Simbius Foundation is a platform dedicated to empower emerging photojournalists across Latin America free from limitations on its eligibility. Through different programs we hope to launch a diverse group of artists in the photography industry. With a strong root in communicating knowledge and bringing awareness through photography, Simbius Foundation vouch for storytelling coming from different realities and its respective communities and environments. We aim to build a strong community of photographers across Latin America along with exporting unheard stories the global scene. By joining Simbius we hope more photojournalists have the means to tell stories and share their work in the challenging and though Art Scene in Latin America.

Why?

We believe that photos carry knowledge in its image and a set of skills in its story behind the scenes. Within the frame is a narrative involving the subject’s history, the community surrounding it, what role politics plays in the narrative and the culture behind the picture. Yet, beyond its borders, there is a set of skills and several other lessons evolved. Photojournalism, especially, involves a deep connection with the people and the environment in order to transcribe a loyal story. It sticks with the artist and the ones on the surroundings whatever that project means , as it becomes part of their legacy beyond pixels. We want photographers to communicate what such a photo project meant to them as well.

In a region with great diversity, many local communities yet low visibility and means dedicated to such art and journalism, we hope to empower people by giving storytellers a platform and tools.

Personally…

For me, Alice, the reason behind building this project lays in my foundations as a child. With a pair of photojournalist parents I was lucky enough to be a part of this world and see it as the norm. An extraordinary childhood in the humid climate of the amazon among hippies and activists was how I was raised. My views around people, life, its meaning, community is mostly due to what I learned through my parents community in Photojournalism. The Guardian and Al Jazeera correspondents were my first teachers by telling me stories of remote locations they have visited and the talks they would have.

As I grew older, my own values started to be formed according to how my life unfolded, yet the naturalist and altruistic base given to me by my “Mogli” days are the core to all. With the passing of my father I was left with nothing but his legacy imprinted on my brain, one of which seemed of great importance to be kept for myself.

To be aware of the impact that photojournalism can have on people, and not promote it, makes me uncomfortable. Even more as I know that behind a picture there is the equivalent to several chapters that no school book can ever teach us. Personally, Symphotosis means a greater accessibility of means for artists and knowledge on unique places.

Our programs

Capacitating tools to allow emerging artists to improve and or inniciate their trajectory in photojournalism

Photo Contests

Seasonal Photo contests of photojournalism and climate photojournalism. Judged by a board of photographers across the world competing for a cash prize.

Mentorship’s

A 6 month long cycle of one cohort a year will be mentored by photographers experienced in the industry to guide emerging artist to develop their ideas into a projects which at the end of the program will be featured in a exposition

Open all year long, the sponsorship program allow photographers to have their photography project funded. With a clear concept, exectution, and budget needed, they can submit a “pitching” form which anyone can sponsor.

Sponsorships

Eligibility

Anyone telling stories in Latin America.

• Any age

• Any nationality

• Image captured in Latin America

• Emerging photographer

• Story to tell

Meet New Photographers