00

Landscape photography is not really my forte, but seriously, with views like these, I couldn't take a bad picture even if I wanted to. I can't say it enough, South Africa is hands down the most gorgeous, breathtaking place I've ever seen. What do you think?

Souls {South Africa}

2009-10-07T07:53:00.004-04:00

Kids are my favorite. All they require is a smile of recognition and you have a free pass to take their photo. In fact, in Africa, I was usually chased about by a mob of kids who wanted their picture taken. They're so open and vulnerable that its easy to see their soul through their eyes and smiles. It made my job that much easier.

In the few days I was there, I was able to connect with some of the kids from the FROG center in Cape Town. Talking with some of the local volunteers I was able to get some information about their backgrounds. The sad truth is that even though these children do not personify the stereotype we have concocted of what an African child should look like or live like, they come from abusive homes and drug-infested communities where teen pregnancy and drug-related violence runs rampant.

In all honesty, at times I questioned the purpose of my trip there. It did not seem like an important matter to do a Vacation Bible School for a week for some kids. After speaking to the local volunteers, they were able to clarify the ultimate purpose of the trip.

We were there for their "Spring Break". One week were these kids would have to fend for themselves. With barely any adult supervision and productive activities, any kid is bound to get into trouble. That vulnerability that makes them such great subjects for photography also makes them easy victims to drugs, teen pregnancy and violence.

We were able to offer these kids an alternative to getting into trouble. With a couple of hours of the day we provided a safe place for them to play, learn and eat. We were able to show them that despite their circumstances, there are people that love them and care about them and their well-being, both physical and spiritual.

I wish my time there would have been longer, but I am so thankful that God provided the opportunity for me to do this. My hope is that despite the short amount of time I shared with these kids, that a seed was planted. I don't know if I will see any of them again, or if they'll even remember "that short girl with the camera" but I pray that God used me for His glory. I pray that I was able to influence something worthwhile in the lives of the children I met.

That, I believe, is really the ultimate purpose.

Day 2 and 3 {South Africa)

2009-09-26T09:30:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I've been here for three days already.

Yesterday was a very eventful day. Day two and three are "tourist-y" days. We woke up very early and headed out toward Boulkrans Bridge, South Africa. The biggest bungee jump in the world.

That's right. Bungee jump.

Now as most of you know already, I am not fond of heights, let alone jumping off the biggest bridge in the world. But I wasn't planning on jumping, so I went along for the ride.

We drove for about 5 hours north to get to the place, and it was monstrous. My stomach flipped a couple of times just by looking at it. All the sudden I decided to do it. Why not, right? How many times am I in South Africa in the biggest bungee jump in the world?

So I jumped. I can't believe it. It was the weirdest feeling in the world. Waiting around was the worst. They take you to the bridge and they have a DJ playing music (its great to keep people calm). They workers are extremely nice and give you all the details you need to know. Finally it was my turn.

They strapped me up and gave me a pep talk. Two workers walked me over to the edge and that's when it hit me. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING HERE?

but it was too late to back down. They counted down... 3... 2... 1... and I jumped. And I fell. And I started screaming. And I felt the weirdest feeling I've ever felt in my life.

About two seconds after the drop, it finally hit me. "Oh my God.... I'm falling into an abiss!" My body started twirling around like those ballerinas in music boxes and I bounced up and down on the bungee strings for about 4 other times. The scariest seconds of my life.

Finally they started lifting me up and one of the workers came down to stap me to him and took me back to the surface of the brige. I was shaking. My hair was a mess. But i was so happy I did something I never in a million years thought I'd do.

4 others from the group jumped too. We bonded. There's also a pretty cool video of the experience that i'll post later.

Today the team went to a whale watching festival. I and a couple others decided to stay behind because of the hurricane-like winds and rain.

But for now, i'm still reliving the fact that I jumped off a bridge.

Day 1 {South Africa}

2009-09-24T12:24:00.003-04:00

I'm here! and its awesome.

We arrived last night dead tired from two days of flying. As previously stated, I had the unfortunate luck of sitting to all of the people I did not want to sit with. Oh well. At least my luggage and I made it here safely.

Today we woke up, headed out to a grocery store about a quarter of a mile away from where we're staying to buy some food for the next couple of days. We've mostly spent the day recuperating from the trip and getting to know the members of our team. Right now, its 6:30pm, I'm sitting in an internet cafe, checking some emails, facebook, you know... the important stuff. So far, I'm having a blast.

I hope to be able to write again tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Africa, here I come!

2009-09-21T23:35:00.004-04:00

The time has come! and I am so excited/nervous. I have two LONG days ahead of me. Check out my flight itinerary.

Tuesday, September 22

Departs: 12:20 pm from Miami, Florida
Arrives: 3:27 pm at New York - Kennedy, New York

Departs: 5:40 pm from New York - Kennedy, New York
Arrives: 7:15 am at Amsterdam, Netherlands

Wednesday, September 23

Departs: 9:55 am from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arrives: 9:15 pm at Cape Town, South Africa

OUCH. Thankfully I have a fully stocked Ipod and a couple of books to tie me over. I'm just hoping I won't have to sit next to a smelly person - young annoying child - obnoxious plane "talker" - a couple on their honeymoon. ::fingers crossed:: No offense if you're any of the above ;-)

I want to thank you all that have supported me with your donations/prayers/conversations. Its just incredible that I am able to do this. Its been a life-long dream of mine and to see it come to fruition is inspiring to me. I plan on updating here as much as possible with pictures and little tidbits. I was given a video camera for the trip, so you better believe there'll be a sweet mini-movie when I return.

I ask that you continue to pray for my team and I as we embark on this journey; for our safety and for us to be able to serve the community we'll be in with passionate hearts.

If you have some time tomorrow morning, feel free to holler. I'll be in the airport for quite a while with nothing to do. We'll chat it up ;-)

Stay tuned!

Kevin {Video}

2009-08-25T16:50:00.002-04:00

My first video creation ever. Enjoy!

Kevin from ChristFellowshipMiami on Vimeo.

Ariana {Portrait}

2009-08-17T15:39:00.004-04:00

My first Loving South Africa photoshoot was with Ariana. I'm not very experienced with toddlers, so it was a different experience, but she was a great model! She was a total pro, striking poses left and right.

We took a stroll down a little beach for our photoshoot.

Loving South Africa Revealed!

2009-08-13T11:03:00.005-04:00

What better way to raise funds than by doing something I love?

Chriss and Mike {Engaged}

2009-08-10T16:25:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited to be shooting couples again. I've been occupied with events and my "other" projects, I was craving to do another romantic shoot. Chriss and Mike are getting married next year and they asked me to shoot their engagement pictures. They're adorable... and total sports for walking around Byscayne Beach with me in 90 degree weather.

ps. How do you like the bigger, bolder, more awesome-er sized pictures? (yup, I just made that word up right now).

Loving South Africa Teaser

2009-08-04T16:51:00.005-04:00

I'm going to South Africa!

I couldn't come up with a better opening sentence than that. I have been given the incredible opportunity to go to South Africa on a missions trip. I'll be going with a team and we'll be hosting a Vacation Bible School for some very deserving kids. This is a dream come true!

The trip is right around the corner. We leave September 22 and come back August 4. The trip is $2500. Yikes! Since I have such a limited amount of time to raise funds, I have created project Loving South Africa.

Cute, huh? I want you all to share in the experience with me, because honestly, not many of us get a change to do this. This is just a little teaser, so as soon as I have all the details set, I'll explain the project in full. In the meantime, have you ever done a good fundraising activity? Share! ;-)

CORRECTION: we come back October 4. haha. Thanks Kristel ;-)

Kevin

2009-07-29T12:17:00.002-04:00

I know I had promised a preview of the video about homelessness and The Caring Place i'm working on, but to be completely honest, I totally forgot!

The only taste I can give you is a still (photograph) I took. I was lucky enough to meet Kevin and he was kind enough to talk to me about his experiences and allowed me to photograph him for the video. I know what you're thinking... photographs for a video? YES. You got that right. This video is going to be awesome.

For now, meet Kevin.

The Caring Place

2009-07-23T21:27:00.005-04:00

For about six months now, I've been spending my Sunday mornings at Christ Fellowship's The Caring Place Downtown. It's all about serving people, especially those that are in need of the most basic of resources. They provide shower facilities, breakfast and lunch, clean clothing, and job search assistance. They also provide spiritual support. Volunteers hold a worship service for anyone that would like to attend. It's uplifting to see individuals who have overwhelming struggles still passionate about worshiping Christ.

I had a change to talk to a couple of guys and they were kind enough to share their story with me. I'm creating a video of that soon so I can share it with all of you :-)

Rivers. Homeless for one month.

Randy. Homeless for three months.

Brett. Homeless for two years.

Every night in Miami-Dade alone, approximately 1,300 men women and children experience homelessness. As the economy continues to struggle, foreclosures become more rampant and people continue to be laid off, the numbers of homeless people continue to increase. The clichéd statement remains, we are all a couple of paychecks away from being homeless. We could all be a Rivers, or Randy or Brett.

Lets thank God for our blessings, and help our brothers and sisters who need our assistance.

Earth Angels.

2009-07-20T13:37:00.006-04:00

Last Saturday I had the privilege of volunteering with Earth Angels. Earth Angels is the brainchild of Jorge Wood. He rounds up families that are staying at the Ronald McDonald House and takes them out for a day every month on various field trips.

Earth Angels is a magnificent program. I had the chance to speak to different parents who told me that Jorge and his team of volunteers make a huge difference in their lives.

Every day is a battle for most of these families. One, two, sometimes even three members of a given family suffer from grave illnesses that require long-term medical treatment. Some even travel from different countries seeking better health care.

What Jorge brings to these families is an escape. He offers these families a chance to enjoy a day out as a family, a day to forget their worries. This month, they went to the Seaquarium.

Helping people through art.

2009-07-15T22:50:00.007-04:00

Art is awesome.

I grew up in an environment where imagination, creativity and innovation was highly encouraged. By the time I was ten I was playing the piano, flute and violin and was involved with a school art program. However, due to my slightly rebellious (and stupid) nature I veered off from art for a while deciding instead to focus on being a teenager and later, world politics (lame).

Now at 22 I can play perhaps two classical pieces on the piano, "Mary had a little Lamb" on the flute, and I can still sort of remember how to hold a violin. ::hangs head in shame::

I picked up photography in college, and it was love at first click. I hate to say it but photography is an art that requires little skill. Maybe thats why I like it so much, haha. Yes, there is a lot of technical aspects to it and a good photograph requires a creative eye. I admit it though, its a bit more difficult to learn an instrument than to work a camera.

Regardless of it being a "lazy" art, I am extremely thankful for photography. Its become not just something to do, but a way to experience daily life. Life behind a lens is quite different than life with no lens.

Thanks to my creative background and my love of photography (among other things) I was given an opportunity to intern at Christ Fellowship (CF). What a blessing! I'm surrounded by ingenious people who create not for the sake of creativity but for God's glory. I'll be creating and producing some awesome videos that will be used for the church and its mission. I've learned tons of cool stuff in the last week about video-making and branding. I am also learning how to see things differently when it comes to thinking visually.

I was given my first project this week and I am super pumped about it.

CF has developed a non-for-profit called Caring for Miami that is working all over Miami-Dade County to bring assistance to the under-resourced. My first project is to create a video that will convey what Caring for Miami is all about. It has always been a passion of mine to work with and help the less fortunate. Not only is it my mission as a Christian, but it also makes me happy! thats what we in the business call a win-win.

I was always told that art could help people but in my slightly rebellious and stupid nature, I was skeptical. I've seen the light! Now I can say that I am extremely blessed to be able to use my artistic skills and my passions to help others. That is definitely something to jump over a chair about. ( I had to tie in the random picture somehow... ).

Any ideas for the video concept? share!