Q: Can you briefly tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue photography?
I took my first steps into the photo documentary world when I moved to London in 2013. I was inspired by the lifestyle that I was experiencing. Living in squats I began photographing the punk, activist and the anarchist scene. But what opened my mind and made me understand that I could make a career from my passion, was a random encounter with Alberto Garcia Alix. One of the best in the history of Spanish photography. He invited me to an award ceremony that recognized his work at the London photographers gallery. We spent the night together with his friends and partner. His photography style and his personality broke the stereotype I had about the figure of a famous photographer. That night I learned something very important for my career: “Through your pictures, the public should see and recognize your soul. Any kind of story could become important and unique if you tell it through your camera and your heart is at the center of it.”
After this moment, I dedicate my entire self and time to photo documentary the world around me. During my long trips in Latin America, my lenses have been the best way to discover and share the essence of the communities.
Q: What drove you to submit your work to the Px3 State of the World competition and your thoughts on how being in the curatorial selection impacted your artistic journey?
The opportunity that I got to photograph one of the most significant moments of last year, the celebration of Lula’s inauguration as the new president of Brazil, pushed me to submit my pictures at the Px3 State of the World competition.
This was far from a regular election. I felt compelled to share the feelings of happiness and hope for the future of Brazilians after seeing the end of the Bolsonaro era.
Taking part in the curatorial selection helped me to fortify my professional career and my work.
Q: Could you describe any challenges you faced while capturing this moment (winning image/s)?
The first and most important challenge I faced that day was to capture and resume in few images the strong emotions and happiness of hundreds of thousands of Brazilians celebrating the end of the dark era of the far right government of Bolsonaro and the beginning of an important change with Lula’s government.
Q: What, in your opinion, are the most important factors in creating great images?
One of the most important factors in creating great images is getting a connection with the story you are documenting and with the persons you are photographing.
Q: What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of photography?
The most challenging aspect of photography, especially in the documentary and journalism branch, is showing humanity through your pictures.
Q: What motivates and drives your photography?
The curiosity in understanding and knowing the world, the people and the different cultures motivates my photography. But also the idea and the hope that my photos could contribute to people’s struggle and improve the conditions of those I photograph. I wish my photos are useful to create consciousness among the people that see my pictures.
Q: What’s next for you in your career as a photographer?
The next step in my career is the same one that I had from when I started and I will have until the last day: improving myself as a person and always looking for a new method to create images and communicate through them.
