Mie Ahmt Photography

10 cents to go to the doctor

Statistics from an Afghan Clinic:
 

 

Putting the pictures of the Afghan Doctor and that little 3 day old girl on my blog made me think a little about the fact that so many people don't realize the amount of work being done in Afghanistan and the amount of work that still needs to be done.

The picture above shows the statistics of this particular clinic - build by USAID in Afghanistan.1387 is the year - and that pretty much means 2008 - except that the Muslim calendar year is a bit different. The doctor told me that they charge 5 Afghanis from each patient who comes in to be treated - and that many people in this village have serious problems finding the 5 Afghanis it will cost them to go to the doctor. 

5 afghanis is 10 Cents!!!

Looking at the statistics from this new clinic you realize how much they must have needed a clinic here.. The last month of the chart shows that they had 440 more patients than they had capacity for.

Development and reconstruction are so many things... I believe in seeing things with your own eyes but I am also realistic and know that that isnt always possible -  therefore I photograph...

Missing...

While in Denmark I am really missing my puppies... They are not only fun but also always the best and most willing models you can have...

This is Lucky... about 8 months old and cuter than kittens...

Sweet Sweet Memories!

Right now - as I am writing this - about 100 people is gathered at the College of Technology in Missoula, Montana. Exactly one year ago I was there...

 I was one of those 100 people starting the most amazing adventure of my life (which a pretty bold statement from someone who lived almost 5 years in Afghanistan!). I remember exactly who I sat next to at the first introduction - I remember meeting all these new people - and I remember that I didn't have a clue what I was getting myself in to.

But boy, am I glad I did!

Attending Rocky Mountain School of Photography's Carreer training program is without a doubt the best decission I have ever made... And trust me - I make a lot of good decisions on a daily basis :)

If it made sense I would do it all over again! I miss everything about last summer. I miss the people, being totally submerged in photography, the amazing teachers, Missoula, the Coffee, the friends I made.

So today 100 new people are sitting in that room - full of excitement and expectations! To all you new RMSP students;  Don't fear it - don't fight it - just ENJOY it - it will be the ride of your life!

Made me cry...

This photo feature was the Pulitzer price winner for feature photography in 2006. The photography is by photographer Todd Heisler and it's written by freelance journalist Jim Sheeler. It is an amazing feature! They spent a year following Maj. Steve Beck as he takes on the most difficult duty of his career: casualty notification. The photographs speak for themselves - so do the words! But together this is a unique feature.
The photo bellow I found especially heartbreaking.
"The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of "Cat," and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted." (From The Final Salute Gallery)

I have a very personal view on the war in Afghanistan after having lived there for more than 4 years... I admire this feature!