Elevated Perspectives: Donaldo Barros

It takes a special gift to be able to witness something seemingly mundane and elevate it into an inspiring and transcendental visual. That’s the intangible quality that Venezuelan photographer Donaldo Barros conveys with his arresting images. In addition to his stellar architecture and nature photography, his work is perhaps best exemplified by the visceral portraits he captures of the underprivileged and downtrodden. There is an undeniable truth in these photographs that cuts right to the core of the viewer. There have even been times when the quest for a certain shot has landed Donaldo in some precarious situations. On a recent trip he made to NYC, we caught up with the intrepid Caracas native to delve deeper into the underlying message behind his compelling photography.

When did you first fall in love with the art of photography and how did it become your main profession?

I can’t really tell exactly. I started taking pictures without knowing that I was in love with it. It goes beyond my actual career, but I see it very simply. Through photography, I can be what I feel and that’s it. I think this passion is what has gained me recognition, and even given me the opportunity to take it further into other aspects of my career (giving conferences, and so forth).

What would you say is the key inspiration for all the different scenes and people you photograph?

Feeling. Feeling is my arrow, my inspiration. If I feel that I have to stop and take a picture, I just do it. If I feel that I have to talk to someone on the streets, I just go for it. It is about the feeling.

Can you tell us a little bit about the various photography projects you’ve completed for clients and also on your own?

Most of the projects I work on are based on what I feel is special and stays true to my being, so my “clients” I guess are those who buy my work as a piece of art because they found something special about it too. I think my work comes down to being simple and doing what I love, always with respect. By staying true to this, it has opened the doors to further opportunities; one of them has been to come to NY to work on an independent project. Another great opportunity was the chance to exhibit my work at one of the most important galleries in Caracas. They reached out to me, and we were able to curate an array of the most impacting images I’ve taken throughout my career. We called this exhibition Bailando Sobre Caracas (Dancing over Caracas), and it encompasses the essence of how I see this city, its people and the beauty within the chaos, a contrasting perspective that many times we missed seeing.

Is there an overarching social/conscious message you are trying to convey with your visuals?

Yes. For me communication is everything. I need to let the people know what I see starting from where I am. I am not alone in this world; I don’t have the last word, but in the end, I have a point of view built from where I live and everything in my circle. That is why I love to write more insightful messages in every image I post on my Instagram.

Your Instagram page is diverse and dynamic. How do you decide which images to display on it?

Again, it comes down to the feeling I get while taking these pictures. Whenever I decide to share one of them through my Instagram, I never think to post something to “blow your mind.” I normally share 3 – 4 images a day without following a particular rule or pattern. I post what I like, how I see the world through my camera, and that is what people feel, I think!

Has there been a time when shooting a particular scene or event has gotten you in any physical danger?

Yes, of course. When you are in the streets a lot of things could happen. Last year, I was taking pictures during one of the student protests in Caracas when a member of the National Guard pointed at me with his rubber bullet gun, I took a picture and he shot the gun. Luckily, nothing touched me, but it was crazy. On a regular basis, it is very dangerous walking on the streets of Caracas with a camera, so I am always exposed to some danger there.

Talk to us about the art & culture scene in Venezuela. It’s not something we hear about very often.

Venezuela is a contrasting country; an interesting case I would say. We have an incredible amount of natural and human resources with a great potential to grow, but many don’t know it, or simply don’t believe we have it. The same happens with our culture – we think that we don’t have talented artists doing amazing things in our country, and many times we don’t grant them the worth they deserve. So we haven’t really optimized our resources, and that is why maybe you don’t hear much about us very often. But yes, I believe our cultural values, our sense of belonging, and the love for what’s “ours” are growing, and it is just a matter of time until we are able to achieve this dream.

What are some of favorite cities around the world for snapping cool pictures?

Caracas. Yes I know I live there, but Caracas is always a new city to me. It is crazy! And it never ceases to impress me. Also, NYC is one of my top cities to travel to, and there are a lot of others I have on my list for my photography projects: Hong Kong, Thailand, Tokyo, and Berlin, to name a few.

When you are not capturing images with your camera, what other artistic or leisure activities do you enjoy?

Writing. I love writing. I published a poetry book many years ago named Quiero Dibujar un Beso Tuyo (I Want to Draw a Kiss of Yours), and I am always writing. I love to rap too.

Looking into the future, what do you envision as the ultimate evolution of your photography career?

The aim of my career as a photographer is getting to know people everyday, capturing curious perspectives with my camera, but never losing touch with reality; this is the fuel that keeps me motivated, to continue growing and learning every single day of my life.

To see more of his photography, be sure to follow Donaldo on Instagram: @DonaldoBarros