Zabé da Loca: Capturing Resilience in the Hinterlands of Paraíba (Brazil)

 
“The most cherished haven I ever called home was the Loca. It was more than a dwelling; it was my sanctuary. Abundant with imbu, yams, and sugar cane...”
— Zabé da Loca
 

The enchanting Brazilian from Pernambuco, Zabé, spoke of her Loca (cave or cavern) in the heart of Cariri Paraibano with overwhelming emotion and tears in her eyes.

While Zabé da Loca (the name she became known by) passed away some time ago, her impactful words linger. She would often express, even through her eyes: 'One day, I'll return to my rock.' In this sacred place, she raised her children, ingeniously sheltering them in dug holes covered with leaves while she toiled to provide for them.

Zabé, a resilient and humble woman, navigated the challenges of working for local farmers. Renowned for her tale of resilience in the hinterlands of Paraíba (Brazil), she became a virtuoso of the 'pife'—a distinctive musical instrument, a fife.

Recognized as the 'queen of the pife' in her musical career, Zabé left an indelible mark on Brazilian popular music. At the age of 79, she composed and recorded her inaugural album, followed by a second. Her contributions earned her the title of Revelation of Brazilian Music, and she was honored with the Order of Merit from the Ministry of Culture.

Zabé remains a living embodiment of Brazilian culture, her simple abode a welcoming space and a repository of stories. Supported by the state, an association was formed to share her narrative and preserve her musical legacy.

Guided by the echoes of Zabé's pife, we ascended to the Loca, gaining a firsthand experience of this extraordinary woman's history. As she had to relinquish the instrument due to fragile lungs, we mentally followed the sound, savoring the memories of our physical journey to the heart of Zabé's haven.

The encounter with the Loca transcended description—a testament to its welcoming simplicity and breathtaking vistas of Paraíba's hinterlands, adorned with a dry lake amidst the striking white foliage of the Cariri.

Exhausted yet fulfilled after the trek and amidst the scorching hinterland sun, we were warmly greeted by friends and 'family' of Zabé. A cool sip from the well accompanied the joyful refrain of an elderly man: 'What a delight to have you here.'"

Finding Fresh Perspectives: Rediscovering the Everyday in Photography

In the rhythm of everyday life, it's easy to pass by the seemingly mundane, dismissing it as unworthy of a photograph. This reflection stems from a personal journey—moments where I've chosen to step away from commercial photography, redirecting my focus toward the artistic. Rediscovering the art in the ordinary has become a source of inspiration to pick up my camera with newfound vigor.

Here are six practical tips to help you embark on your own journey of capturing the unseen:

  1. Change Your Perspective: Explore different angles and viewpoints. Embrace the beauty of imperfection—blur and unexpected elements can add a touch of magic to your shots.

  2. Experiment with Lighting: Play with natural light during different times of the day. Subtle changes in lighting can transform the mood and highlight details you might have overlooked.

  3. Focus on Details: Zoom in on the small elements that often go unnoticed. These details can tell powerful stories and add depth to your photography.

  4. Tell a Story: Look for a narrative within the everyday scenes you capture. Connect the dots between seemingly unrelated elements to create a compelling visual story.

  5. Challenge Yourself: Set mini photography challenges to break away from routine. Whether it's capturing a specific color theme for the day or focusing on textures, these challenges can spark creativity.

  6. Embrace the Unexpected: Delve into the beauty of unexpected outcomes. Allow room for mistakes and surprises, as they often lead to the most unique and memorable photographs.

As I navigate this shift in my photography career, finding joy in the unseen moments has become a guiding light. Join me in embracing the overlooked and finding inspiration in the simplicity of each frame. How has your photography journey evolved? Share your thoughts below!

Curiosity Corner: Behind the Lens

The image featured in this post takes a unique look at São Paulo's iconic Conjunto Nacional building, capturing its numerous windows from a ground perspective. Shot digitally, it's a nod to my experiences with analog photography, specifically using Kodak's E100VS film.

Interestingly, my creative freedom feels more elusive when photographing São Paulo, my hometown. It's when I venture to other cities and countries that my lens experiences true, unrestrained inspiration.

And here's the secret sauce: it's the challenge posed by São Paulo that led me to draw inspiration from analog photography when creating this particular image.

Finding Joy Beyond Social Media: My Journey Back to the Heart of Photography

In the era of hashtags and digital noise, I stumbled upon a serene path—a hiatus from social media that turned into an unexpected three-year journey. What started as a break became a heartfelt choice to step away from the whirlwind of likes and shares, embracing simplicity in both life and photography. During these years of unplugging from the online commotion, I rediscovered the profound beauty of living in the present moment.

Embracing the Quiet: A Pause That Reshaped My Creative Landscape

Unplugging wasn't just about taking a break; It was a conscious decision to escape the digital noise. No more scrolling, no more staged shots for the virtual spotlight—just the genuine moments of family life, captured sometimes just for the sheer joy of remembering.

Back to the Basics: Falling in Love with Simple Moments

In a world of camera brands competing for attention, I found solace in the simplicity shared by all cameras. Simple cameras became my playground, and prime lenses, especially the classic 50mm, my companions. No more fuss with multiple focal lengths; just a pure focus on capturing life's beautiful simplicity.

Rediscovering Joy: Life's Unscripted Moments Unveiled

The hiatus from the online world opened my eyes to the beauty of everyday life. From the first steps of my children to the messy kitchen table after a family dinner, I found joy in the unscripted moments. This shift not only reignited my love for photography but also shaped a more authentic narrative.

Revitalizing My Portfolio: Crafting a Digital Haven

This journey back to simplicity wasn't just a personal revival; it was a chance to reassess my portfolio and birth this blog. More than pixels on a screen, this blog is an open invitation for you to find your own way back to the heart of photography. It's a celebration of the uncomplicated beauty that surrounds us daily.

The Silent Power of Simple Moments

So, join me in this uplifting journey. Let's collectively rediscover the joy, authenticity, and profound beauty that simplicity brings to the art of photography. In a world intoxicated by complexity, the silent power of simplicity awaits those who are ready to embrace it.

The Artistic Dilemma of Pricing Photography.

In the vast realm of photography, pricing one's art can be a perplexing quest. During my teaching days at universities, the common query from students was, "How do I make money from art/ photography?" Honestly, I never had a straightforward answer. Despite career progression and financial gains, the idea of offering photography as a service never quite resonated with me—I always saw myself more as an artist than just a photographer.

The persistent thought of leaving commercial photography behind lingered, fueled by a peculiar frustration that magically dissipated when I was taking pictures just for myself. It led me to reconsider the question: "Do I genuinely want to make money from my photography?" I mean, do I want photography as a job?

This introspective journey nudged me towards fully embracing the artistic side of photography. Choosing this path has been transformative, exceeding my wildest expectations. Liberated from the constraints of commercial demands, I've rediscovered the joy of capturing moments authentically

For those grappling with the money-making conundrum in photography, consider these insights from my own journey:

  • Define Your Relationship with Photography: Reflect on what photography truly means to you. Is it a source of artistic expression or a means to generate income? Understanding this can guide your approach.

  • Balance Between Art and Commerce: Striking a balance is crucial. Find ways to merge your artistic vision with practical considerations. It's not an all-or-nothing scenario; there's room for compromise.

  • Rediscover the Joy: Take a step back and rekindle your passion for photography. Focus on the joy of creating art rather than conforming to market expectations.

No longer confined by market expectations, I've found freedom in chasing the elusive beauty in the ordinary. The decision to prioritize the artistic side of photography didn't just reshape my career; it reignited my passion for the lens in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Join the Conversation:

Photography is a personal journey, and I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How do you balance the artistic and commercial aspects of photography? Let's build a community that celebrates the true essence of this captivating art form.