« June 2013 | Main | September 2013 »
Food shoot for an online food mag featuring a local gem in the city center.
"The venue has developed one of the city’s most extensive beer menus to accompany its creative twists on the typical foods of Brazil’s Northeast – a region multitudes of migrants left in the last century, seeking a better life the country’s more prosperous Southeast." - Taylor Barnes
Read the story here: Aconchego Carioca
Immigration stories are probably one of my most favored topic in journalism, and maybe its because I am the daughter of an immigrant parent. But I always discover the most incredible stories of families walking to the end of the earth to make a better life for themselves, something that goes beyond superficial comments of illegality. In my opinion, the issue is far more complicated then illegal immigration because to me, the point really is, to what extent of human survival does it take to make it in this world. It's certainly not easy journey for the families who come from afar to the United States.
I was fortunate to meet Renata's family in Criciuma, a town of 200,000 residents, in the beautiful state of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil. Her older brother had a thick Boston accent, and the younger sister had a mild one. And during dinner, sitting at their dining room table made by the Portuguese community in Fall River, Mass., I would find myself forgetting that I was even in Brazil at that moment.
How immigration reform would affect 3 families
Its been an incredible couple weeks watching and photographing the awakening of social protests in Brazil, especial in Rio de Janeiro. Here's a dramatic image (cropped) of ab off-duty police officer disposing his empty guns into a street fire in Centro, and a cut-out of a young woman wearing the Brazilian flag, below.
Protests in Rio de Janeiro, and other major Brazilian cities began with a 20-cent hike in public transport fares, have now moved beyond that issue to widespread frustration about a heavy tax burden, corrupt politicians and weak public education, health and transport systems, as Brazil hosted the Confederations Cup soccer tournament last week, and now prepares for the Pope's visit in July.
I photographed Getulio Fidelis who was born in Rocinha, a community of 160,000 residents in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Contrary to media stereotype, a favela is not a slum nor a shantytown. It is an informal, lower class community which developed its own unique culture. Fidelis currently lives in Santa Marta, a favela that was first pacified. He and his wife live in a 500-sq-ft, remodeled 2-level, one-bedroom home, complete with air-condition, two televisions, and his various Apple electronics. Fidelis is part of this emerging middle class. Fidelis was fortunate to be awarded a full-scholarship to attend university and also works at a successul ngo. "Because he had access to education, he was able to get a good job. Because he has a good job, he can now consume, fuelling demand and making others wealthier as well."