Aflevering #190 World Press Photo Winner Maria Abranches On Colonial Scars, Female Strength, And Photography As Activism

In this episode of Donkere Kamer, I speak with Maria Abranches, a Portuguese documentary photographer and World Press Photo winner, whose work shines a light on the invisible, often overlooked lives of domestic workers in post-colonial Portugal. Originally trained as an architect, Maria left the stability of that profession to pursue storytelling through photography. Her award-winning project Maria tells the story of a woman trafficked from Angola at the age of nine – a story rooted in Portugal’s colonial history and still painfully relevant today. We talk about what it means to tell someone else's story with care and integrity, how photography can challenge power structures, and why Maria still photographs weddings to fund her independent work. We also explore identity, visual language, trust, and how to build a meaningful career on your own terms. This is a conversation about courage, contradiction, and the transformative potential of long-term, intimate documentary work. ?? Want to grow your own voice and vision this summer? Join The Daily Frame – a 20-day mini podcast series packed with insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, mindset, and the shifting photo industry. ?? One short episode a day throughout August. €8.88. Small investment, real transformation. aria_abranches