I went looking for surreal desert pools in Brazil—but found something deeper: quiet generosity, unexpected stories, and the kind of moments you can’t plan. A fisherman’s handmade oasis, gifts from strangers, and quiet photographic treasures.
Beautiful, beautiful photos of a beautiful place and people! Besides the amazing drone images, my favorite is also the girl in the window. I do have a question though - something I've wondered about. First, I must admit that I think I have a little OCD because ANYTHING (not just photos) that isn't straight gets my attention and bothers me. I straighten any photos I take, and I want to straighten others photos as well! ha! There is one where you followed the fisherman down to his property where he raises fish. I notice that the horizon is not straight on that one. There are beautiful clouds in the sky. Was including all of the clouds the reason your horizon was not straight? Is it important to keep horizons straight? Or is it just me?? You are a professional and I am a hobbyist at best. I LOVE your work, and appreciate your sharing it and I also appreciate this opportunity to ask you a serious question.
Hey Jan, in that photo the horizon is actually pretty perfectly straight, what you see is a dune, you see it's tilted at another angle on the other side of the frame.
About keeping the horizon straight, that's an interesting one and highly subjective and situational. Recently I've often been capturing tilted horizons, especially when I'm on or near the sea OR where the scene is dynamic. I think the tilted horizon in these cases really reflects the dynamic nature of the scene. In general, I would go for straight ones, unless you're very sure about why you're making it tilted.
Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful response. I think it was the water line that threw me, but I understand what you are saying about using that technique to make a particular scene more dynamic. Thanks again!
Ah, I thought you meant another photo, but there too is a dune and the pools at at an angle, everything is an an angle there, so it would be impossible to see whether the horizon is perfectly straight from the photo. Usually I use the level inside the camera, but honestly, I don't remember here. Though here WOULD be a case where tilted horizon is OK for me because I'm moving after the man, the scene is dynamic.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed the photos as well. Hopefully the spot doesn't blow up, but I guess it inevitably will. Cheers, happy to follow along for more like this.
It's already on its way to blowing up. They are making tours already, just nowhere near the scale of the other places, but only because they've just begun.
What a beautiful story! Great documentary style photographs and great story. I have to agree with Uma. We get to travel with you and there is definitely a book here, or a magazine…great stuff! For some unknown reason these articles feel much more engaging than YouTube videos. Thank you again for sharing.
Interesting you say that. I really don't believe that, and of course it depends which videos. But, maybe it's that some people like this format much better. There is a level of... control? I think. You can look at the images as long as you like, go back and forth and so on. I don't think it's more engaging, but maybe it feels more personal because there's more room for the viewer to imagine themselves in the story?
I am not exactly sure. Maybe it’s because YouTube has become part of a multitasking process. I mean you are “watching” a video but at the same time you are doing also something else. But when you read an article you are 100% present. I don’t know maybe it’s just me.
Great photographs. I particularly liked the one of the young girl in the window. Great storyline. The destination was worth the effort. It’s so rewarding to meet such generous people although they may be poor they share what they have.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful place through your photo essay. I read about this place in a National Geographic magazine issue. I remember the sand dune is on the cover, the migrating birds etc. A wonderful national park. J
As I was reading your post and about the interactions with these men, I wondered to myself, "how are they trusting him in this way?" Then I read: "It takes time. Curiosity. Patience. Genuine respect." That made sense. Those of us living in the mistrusting urban sprawl don't have the benefit of the beautiful interactions of this kind of world you're living in, Mitchell. You clearly have been blessed by the stars! Gorgeous tones and images, as usual.
I'm definitely VERY lucky to be in THIS world. But, I do think it's possible to gain trust in most places. It's about how we present ourselves and it's about being naive enough that people will trust us. But of course, Brazilians are EXTREMELY open and warm. Similar to parts of Colombia. :) And when you feel that vibe from people, you feel energized and motivated. Hey, you might like my latest little story and "lesson" in the Discord group. Haha. :) Don't forget you're a part of it! 😂
Yes, excellent point, Mitchell. It’s how we present ourselves. I’m very open with people (open vs. trusting) and I invite them to share trust with me, but that’s my Colombian side as you point out :) and not necessarily a globally accepted disposition. And yes, I just had an experience with picking up a vibe with someone who was not so trusting but with more time, I let him relax and though I did not photograph him, he’s definitely going to let me next time I see him! …. And YES, I will head over to Discord and take a look. Substack gets so much of my time lately, but I have not forgotten! Sometimes the format at Discord gets a little overwhelming but I want to stay connected! Thank you.
This stopped my day and took me to your part of the world. your writing is excellent, my dear. There is a book here, I am sure you know. I believe you are an earth angel...someone who gets the truth of our finite glory here on this planet. SO glad I get to travel with you and your girls. love, P.
That is too kind :) I don't know about angel, haha, but I LOVE to share these stories. Too much negativity now. Regular people outside our world live. Some not even aware of most of the stuff that's happening.
I mean you are an angel FOR the Earth. Every story you share and every photograph that takes us to the Earth speaks for our need to care for our planet. You speak for the Earth while you are doing your own beauty making and adventuring. I appreciate it.
Wow, take me back ... to 2003 ... I lived there for 3 months and my land is along this northern coast within the national park - near Tatajuba, with the same mad dunes and lagoons, wide ocean vistas and isolated fishing villages. Am nearly breathless looking at these pictures: looks like I must return ... or die dreaming so (head spinning).
Resting from the world and looking at GBs of old travel archives and wondering what to do with it while in Dali in a rented apartment, 2000 meters up in the mountains of southern China. Not sure what next ... after 2024's backpacking trips thru Afghanistan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Nepal, etc; maybe return to van life and wilderness?
So very beautiful. The photos yes, but the stories that give context to the photos - oh my - they are lovely as well. Thank you for posting.
Thank you :) Yeh, I feel the need to share them, in part so that I don't forget. :)
Beautiful, beautiful photos of a beautiful place and people! Besides the amazing drone images, my favorite is also the girl in the window. I do have a question though - something I've wondered about. First, I must admit that I think I have a little OCD because ANYTHING (not just photos) that isn't straight gets my attention and bothers me. I straighten any photos I take, and I want to straighten others photos as well! ha! There is one where you followed the fisherman down to his property where he raises fish. I notice that the horizon is not straight on that one. There are beautiful clouds in the sky. Was including all of the clouds the reason your horizon was not straight? Is it important to keep horizons straight? Or is it just me?? You are a professional and I am a hobbyist at best. I LOVE your work, and appreciate your sharing it and I also appreciate this opportunity to ask you a serious question.
Hey Jan, in that photo the horizon is actually pretty perfectly straight, what you see is a dune, you see it's tilted at another angle on the other side of the frame.
About keeping the horizon straight, that's an interesting one and highly subjective and situational. Recently I've often been capturing tilted horizons, especially when I'm on or near the sea OR where the scene is dynamic. I think the tilted horizon in these cases really reflects the dynamic nature of the scene. In general, I would go for straight ones, unless you're very sure about why you're making it tilted.
Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful response. I think it was the water line that threw me, but I understand what you are saying about using that technique to make a particular scene more dynamic. Thanks again!
Ah, I thought you meant another photo, but there too is a dune and the pools at at an angle, everything is an an angle there, so it would be impossible to see whether the horizon is perfectly straight from the photo. Usually I use the level inside the camera, but honestly, I don't remember here. Though here WOULD be a case where tilted horizon is OK for me because I'm moving after the man, the scene is dynamic.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed the photos as well. Hopefully the spot doesn't blow up, but I guess it inevitably will. Cheers, happy to follow along for more like this.
It's already on its way to blowing up. They are making tours already, just nowhere near the scale of the other places, but only because they've just begun.
Sad, but inevitable… I guess.
What a beautiful story! Great documentary style photographs and great story. I have to agree with Uma. We get to travel with you and there is definitely a book here, or a magazine…great stuff! For some unknown reason these articles feel much more engaging than YouTube videos. Thank you again for sharing.
Interesting you say that. I really don't believe that, and of course it depends which videos. But, maybe it's that some people like this format much better. There is a level of... control? I think. You can look at the images as long as you like, go back and forth and so on. I don't think it's more engaging, but maybe it feels more personal because there's more room for the viewer to imagine themselves in the story?
I am not exactly sure. Maybe it’s because YouTube has become part of a multitasking process. I mean you are “watching” a video but at the same time you are doing also something else. But when you read an article you are 100% present. I don’t know maybe it’s just me.
It is always such a pleasure to see your photographs and meet the people you come across on your travels Mitchell. Thank you.
Inspiring story and your images always “take me there”. Hope our paths will cross one day
Great photographs. I particularly liked the one of the young girl in the window. Great storyline. The destination was worth the effort. It’s so rewarding to meet such generous people although they may be poor they share what they have.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful place through your photo essay. I read about this place in a National Geographic magazine issue. I remember the sand dune is on the cover, the migrating birds etc. A wonderful national park. J
As I was reading your post and about the interactions with these men, I wondered to myself, "how are they trusting him in this way?" Then I read: "It takes time. Curiosity. Patience. Genuine respect." That made sense. Those of us living in the mistrusting urban sprawl don't have the benefit of the beautiful interactions of this kind of world you're living in, Mitchell. You clearly have been blessed by the stars! Gorgeous tones and images, as usual.
I'm definitely VERY lucky to be in THIS world. But, I do think it's possible to gain trust in most places. It's about how we present ourselves and it's about being naive enough that people will trust us. But of course, Brazilians are EXTREMELY open and warm. Similar to parts of Colombia. :) And when you feel that vibe from people, you feel energized and motivated. Hey, you might like my latest little story and "lesson" in the Discord group. Haha. :) Don't forget you're a part of it! 😂
Yes, excellent point, Mitchell. It’s how we present ourselves. I’m very open with people (open vs. trusting) and I invite them to share trust with me, but that’s my Colombian side as you point out :) and not necessarily a globally accepted disposition. And yes, I just had an experience with picking up a vibe with someone who was not so trusting but with more time, I let him relax and though I did not photograph him, he’s definitely going to let me next time I see him! …. And YES, I will head over to Discord and take a look. Substack gets so much of my time lately, but I have not forgotten! Sometimes the format at Discord gets a little overwhelming but I want to stay connected! Thank you.
This stopped my day and took me to your part of the world. your writing is excellent, my dear. There is a book here, I am sure you know. I believe you are an earth angel...someone who gets the truth of our finite glory here on this planet. SO glad I get to travel with you and your girls. love, P.
That is too kind :) I don't know about angel, haha, but I LOVE to share these stories. Too much negativity now. Regular people outside our world live. Some not even aware of most of the stuff that's happening.
I mean you are an angel FOR the Earth. Every story you share and every photograph that takes us to the Earth speaks for our need to care for our planet. You speak for the Earth while you are doing your own beauty making and adventuring. I appreciate it.
Wow, take me back ... to 2003 ... I lived there for 3 months and my land is along this northern coast within the national park - near Tatajuba, with the same mad dunes and lagoons, wide ocean vistas and isolated fishing villages. Am nearly breathless looking at these pictures: looks like I must return ... or die dreaming so (head spinning).
So glad to hear that. Yeh, it's a special area there! From Ceara all the way up. Where are you now?
Resting from the world and looking at GBs of old travel archives and wondering what to do with it while in Dali in a rented apartment, 2000 meters up in the mountains of southern China. Not sure what next ... after 2024's backpacking trips thru Afghanistan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Nepal, etc; maybe return to van life and wilderness?
Enjoy Brasil - not hard too! 😁