Deep in the heart of Pernambuco, I set out to document the Pretinhas de Congo, a nearly century-old Carnival tradition rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage. What started as a search for an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience quickly turned into something unexpected—before I could even make proper photos, I found myself becoming the subject. From laughter with the community to the energy of their procession, this was a glimpse into a Brazil few outsiders ever get to see.
Awesome work!! Both the story and your photos!! I have followed a few of your videos on youtube, and they are amazing! If you visit Floripa some day I'll be glad to meet you.
I'm so excited to see your first post here, Mitchell! This is a fantastic set of images and I love that you shared your process and experience. Thank you! P.S. I have been spending my free time here on Substack and haven't visited the group in a couple of weeks, but I'll get over there this weekend. It's information overload over there and sometimes it's a bit dizzying, so I get lost.
Great stuff Mitch. In the events I shoot here in Australia, I often end up having to stand near the stage with the huge speakers blaring in my ears. I'd end up deaf, so I always hook a good pair of industrial earmuffs on my camera belt and whack those on when needed. I look like an idiot I'm sure, but I still have my hearing. The worst are the Indian celebrations with the Lion dancers, all bashing their drums. I'm covering Holi this weekend here in Perth - Festival of Colours. I'll have to wrap all my cameras in plastic because I don't want that coloured die crap all over my expensive gear. Can't wait for the video on this one Mitch, on Y/T.
Awesome work!! Both the story and your photos!! I have followed a few of your videos on youtube, and they are amazing! If you visit Floripa some day I'll be glad to meet you.
beautiful capture of light and the light of the people themselves. Thank you so much for sharing your work and life.
Thank you again for coming along. :)
Stunning photos
Great shots, great story. I'm loving your journey in not mainstream brazilian culture.
Thank you. This is definitely not mainstream, haha. The other stuff will be mainstream Pernambuco. :)
I'm so excited to see your first post here, Mitchell! This is a fantastic set of images and I love that you shared your process and experience. Thank you! P.S. I have been spending my free time here on Substack and haven't visited the group in a couple of weeks, but I'll get over there this weekend. It's information overload over there and sometimes it's a bit dizzying, so I get lost.
First? This is like 3rd! 😋🤣
Thank you for sharing. Great adventure and pictures!
Great stuff Mitch. In the events I shoot here in Australia, I often end up having to stand near the stage with the huge speakers blaring in my ears. I'd end up deaf, so I always hook a good pair of industrial earmuffs on my camera belt and whack those on when needed. I look like an idiot I'm sure, but I still have my hearing. The worst are the Indian celebrations with the Lion dancers, all bashing their drums. I'm covering Holi this weekend here in Perth - Festival of Colours. I'll have to wrap all my cameras in plastic because I don't want that coloured die crap all over my expensive gear. Can't wait for the video on this one Mitch, on Y/T.