Brasil - Documentary Photography

The largest country in Latin America and one of the most culturally diverse, Brazil is famous for its history of extraordinary music, its beaches, Carnaval, its globally important ecosystem and of course O Jogo Bonito.

Brazil is a country of division and instability, ruled by a military dictatorship until 1985 and politically riven to the present day, it is an emerging economy of vast potential but one in which millions of citizens live in poverty in vast ‘favelas’ radiating out from the large cities.

In Brazil, a poor man goes to jail when he steals. When a rich man steals, he becomes a minister. - Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Shot in Sao Paulo, Divinopolis, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro.

Documentary photography commissions are undertaken throughout the UK and internationally. Commission enquiries welcome, please email david@davidoates.net

A man driving in Bahia, Brazil. The shot is from above looking through an open window at his hand on the wheel
Aerial view of buildings in São Paulo Brazil showing people on lower rooftops and streets appearing tiny showcasing urban life and architecture
View from a bus in Minas Gerais Brazil showing the region’s distinctive red earth showcasing local landscape and travel photography
Abstract view of rooftops and power lines in São Paulo Brazil showcasing urban landscape and architecture
People’s legs on a staircase inside a cathedral in Brasília Brazil showcasing architecture and daily life
Elderly man carrying flowers in the subway in Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing daily life and urban culture
Dirt street in Minas Gerais Brazil viewed from a bus showcasing rural life and local landscape
View through a church window at cloudy skies in Salvador Bahia Brazil showcasing architecture and urban landscape
Young boys about to jump from a dock into the sea at the port of Salvador Bahia Brazil showcasing daily life and local culture
Abstract view of cloudy skies over Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing urban landscape and atmosphere
View from a bus in Minas Gerais Brazil showcasing rural landscape and local life
Female city maintenance workers in bright uniforms cutting grass and sweeping by a large road in Divinópolis Minas Gerais Brazil showcasing urban labor and daily life
Colourful Ferris wheel against a blue sky in Bahia Brazil showcasing local culture and urban life
Warehouses storing Carnaval equipment in the distance in Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing local culture and festival preparations
Ecclesiastical clothing hanging on a coat hook inside a church in Salvador Bahia Brazil showcasing religious life and architecture
Two junior volunteers at Corpo de Bombeiros Militar in Botafogo Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing community service and local life
Scrubby beach with a fence in Bahia Brazil showcasing coastal landscape and environment
Moody view of Salvador Bahia Brazil from a church showing cloudy skies over the rooftops showcasing urban landscape and atmosphere
Modernist buildings reflected in water on a cloudy day in Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing urban architecture and atmosphere
Suntanned men reading on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro Brazil showcasing beach life and local culture