Portrait of a humanitarian photographer
By: Tomson Phiri
Tags: Africa, Humanitarian, Women, Photography, Careers

Her name is Gabriela Vivacqua Borges de Barros.

And in case you haven’t figured it out from the name, yes, she is indeed Brazilian.

Born and raised in ‘the marvelous city’ - Rio de Janeiro - she is a holder of a law degree and practiced for a few years in her home country. At the time photography was just a pastime. However, unable to find as much satisfaction in law as she did in her hobby, she soon traded the courts of law for a camera and has not looked back ever since.

Now armed with a master’s degree in photography and imaging, and several thousand photographs later, what was once a hobby is now her career. She lives her life as a humanitarian photographer in some of the largest and most complex humanitarian emergencies. Her work has so far taken her to Sudan, Somalia, Egypt, Kenya and South Sudan.

She currently works with the World Food Programme, helping to draw attention, drive empathy and generate support for nearly 7 million South Sudanese in need of food and nutrition support.

I spoke to Vivacqua about her journey.

How did this all start?

Photography was my hobby, even when I was practicing law I could do some photography on the sidelines.

South Sudan is currently facing record hunger levels affecting women and children the most. Photo: WFP/Gabriela Vivacqua

My passion for photography drove me to quit my job at the law firm. I believed photography would offer me opportunities that I could not find elsewhere. As luck would have it, in 2015, I got an opportunity to work with another UN agency in Sudan. Among other things, I was employed as a photographer, however, it was tricky because photography is very sensitive in Sudan.

“I have learnt a lot from South Sudanese women about resilience, hope and strength. They have been an inspiration to me.”

On one of my trips to the desert areas, I met a few families living there. Drawn by their way of life, I started taking photographs of them. What started as one photo shoot ended up as a long-term relationship. In the end I would visit them every weekend and take their photos. I became a family friend, spending time with them and in a way became a part of their families.

Gabriela in the deserts of Sudan with a family she was following for a story. Photo: WFP/Gabriela Vivacqua

How did you then cross over to be a humanitarian photographer?

There is a gallery in Khartoum that organizes art exhibitions. I thought I could exhibit some of my pictures at this gallery. When I approached the owner with my request, she was excited about my material. The following month she made an invitation for a solo exhibition. During this exhibition a WFP staffer saw the photos. Thrilled with my work, she offered me a job in her team as a communication officer-photographer and here I am.

What motivates you?

I get my motivation from the moments I share with the people I photograph. These moments establish connections and a bond between me and them. It is through these connections, that people welcome me into their world.

Photography has given me the opportunity to reach different people, and various places as well as experiencing different cultures. Through photography I have learned and appreciated how other people live their lives. It is these realities that I try to tell or amplify through photos. Sometimes people do not have the chance to tell or show their side of the ‘story’. I am happy to do it on their behalf and that keeps me going.