Sebastião Salgado: The Life and Work of a Renowned Photographer
Sebastião Salgado was born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, Brazil. He grew up in a rural family. Salgado initially studied economics at the University of São Paulo. He worked as an economist for several years. His early work involved helping development projects in Latin America and Africa.
Career Shift to Photography
In 1973, Salgado decided to leave economics and pursue photography. He took photography courses in Paris. Soon after, he began working for major photo agencies, including Magnum Photos, which further expanded his exposure and influence. His powerful images captured the struggles of people in conflict zones and poverty.
Humanitarian Projects
Salgado became famous for documenting the lives of marginalized people. His “Workers” project showed the labor force across the world. Additionally, he focused on documenting the lives of refugees through his impactful “Exodus” project, highlighting their struggles and resilience. Salgado’s photos aimed to raise awareness of human rights issues.
Environmental Photography
In addition to his work with human subjects, Salgado also shifted his focus to environmental issues, further expanding his photographic range. His “Genesis” project captured untouched natural landscapes. He spent several years photographing remote parts of the world. His work highlights the beauty and fragility of nature.
Awards and Recognition
Salgado’s work has earned him numerous awards and recognition. He has received the World Press Photo Award several times. In 2019, Salgado was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for his environmental contributions.
Style and Impact
Salgado is known for his black-and-white photography. His photos often show powerful emotions and stark contrasts. His work has had a significant impact on the world of photography. Salgado’s images are featured in museums and galleries around the world.
Sebastião Salgado’s Photography Gears
Cameras: Salgado has mainly utilized 35mm film cameras like the Leica M6 and Canon EOS-1V, along with medium format cameras such as the Pentax 67 and Mamiya 7.
Lenses: He often selects prime lenses, including the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 and Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, as well as medium format lenses for his Pentax and Mamiya cameras.
Film: For his 35mm work, Salgado has predominantly used Kodak Tri-X 400 black-and-white film, while opting for medium format film with his larger cameras.
Personal Life
Salgado is married to Lélia Wanick Salgado, a former architect. Together, they have two children. Lélia plays a vital role in curating his projects. The couple is deeply involved in environmental conservation efforts.
Legacy and Influence
Sebastião Salgado’s photography has inspired many generations of photographers. His dedication to documenting global issues continues to influence the field. He remains a leading figure in documentary and environmental photography.