I’ve been always fascinated by photography. Leica  was my first love.

Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, specifically Ipanema, I decided to establish my work base in Europe. Immersing myself in a rich cultural tapestry, I embarked on relentless travels, absorbing experiences and cementing my identity as a freedom enthusiast, a trait evident in my artistic endeavors.

Two books, many expositions, and an invitation to shoot in Africa. “ALMA” was then born.

The prospect of photographing the soul of Angola was exhilarating but laced with challenges. Concerns about security, malaria, racial acceptance, and the adequacy of health facilities danced with questions about equipment failures, success in photographing darker skin tones, and managing the perpetually grey skies of Luanda.

I disdain meticulous planning for my shoots. Instead, I thrive on spontaneity, throwing the dice and embracing the vitality of the moment. My passion lies in engaging with people, exchanging emotions, and letting stories unfold organically, driven by intensity and intimacy.

Following a meeting at The Bridge Global headquarters in Luanda, my travel plans materialized. Soon, we were on a plane to Saurino, navigating through the savanna. In a remote village, I encountered a remarkable woman with her daughter, a hoe, and her "LAVRA" - a piece of land that sustained her livelihood.

This formidable woman, with her strength, dignity, and pride, overcame my initial worries. Armed with my favorite lens, an 18/200 Nikkor, known for its versatility in capturing candid portraits, I connected with her on a sublime level.

Another flight took me to Huambo, followed by a three-hour car journey into the wild. There, I met a family living mostly beneath a colossal mango tree - their source of sustenance, shade, and protection, akin to a veranda, dining, and living room. Their dwelling was a humble shed.

Yet, their happiness flowed effortlessly, a testament to the resilience of free souls. Their hardships, I realized, were not greater than ours.

Approaching with honesty, I, a white-skinned stranger, presented myself as a grandmother to a family who had never encountered such a sight. The response was reverent looks, and soon, I found myself surrounded by curiosity and shy hugs. Allowing them to handle my camera, they became active participants in the shooting, radiating love.

Devoid of material comforts, these families clung to the precious lives emerging from their wombs. The young mothers, sweet, lovely, and warm, proudly displayed their children as trophies, forging a unique, raw connection that encapsulated an entire journey of existence.

Unique raw connection of mother and child that resumes a entire pathway of living.