My first memory of photography is bringing my camera to take some pictures when I went to watch the Formula One Grand Prix in Sao Paulo as a spectator. I jumped the fence, got very close to the track, and the cars passed right by me. I used three rolls of film, but when I saw the pictures – what a disaster! Not much of the cars, but a lot of the track had ended up in my images. The cars were very fast…
I started to develop an interest in photography when I was studying journalism at university, and I began to practice. I think that was the best thing I learnt: practice, practice, practice.
My first assignment was for the local newspaper where I got my first job. I accompanied a text reporter to an interview with a band, and on the way I asked him if we could use a photograph of him speaking to the musicians. He laughed and said “no way”. As a newspaper reader I had always wanted to see a shot of the reporter who is writing the story. Back then in 1985 my idea was rejected, but nowadays it’s common to put a picture of the reporter in with the text - so I was right!
The 1998 World Cup in France made a big impression on me because it was the first big event I covered for Reuters during my first year with the company. I had the full support of our photo editors in France.
I like covering sports stories most of all. We normally use zoom lenses when shooting sporting events, and we stay far from the action, which requires lots of concentration and discipline. The results can show great expressions and wonderful flexibility.
My biggest lesson is that when you really concentrate on the work at hand, the pictures will come to you.
