Discover the Brazilian Region of Pantanal, with Photographer João Farkas

The world’s largest tropical wetlands are home to spectacular nature that the Brazilian photographer has spent 7 years exploring

Pantanal is in constant transformation. This spectactular natural area in Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) varies with the seasons (flooding, low tides and droughts) and their related natural phenomena.

Photographer João Farkas was so captivated by the need to portray its history, to become its interpreter, and the desire to transform image into emotion that he has spent seven years creating his latest project: Pantanal.

This video allows you to witness the photographer in action on land, sea and in the air, and reveals some of his incredible images.

The expedition

Most people don’t know the biggest alluvial plain on the planet is surrounded by mountains. Serra do Amolar is the star of João’s 11th expedition to Pantanal, an area that has captivated his camera since 2014.

This very fertile region recently suffered an unusual drought leading to forest fires that incinerated much of its fauna and flora.

Having published a book of the images captured during his many expeditions to the region, the photographer realized he had to portray the dramatic transformation caused by the widespread fire damage. So he returned to one of the areas most affected by the fire.

Aerial photography: another dimension

Aerial photography has the power to give the scale of the damage much more impact. As well as allowing you to see the fire and view the worst hit areas from a safe distance, it also allows you to shoot on another scale, and to show the real dimensions of natural phenomena.

When you’re back on land, other resources allow you to show the fire damage in more detail. They also mean you can explore textures. But an aerial image contrasts with what we are used to seeing, it defies our senses and creates a bigger reaction.

A moving image

The photographer’s history of the Pantanal reveals the transformational power inherent in the nature of the image.

João Farkas’ gaze places this narrative at the crossroads between documentary and art. It’s a place where we learn from the landscape.

"My work aims to find meaning. I want to do more than take photos and produce beautiful images." - João Farkas

English version by @studiogaunt

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