Rio Photographer Ratão Diniz Launches First Book

By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Well known for his images of Rio favelas and the city’s graffiti scene, photographer Ratão Diniz will launch, “Em Foto,” his first book of collected works, on Wednesday, March 4th at Casa Daros in Botafogo. Published by Mórula Editorial, “Em Foto” includes testimonials by the photographer, as well as more than two hundred photographs, taken by Diniz during the last ten years.

The featured photos are separated into four themes: Favela, Graffiti, Popular celebrations/holidays, and the interior of Brazil.

When asked by The Rio Times if it was an exciting time to photograph the city, Diniz said, “It is an important moment because we are living in a time of very rapid change. Pictures will support the memory of this time. They will help tell this story of transformation.”

“Em Foto,” is the first solo publication of Diniz’s work. His photos had previously been included in published collections of Brazilian photography and his works have been exhibited in the city.

Born and raised in Rio’s Complexo da Maré, Diniz is a graduate from Imagens do Povo, a program that offers training courses for photographers.

Offering an inside perspective of the city’s most troubled neighborhoods, Diniz has received international attention for his work documenting Rio’s favelas and the people who call them home. Over the past ten years, he has also become well known for capturing Rio’s growing graffiti scene and the city’s celebratory spirit.

“I see my work as having matured a great deal, especially when I look at this new generation shooting,” said Diniz. “That makes me happy and I feel the same desire to photograph, the desire to want to be with people, to be part of incredible experiences in this big world, to tell stories … all of this made me a photographer.”

He added, “I never thought of making a living from photography, but I live for it.”

“Em Foto” is currently available through major Rio booksellers including Livraria da Travessa‎, Blooks Livraria and Livraria Cultura. Following Wednesday’s launch, the book will also be available for purchase on the Mórula Editorial website.

What: Launch of “Em Foto”, a book of photos and testimonials from Rio photographer Ratão Diniz
When: Wednesday, March 4th, 6PM.
Where: Casa Daros, Rua General Severiano 159, Botafogo
Entrance: FREE