Cláudia
In May 2024, in preparation for my 33rd birthday coming up during solstice, I released an open call for projects because I wanted to give back to the community through my photography work. I offered to give a pro bono photoshoot to someone who needed visual representation to spread an important message but did not have the funds for photography services for the moment.
I armed myself with patience because I knew this might not happen overnight - I also did not market it much apart from a few Instagram stories here and there. There was a lot of heartwarming support and celebration from the community, however no tangible ideas came through. But I trusted that - like everything else - it would reach the right people at the right time. And so it did.
The lovely Ekua first contacted me about a different project (which sounded beautiful), but once we met up for coffee one early July morning, she was full of sparkling energy about something more urgent, more important.
With support from Ekua and her community, we have teamed up with a wonderful group of people to produce photography for Cláudia Simões. Our main goal was to show Cláudia that she is not alone, that there is a community supporting her and holding her, and to lift her spirits up. We also wanted to make sure that there is a media package available that portrays Cláudia as a beautiful woman and mother that she is, with grace, respect and dignity, instead of the photos of her that publicly appeared after the assault in 2020.
This experience was the most rewarding of all to me, and I am beyond grateful to have had the honour and opportunity to be a part of this.
For those who have not heard of Cláudia’s story, you can read about it here. You can also support the fundraiser and/or join us at the protest in Lisbon on the 14th September, 2024.
With Cláudia’s approval, I am sharing some of the images of her below. Thank you so much, Cláudia, for your light.
Big thanks to the lovely crew:
Photography and Direction - Eglė Duleckytė
Makeup and Hair Designer - Sara Menitra
Stylist - Ekua Yankah and Aba Yankah
Production and Location - Ekua Yankah
Production Support - Dora Cruz, Kevin Nomu Langyintuo, Magda Burity
