My name is Paula and I am a Brazilian photographer who met an English guy and moved to London because I fell in love with the British weather! Ok, not quite…! But I’m indeed in love with many aspects of British culture and can safely say we’re staying in the UK for a long time.
About
I'm a trained cultural anthropologist who also makes video documentaries
Yep, I’m a geek, but a very friendly one! Back in Brazil, I studied to be an academic and undertook a BA, Master’s and Ph.D. in cultural anthropology. In my spare time, I was a keen photographer and always wanted to bring together photography and anthropology. When I came to the UK, I fell in love with lifestyle photography, in which I added a bit of a documentary approach and cinematic style, and this is what I think gives such a unique feel to my photos. My 1st short documentary about young adults with experience in the care system will be out soon!
I'm an avid tennis player
I learned to play tennis when I was a kid and after a long spell away from the courts, I got really addicted to tennis when I moved to London and play around 3 times per week. I have a love-hate relationship with tennis competitions, but love the social side of it and end up entering them anyway. I won the first two competitions I participated in London, but that was it! – I’m still hopeful I can repeat this MAJOR achievement soon. ;-D Any moral support is always welcome!
My photography style reflects my personality – I’m an introvert that loves a good laugh with a touch of quirky humour
My family photos have a good vibe, I always go for great expressions, beautiful interactions and the full range of a person’s personality. I am absolutely delighted if there’s an opportunity to photograph quirky behaviours, funny expressions, silly humour and general cheekiness!
I was a researcher for a long-term project about early childhood
Having been able to interview a number of different experts on childhood, and having written multiple reports about how scientific knowledge can help parents and professionals to raise their children, I feel I’m in a good position to understand the multiple challenges every child faces while they are growing up, and therefore know how to avoid many of the tantrums triggers and set the scene for a kind and happy demeanour. I’m also silly enough to just laugh at it and take good photos even when it all becomes a bit unruly!
I love everyday family moments, even though, or exactly because I know they are not perfect
Even though I was raised in a big city – in Brasilia, which is the Brazilian capital -, my parents were born in small towns, in which we spent most of my childhood and teenage holidays. It is there where I learnt to be around my friends and their families, so much so my best friend’s family soon became like my own. This experience made me love being around families. That’s why I think that photos of ordinary family moments – a pancake day, watching movies in a onesie, reading a story in bed, playing together after bathtime – are the ones which will draw your family fondest memories. They are the ones which will help your children remember how happy and fulfilling their childhood was, and how this was all due to the bond you all built together. Capturing how naturally beautiful the family ties are, and seeing how each family member feel empowered every time they see a photo of what they’ve built throughout time, is just priceless. It is such an honour to be able to document it. Thank you to all the lovely people that helped to make this possible
