Carlos André Viana is most comfortable when people are not performing for the camera. He photographs travel, music, corporate events and architecture, but the thread running through his work is photojournalistic: laughter, tension, interaction and the small reactions that disappear as soon as they are noticed.
His path began with a compact camera bought for holidays and grew, with encouragement from his wife, into professional training and a deeper commitment to the medium. In our interview, Carlos is candid about education, pricing and the danger of believing there is nothing left to learn. That honesty makes the practical parts of the conversation as valuable as the photographs.
Find Carlos André Viana online
The interview
Hi Carlos, how long have you been working as a photographer now?
HI :) Since 2012.
What inspired you to become a photographer? What were your first steps?
I purchased a point-and-shoot camera for fun and vacations around 2006, but after a while and with my wife's encouragement, I developed a real interest in this area. My first DSLR was the D50, and during my professional formation, I upgraded to the amazing D90, the first DSLR with video.
Are you a professional or an amateur photographer?
I’m a professional photographer, certified by the Associaço de Fotógrafos Profissionais and the Federation of European Photographers, specializing in the areas of events, weddings, portraits, and interior-exterior architecture. I got a degree in professional photography from Oficina da Imagem in 2012. obtained certification by the Professional Photographers Association in that same year, plus two honorable mentions and the best end-of-course project award.
What is your favorite subject to photograph?
Probably travel, music, and corporate events. I love photojournalism, so I’m more comfortable in these areas. I also like photographing objects, from small to big, like architecture.
What kit do you shoot with?
- Nikon D750 and D7200
- Nikon 85mm f1.4
- Nikon 50mm f1.4
- Nikon 24-120mm f4
- Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
- Samyang 12mm f2.8
- Tamron 16-300mm (my travel companion)
How would you define your photographic style?
Photo-journalism. I love to capture sporadic reactions: people laughing, crying, interacting... And I really hate to make people pose for photos.
Which editing software do you usually use?
Lightroom (99%), Photoshop (1%)
John Wanamaker said: Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is, I do not know which half. Do you gain your clients by advertising or in another way?
I get some clients through advertising or by keeping my Facebook and Instagram accounts updated.
How does your typical working day look like? What do you do when you are not working? How many hours/days per week are you working? What do you do in your free time?
I never have a typical day. It depends on my current assignments or plans. I’m with my family when I'm not working or just reading, bicycling, photographing for fun, or hiking.
What would you do differently if you would start again?
I probably would have started sooner. LOL!
A professional photographer is also an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have many things in common. They read a lot. What about you? What are your favorite books?
Most of the books I read are drama, espionage, thrillers, and other fiction books from authors like
- David Baldacci
- Daniel Silva
- John Grisham
- Tom Clancy
and others. I have enough reality in my life :)
What was the best advice you have ever received as a photographer? Do you have any advice for other photographers?
I give exactly the same advice I got from other photographers: read a lot of technical books and watch tutorials. Never think that you know all about photography or even your own camera. You are only fooling yourself. Never underestimate this area by offering your services at low prices. You are jeopardizing the future of this marvelous profession.
Top 3 mobile apps on your smartphone?
- Photographer’s Companion
- Camera Connect
- Control and Ultra GPS Logger
Top 3 websites?
I honestly don’t have I use sites as I need them. Once in a while, I visit dpreview.com.
Your last vacation?
Ireland in September (a great country to photograph!) and a weekend in Madeira in March this year.
Photo gallery by Carlos André Viana
What stayed with me
Carlos’s preference for unposed reactions explains the energy in his work. The decisive part is not the camera model but readiness—the ability to recognise an unscripted expression and frame it before the moment closes.
I also appreciate his insistence that photographers respect the profession. Continuous learning and fair pricing are connected: both acknowledge that good work contains time, judgement and accumulated skill. The interview ends where strong photojournalism begins, with attention directed outward rather than toward the photographer.