Born in Porto, Raquel Vieira da Silva started to discover her passion for visual storytelling when she was fourteen years old. While nurturing her art education, she would also invite friends to explore the relationship between thought and reality; all through creativity and photography.
Her inspiration to continue sharing meaningful stories led Raquel to pursue formal art education and later on become an independent design director and photographer. Alongside her passion for photography, Raquel has a fascination for music and composition.
In 2019, Raquel worked with PWB and Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan, to document community members working to end violence against women and girls in Rajasthan, India.
Photographers Without Borders recently talked to Raquel about her experience in India and her storytelling inspirations.
PWB: What makes you more than a photographer?
Raquel Vieira da Silva: Documentary Photography is an interesting undertaking. You are more than a photographer, you’re not just your ego. You are the friends you have, the people you meet, and the experiences that connect you to your real you. It involves a lot more than just classic training. It demands several skills; an emotionally intelligent view of the world, a deep understanding of how to treat and respect others, how to be empathetic, and most importantly, how to genuinely listen to people. After all, when capturing an individual or a moment we take something that tells a story of that person. Making sure their dignity is preserved and our actions are a wish to celebrate their divine rights to be loved, free, and equal. To be a documentary photographer means very much to also be a humanitarian.
Photo by Raquel Vieira Da Silva
PWB: How has your work as a photographer connected you to your community and to the world?
RVS: The most precious learning from my experience in India is that being part of a community is the most essential tool for survival. We all want to know there’s someone out there who understands and listens, who will look out for us, who will take care of us, someone who sees us; loves us. When speaking to the community members I met in India… [they would say,] “We are happy here. We have each other. If we didn’t have each other, we would literally have nothing at all”. As a documentary photographer, you never know where the journey will take you but it will leave a profound and long-lasting imprint on you.
PWB: How does your work in India expand on existing narratives around societal inequalities?
RVS: Roughly a quarter of India’s population are affected by poverty, discrimination, illiteracy or domestic violence. Caste discrimination, the inhuman treatment of societal groups deemed lesser by heritage, and violence against women are everyday realities. In the case of my recent work in Rajasthan, I was able to stand by my subjects and enter their perspective and truly listen to them, creating a space for an open and honest dialogue.
I seek to capture their humanity, grace, and defiance. My images celebrate the colour and life I saw in moments of happiness and pain. A meaningful glance or a simple gesture shows us the irrepressible nature of the human spirit. By reflecting on various personal experiences I can add my unique voice, therefore complimenting the story into a meaningful and personal report. By integrating writing, psychology, and a philosophical and spiritual approach to life, I can better understand my creative process and how to approach every project.
Photo by Raquel Vieira Da Silva
PWB: What does storytelling mean to you?
RVS: For me, storytelling is sharing a personal vision based on authentic research and facts. I believe that within our field, great storytelling should raise moral, sociological, and environmental questions within the viewer; sparking contemplation on the times we are currently living in. It allows us to reflect on personal perspectives and inspires new thinking. The stories told shall be truthful and evoke emotions that trigger conversation and debate, translating to action and change.
Photo by Raquel Vieira Da Silva
You can see more work from Raquel Vieira da Silva on her portfolio
To support Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan, visit their website.