Color photograph on Fuji Cristal paper, "Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer"

"I have been taking photographs since 1989, when I began accompanying my father on his trips as an ecological tourist guide with groups of photographers. I bought my own equipment, and began to explore Rio de Janeiro's natural areas with my friends.

"I realized the quality of my images when a team from a Brazilian newspaper stayed at my mother's small hotel to do a story on eco-tourism; seeing my pictures on the walls, they decided to publish them. Soon afterward, I received a scholarship from the Flumin Society of Photography, where I learned the different stages of processing in the laboratory.

"Recently, I earned second place in a contest to select post card images for the historical city of Parati. I like to photograph nature. Each day there is a unique picture. I also enjoy photographing people. I often use a telephoto lense to obtain more spontaneous expressions.

"Novica is my first commercial experience. I have always given my photos to my friends but had never sold them before. It is quite satisfying to be able to realize my art with pleasure and know that the results can be seen in the home of someone else."