“My passion for photography blossomed when I discovered my father's camera. He never became a professional photographer, yet his passion for the art of photography was undeniable. It was through the lens of his camera that I glimpsed a new universe, and I developed a deep love for the art of making unique moments eternal and keeping precious memories. From that moment on, photography became an unavoidable passion, a privileged channel of artistic expression, which allows me to explore my creativity, capture the beauty of the world around me and document striking stories.
I feel particularly inspired by social and humanitarian issues, especially those that affect women and children. I am convinced that photography can be a powerful tool for telling stories and raising awareness of these important issues. When I photograph women and children, I seek to portray their essence, the beauty that lies in their lives, even in the face of the challenges they face. I believe that, through photography, we can help give voice to these people, telling their stories in an impactful and meaningful way.
For me, photography is an art form that can transform the world, and I aspire to continue using this medium to make a difference in people's lives. Ricardo Rangel, the renowned Mozambican photographer, is a great inspiration to me. His ability to capture the essence of life in Mozambique and to use photography to positively influence people's lives is admirable. His vision of using photography as a tool for social change has been a striking influence on my approach to photographic art. I aspire to follow in his footsteps, and those of the other photographers who inspire me, in creating powerful narratives through my images.
During a rewarding experience in Metuge, Pemba, I had the opportunity to visit a centre for displaced people and hear the stories of women and children who had faced extreme hardship. It was a challenging moment, but I persevered, driven by hope. As an advocate for social causes, I feel the responsibility to use my voice and my skills to contribute to a fairer and more equal world.
It is undeniable that photography in Mozambique is growing; however, we still face some challenges before it is fully valued and recognised as a prominent profession. Among these challenges, the most notable are the lack of opportunities for learning and development in the field, the shortage of adequate equipment and resources, and the male predominance in the profession. Fortunately, measures are already being taken to value photography, such as the promotion of photography events and the offering of courses for beginners. I hope that these initiatives can foster a greater appreciation of photography in Mozambique in future. I also hope they will expand beyond Maputo, reaching other provinces of the country, so that all photographers, regardless of their location, have access to opportunities and resources to develop their skills and boost their careers.
In the group exhibition on the theme “Social Inequality”, I presented a photographic project that underlined social injustices and the marginalisation of minority groups. I aimed to make the public aware of the importance of fighting for a fairer and more equal society. I firmly believe that photography has a crucial role in social awareness, and I feel proud to contribute to this cause through my art. Taking part in group exhibitions offers countless benefits for a photographer's professional growth, from the opportunity to show their work to a wider audience and receive feedback, to the possibility of interacting with other professionals in the field.
What is more, such an experience helps the photographer to refine their artistic identity and their ability to tell stories through their images. The positive feedback I received from the public about my most recent work gave me the certainty that I must persevere. Together with the works of six other photographers, we offered the public the opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to a fairer and more inclusive world.
Over the next five years, as a photographer, I intend to continue documenting stories that touch and matter. To that end, I will keep up to date with trends and changes in my field, invest in perfecting my skills and seek to collaborate with other artists and social organisations. Besides continuing to develop my work, I intend to explore new horizons, investing in additional skills such as the production of documentaries and audiovisual content. I also intend to work on individual and collaborative projects with other artists and social organisations. I will seek opportunities for exhibitions and publications in renowned magazines and newspapers, such as Xonguila, with the aim of reaching new audiences and ensuring that my work continues to have a significant impact.”
