207 NE 59th Street, Miami, FL 33137
Carl Juste was born into a family that has had a profound impact on Miami’s cultural landscape. His father, Viter Juste, is widely regarded as the "father of Little Haiti."
His photos often captured the essence of human suffering, resilience, and joy—whether it was a refugee seeking freedom, a protest demanding justice, or a celebration of culture in Little Haiti.
Carl Juste is more than a renowned photographer; he’s a cultural storyteller, a visual historian, and a son of Miami’s vibrant Little Haiti, which pulses with rich cultural heritage. His name is synonymous with art and lifestyle, a reflection of the dynamic, multicultural city of Miami. Juste's work spans decades, capturing moments of struggle, resilience, and beauty, not just in South Florida but around the world. To fully appreciate Carl Juste’s career and contributions, it’s essential to explore his roots, his career as a photojournalist, and his artistic endeavors beyond traditional media.
Carl Juste was born into a family that has had a profound impact on Miami’s cultural landscape. His father, Viter Juste, is widely regarded as the "father of Little Haiti." An immigrant from Haiti, Viter was a community leader and activist who fought for the rights of the Haitian diaspora in Miami. He is credited with giving Little Haiti its name, shaping the area into the heart of Miami’s Haitian community, and leaving an indelible mark on the culture of the city. Viter Juste’s advocacy and leadership helped establish a cultural hub that has remained central to Miami’s identity.
Growing up in such an environment, Carl Juste was steeped in the values of activism, culture, and community. This upbringing heavily influenced his worldview and, subsequently, his photography. From a young age, Juste was exposed to the power of storytelling—whether through his father's activism or the vibrant stories unfolding in the streets of Little Haiti. The cultural vibrancy of his neighborhood and the challenges his community faced shaped the lens through which he viewed the world, sparking a deep desire to document life through his camera.
Juste began his career as a photojournalist with the Miami Herald, where he covered local stories with global significance. Working for the paper, he became known for his ability to capture emotionally charged moments in high-stakes environments. From documenting political strife in Latin America to covering the tragedies and triumphs of everyday life in Miami, his work consistently displayed a deep sense of empathy and cultural understanding.
His photos often captured the essence of human suffering, resilience, and joy—whether it was a refugee seeking freedom, a protest demanding justice, or a celebration of culture in Little Haiti. His time at the Miami Herald allowed him to tell these stories on a large platform, bringing the lives of marginalized communities into public consciousness.
During his tenure, Juste covered the United States' invasion of Panama, the earthquake in Haiti, and the international repercussions of Cuban migration. His work was always culturally significant, showing a deep respect for the people and places he documented. In fact, his photographs often act as windows into worlds often unseen or misunderstood by mainstream audiences. Juste’s images invite viewers to look beyond headlines, forcing them to confront the humanity behind the news.
Beyond his photojournalism, Carl Juste has worked as a freelance photographer and artist, continually pushing the boundaries of his craft. He co-founded irisphotoCollective, a collaborative photography initiative that seeks to explore and document the lives of people of color across the world. This collective amplifies underrepresented voices, creating a space for photographers to address social justice issues, culture, and identity through visual narratives.
His artistic work isn’t just confined to still photography; Carl Juste has been involved in several multimedia projects that fuse photography, storytelling, and activism. One of his most notable projects is The Leap Year, which delves into the experiences of Haitian Americans and the cultural identity of the Haitian diaspora. The series is a reflection on how cultural heritage, politics, and migration shape personal and collective identity.
In his freelance work, Carl Juste continues to focus on culture, art, and lifestyle, particularly in communities like Little Haiti. His imagery is deeply intertwined with his personal experience of growing up in a community fighting for recognition and respect. His work on Lakou, an ongoing project, exemplifies this. In Haitian culture, “lakou” refers to the communal living space, an idea that holds not just familial significance but also symbolizes a connection to history, tradition, and community. Through this project, Juste captures the heartbeat of Little Haiti, emphasizing the significance of culture, community, and lifestyle in shaping identity.
While Carl Juste’s career is deeply rooted in photojournalism, his role extends far beyond that of a documentarian. He is, in many ways, a cultural ambassador for Little Haiti and Miami’s broader Caribbean community. His images of life in Miami are both a celebration and a critique, highlighting the contrasts of beauty and struggle that define the city's cultural landscape. Whether capturing a moment of joy at a festival or the solemnity of a protest, Juste’s work emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.
In recognition of his work, Juste has received numerous awards and accolades, though perhaps the greatest testament to his impact is the influence his photographs have had on how people see Miami and its diverse communities. Through his lens, Carl Juste has shown that art is not just about aesthetics; it is a vehicle for understanding, a call to action, and a bridge between worlds.
Carl Juste’s photography is inseparable from his upbringing in Little Haiti and his identity as the son of Viter Juste. Through his work at the Miami Herald and his freelance and artistic pursuits, Juste has established himself as a pivotal figure in the world of photography, using his images to tell powerful stories about culture, art, lifestyle, and community. His lens has captured both the struggles and celebrations of life in Miami, offering a profound, empathetic portrayal of the world that continues to inspire and challenge audiences globally.
Through his work, Carl Juste not only honors his father's legacy but also ensures that the rich culture of Little Haiti continues to be celebrated, both locally and on the world stage.
