Lys has photographed the talents supported by Porosus in 2023.

What is your artistic background ?
Since childhood, I have had a strong vocation for painting, but at the age of 18, I decided to study international relations in the UK. Motivated by social issues, I specialized in studies of armed conflict and peace processes. Shortly after starting to work in the humanitarian field, I realized that what I really wanted to do was tell stories. I dedicated myself to print journalism for a few years, and in addition to writing articles, I started taking photos to illustrate texts. In 2019, I embarked on my first documentary photography project, and since then I've been taking one after another. I'm a self-taught photographer, but all the stages of my life have been essential in enabling me to represent the world as I do today.

How do you view your profession today ?
As a documentary photographer, I consider that our profession is currently in a state of flux. Technological advances, particularly digital technology and social media, have profoundly altered the way we work. On the one hand, these technologies offer us more accessible ways of sharing our visual stories, enabling faster and wider dissemination of documented truth. However, they also pose challenges, such as information saturation and the need to stand out in an increasingly competitive visual environment.
I am particularly excited about the emergence of a generation of new voices in the documentary photography community. Photographers from traditionally under-represented communities are bringing unique perspectives to our field, contributing to a deeper and more diverse understanding of global social issues. This diversity of voices and viewpoints enriches our work and strengthens our ability to document the world around us in an authentic and inclusive way. Ultimately, despite the challenges, I see an exciting future for documentary photography, in which technology and a diversity of voices converge to enable us to tell even more powerful and meaningful stories.

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? In 10 years ?
In 5 years, I see myself continuing to tell stories through documentary photography, exploring new perspectives and expanding my artistic repertoire. My desire is to pursue constant learning by immersing myself in inspiring projects which will allow me to grow as a photographer. In addition, I will strive to find a harmonious balance between my personal life and my professional career, as I firmly believe in the importance of preserving my creativity and well-being.
In 10 years' time, I aspire to an even more fulfilling career. My aim is for my long-term projects to be self-financing, without me having to invest from my own pocket. I also want to make a positive contribution to society through my work. By sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of documentary photographers, I hope to mentor and guide them on their own artistic journey. In short, I see myself evolving in a sustainable and fulfilling career, while continuing to nurture my passion for documentary photography.

Interview conducted in 2023        
Photography credit: Lys Arango