Jornada pelo Rio Negro - EXT #13

Paulo Rapoport - Brasil

by MAP

Interviewed by EXT photo magazine, Paulo Rapoport reports that his most frequent activity is photographing musicians, either on stage (concerts) or in his studio, where he produces promotional material for these musicians. On his website www. themusicstages.com, he organizes his concert photographs by stage.

Regarding magazines and photography books, Paulo comments that all publications are good. However, with the current speed of image circulation on the internet, we have dynamism and lower costs than paper publications. But it is still important to participate in books and magazines precisely because it is a movement contrary to the trivialization caused by the speed of the internet. And he states, “we live this paradox!”

Regarding the photographic expeditions he participates in, such as the Journey along the Rio Negro, Paulo believes that all destinations are photographic, but some are more in tune with the photography you are looking for or have as a reference. Ethiopia was one of those special destinations. Paulo comments that he felt very inspired to photograph there. He also reports that another special place for those who like to photograph people is India, as there is a profusion of people there who want to appear in your photos.

In July 2024, Paulo had the opportunity to travel through the Rio Negro, in the Amazon region. On this trip, he passed through several riverside communities and some indigenous villages. At this time of year, the waters are high and take over the spaces. In addition to his photographic equipment, Paulo also took a drone (Paulo has extensive experience in drone photography), which allowed him to take photographs that give a sense of the scale of the Amazonian immensity, as we can see in the photos in this article.

The following text was sent by Paulo Rapoport and is reproduced in its entirety.

The Rio Negro, one of the most fascinating rivers in South America, originates in the lush mountains of Colombia, where it springs from crystalline sources and flows towards Brazil. Upon meeting the mighty Amazon River, they form one of the largest river systems in the world, together traveling over 2000 km in a journey full of life and mystery. The waters of the Rio Negro are notoriously dark, almost black, a result of the rich amount of decomposing organic matter that accumulates due to the high acidity of its waters. This peculiarity gives the river a unique character, as well as creating a distinct ecosystem, with banks that, in turn, are relatively free of insects, harboring a discreet and subtle fauna.

As one navigates its waters, the Rio Negro transforms into a magical mirror reflecting the dramatic sky, where dense and varied clouds intertwine in a constant dance. The distant and mysterious banks are delineated by the majestic treetops that seem to emerge from the depths, creating a scene that is both enchanting and imposing. Navigating these waters is a remarkable and transformative experience, where nature presents itself as the true sovereign of the landscape, indelibly shaping the present and the future. In the face of such exuberance, the human presence is discreet, almost timid. The small and scattered riverside communities appear here and there along the river, living in harmony with the force and cycle of the waters. Held hostage by the variations of the tides and the attention of the government, these inhabitants dedicate themselves to fishing, the extraction of latex and Brazil nuts, as well as being skilled artisans, perpetuating traditions that intertwine with the river itself.

In July 2024, I had the opportunity to travel along the Rio Negro. On this itinerary, we passed through several riverside communities and some indigenous tribes. At this time of year, the waters are high and take over the spaces. In addition to my photographic equipment, I also took a drone. The view from above complemented the photos, giving a sense of the scale of the Amazon’s immensity.

https://paulorapoport.myportfolio.com/

EXT photo magazine #13

Link to online interview on YouTube.

Paulo Rapoport on EXT.