In the latest episode of the podcast “Geração 90,” host Júlia Palha welcomes João Porfírio, a photojournalist whose career has spanned meaningful global events, including the 2017 wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Born in 1995 in Portimão, Porfírio’s passion for photography ignited at age 15, leading him to pursue journalism in Lisbon. His early experiences included reporting on the mediterranean refugee crisis at just 19, showcasing his commitment to capturing the world’s realities, even when they are difficult to witness. “Geração 90” continues to explore the dreams and challenges faced by a generation shaped by digital transformation, with new episodes released every Tuesday. Tune in on Expresso.pt or Sicnoticias.pt for insightful conversations that resonate with today’s youth.
Engaging Discussion with João Porfírio on photojournalism and the Modern Landscape
Time.news Editor: Welcome, joão Porfírio. You’ve covered some of the most pivotal events of our time,including the 2017 wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. How did these experiences shape yoru perspective as a photojournalist?
João Porfírio: Thank you for having me. Each event has a profound impact, not just on those directly affected but also on the way we as photojournalists approach our work. The 2017 wildfires, for instance, taught me about the urgency of capturing the human side of environmental crises. It’s crucial to show not just the devastation but also resilience and community responses.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of resilience, you started your journey in journalism quite young. Reporting on the Mediterranean refugee crisis at just 19 must have been daunting. What motivated you to take on such challenging subjects early in your career?
João Porfírio: My passion for photography ignited at 15, and I realized early on that images can tell powerful stories. The refugee crisis was a critical moment in history, and I felt compelled to document it.It was about giving a voice to those who were suffering,and that commitment has remained a driving force in my work.
Time.news Editor: The podcast “Geração 90” highlights the challenges faced by your generation, especially in a digital era. How do you think the evolution of technology has affected photojournalism?
João Porfírio: Technology has transformed our field immensely. It allows for rapid dissemination of information, which is crucial during unfolding events. However, it also poses challenges, such as the spread of misinformation. As photojournalists, we have to find ways to maintain integrity and trust while adapting to new platforms and audiences.
Time.news Editor: You’ve covered meaningful global events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. How do you approach storytelling in situations where emotions are running high, and the stakes are so high?
João Porfírio: It’s about empathy and respect for the subjects we photograph. during conflicts, I try to understand the narrative from multiple perspectives. This is not just about capturing shocking images; it’s about telling stories that encourage dialog and reflection. Balancing accurate portrayal with ethical responsibilities is crucial.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to aspiring photojournalists looking to make their mark in such a fast-changing industry?
João Porfírio: Stay curious and committed to your craft. Experience is vital—whether through internships or personal projects. Building a diverse portfolio that reflects your values and the stories you want to tell is also significant. Lastly, never underestimate the power of networking; many opportunities come from connections within the industry.
time.news Editor: Thank you, João.Your insights into the challenges and responsibilities of photojournalism are invaluable. For those interested,be sure to tune into “geração 90” for more discussions that explore the intersection of youth,technology,and storytelling.
João Porfírio: Thank you! It was a pleasure to share my experiences. I truly beleive that through storytelling, we can provoke thought and inspire change in our society.